Another step towards implementation of the “Water from the Clouds” project at the Villa Maria del Triunfo community

Since early 2023, a team from the School of Engineering at the Peruvian University of Applied Sciences (UPC-PERU), composed of students and professors from both, the Civil Engineering and Environmental Engineering academic programs, have been pioneering an innovative fog-water harvesting system. This project, called «Water from the Clouds,» obtained a well-deserved grant from the 100K Strong in the Americas Innovation Fund, due to its mission of becoming “a beacon of hope by bringing a sustainable water source to the community of Villa María del Triunfo and safeguarding the ecosystem of Lomas del Paraíso.”

Therefore, on April 8th, the UPC-PERU team greeted a delegation from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT), marking the culmination of a fruitful collaboration centered on the shared goals of impact and social responsibility.  The collaboration between UPC-PERU and SDSMT has been significantly facilitated by the pivotal role of the UPC-PERU International Office, which extended beyond the mere funding application process, by being involved in coordinating the visit, developing the cultural agenda, partaking in various activities, and fostering enduring international relations.

In August 2023, the initial cohort of UPC-PERU students and faculty embarked on a journey to South Dakota to collaborate on the preliminary design of the fog catcher. Subsequently, multidisciplinary teams comprising students from both institutions have persistently advanced the detailed engineering aspects virtually, under the expert guidance of faculty from both sides.

«The main goal is to successfully complete the project enhancing water availability in the area by utilizing fog-catcher systems for water collection. This water is collected, stored, and utilized during the summer months for irrigation purposes in the buffer zone between the hills and the population.  This practice not only reduces the risk of landslide disaster, but also safeguards the hills from encroachment. The collected water also serves various purposes, such as nourishing bio-gardens,» stated Mercedes Gomez, Director of the Environmental Engineering Program.

The arrival of the SDSMT delegation marks the beginning of the project’s second phase, focused on field implementation. The steadfast support from the residents and representatives of Lomas del Paraíso has played a crucial role in driving this phase forward.

In May, a second delegation of SDSMT students is anticipated to join the project. Together, both university teams will work alongside the beneficiary community to complete the installation of the prototype fog catcher. Additionally, they will provide training to villagers, empowering them with the skills needed to effectively utilize and maintain the system.

«For UPC-PERU, being part of this international collaboration is of the utmost importance and having achieved this fund jointly with SDSMT, is a source of great pride. For students and teachers, being part of this project represents a great opportunity to collaborate with society and the environment, strengthening their commitment to sustainable development, and the opportunity to establish international relationships with their peers is of great relevance,» stated Roman Arciniega, director of the Civil Engineering program.

Witnessing the realization of a project of such significance, one that directly impacts daily life, offers our students an invaluable experience that transcends mere technical knowledge. This initiative not only serves as a beacon of hope but also establishes a promising precedent for international collaboration in academia. It sets the stage for future proposals aimed at finding sustainable solutions to the myriad challenges confronting our society.