In this instance, research is being developed based on computational models to understand how the Water Code impacts agriculture.

Through the Department of Civil Works Engineering of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of La Serena (FIULS), the internship of Academic Paul Block, engineer from the University of Wisconsin, United States, was carried out. This initiative was led by Edmundo González, Academic of the Department of Civil Works Engineering at FIULS.

Paul Block, regarding the experience at the University of La Serena, pointed out that “the opportunity to be in Chile has been very interesting for me, since Edmundo and I have been working together for more than 14 years. We met in the United States when we saw a climate change project together and today we are focused on planning water resources in the areas of agriculture, mining and reservoir operation, a model that we use in the Huasco River Basin.”

Edmundo González, indicated that "we receive support from the University, especially from our Dean, Dr. Mauricio Godoy, and we are focusing on academic and research aspects of climate change and precipitation, in order to understand the dynamics that affect dry and wet periods.

In relation to the research that is currently being carried out together, Paul Block stressed that computer models are being built to understand the Water Code and the impact it generates on agriculture in the area. "We want to know the situation and to do so we are analyzing the results obtained by the surveillance boards and other institutions."

With this research, it is evident that at FIULS engineers are recognized worldwide, since the University of La Serena is of interest to academics internationally.

 Activities

In addition, from the research that is being developed, there are a series of Linkage with the Environment activities planned from a conference with Minera Los Pelambres, as well as development of activities with key institutions such as the Surveillance Board of the Huasco River Basin and its Tributaries, the Surveillance Board of the Elqui River and Its Tributaries; and the Choapa River Surveillance Board.

Written by María José Barraza, FIULS 2030 Project.