This book describes the ecosystem of the Andean watersheds, covering the Californian valley, tropical Andes, and southern Andes. Case studies of the new methods and techniques used for hydrological research in the Andes are provided, and sustainability issues pertaining to Andean water resources are discussed in the context of climate change, social and economic issues, and public policy. Furthermore, the impact of economic development on the Andean ecosystem, specifically the effect on the water cycle and the water-energy-food nexus, are examined.
Dr. Diago A. Rivera is an Associate Professor at the School of Agricultural Engineering – Universidad de Concepción. Dr. Rivera holds a degree in Civil Engineering and a doctoral degree (D. Eng.) in Agricultural Engineering. Currently he gives graduate and postgraduate courses on Environmental Engineering and Hydrological Modelling. Dr Rivera is Associate Researcher at the Water & Society research cluster of the Water Resources Research Centre for Mining and Agriculture (CRHIAM, FONDAP Nº 15130015). The cluster aims at conducting research in the interface between society, the water cycle, energy, and institutions. Currently, he is working on mapping water related conflicts by data mining legal documents.
Dr. Alex Godoy-Faundez is an Associate Professor of the Faculty of Engineering at Universidad del Desarrollo. In 2006, he was recognized as one of the 100 young leaders by Center of Leadership Universidad Adolfo Ibañez. Awarded in Academic Excellence in The Second International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology 2006, US; Young Researcher Award at the 4th European Bioremediation Conference 2008, Greece and one of the winners in the "Innovation Challenge Week" and Prize "Innovation & Entrepreneurship 2008". In 2011, Dr. Godoy-Faundez was Visiting Scholar and Scholar in Residence 2012 at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. Co-author, First Environmental Chilean Survey about "Environment and Climate Change: Attitudes and Perceptions" (2009-2011). Currently, he is Research Associate to Water Research Center for Agriculture and Mining (WARCAM), awarded in Fifth National Competition for Research Centers in Priority Areas (FONDAP in spanish) of National Commission for Scientific & Technological Research; Head of Waste to Energy Research & Technology - Chile at WTERT Council and Research Associate at Earth Engineering Center at Columbia University. Today, Dr. Godoy-Faundez has been awarded as member of Global Young Academy which aims to empower and mobilize young scientists to address issues of particular importance to early career scientists.
Dr. Mario Lillo Saavedra is a full professor at the School of Agricultural Engineering – Universidad de Concepción. He holds Bachelor of Science and Master degree in Electrical Engineering (1997, 2001) from Universidad de Concepción and a Doctoral degree (Deng) in Informatics from Universidad Politécnica de Madrid. Currently, he is the Head of the Doctoral Program in Agricultural Engineering and leads the Laboratory of Research and Technology for Agricultural Water Management ITECMA2 (www.itecma2.udec.cl) Associate Researcher at the Water & Society research cluster of the Water Resources Research Centre for Mining and Agriculture (CRHIAM, FONDAP Nº 15130015). He is an expert on image processing and time series analysis of biophysical variables. He develops highly sophisticated algorithms for remote sensing applications. He has been part of 24 research projects and more than 25 peer-reviewed articles.
