Ancestral Knowledge and River Systems: Pathways to Sustainability, Peace, and Community Resilience

This study offers a unique perspective on the role of ancestral knowledge in sustainable river management and community resilience. Specifically, this study draws on (1) a systematic literature review using the PRISMA methodology and (2) a qualitative analysis of community surveys conducted with 39 women in Zambrano, Colombia, to examine the impact of ancestral knowledge on sustainability, peace promotion, and community development. The findings highlight that women’s traditional water management practices significantly contribute to environmental sustainability, conflict resolution, and social cohesion. Women play a central role in transmitting and applying ancestral water knowledge, yet they remain marginalized in decision-making processes, often facing barriers to participation in governance structures. Finally, these findings proposed strategies for integrating ancestral knowledge into sustainable resource management policies. This study underscores the urgent need for legal recognition, intercultural dialogue, gender-inclusive governance, and educational programs to ensure the transmission and adaptation of these practices in contemporary contexts. Integrating ancestral knowledge into water management policies is essential for strengthening gender equity, community resilience, and fostering governance models that harmoniously combine traditional and scientific approaches.