Creative Rehabilitation of the Water System with Rural Women
Location:
Cuscuas Community, Nicaragua
Art Medium:
Mural Painting and Creative Signs
Partner:
Artistas para la Sopa
Artist:
Allan Justin Lindo Muñoz
The Challenge
In 2022, Hurricane Julia caused severe deforestation and contamination of the only water source for 45 families in Cuscuas, Nicaragua. The mountain spring, crucial for the community’s survival, remains at risk due to a damaged retaining wall and the loss of surrounding forest cover.
The Action
Creative Action Institute, in partnership with Artistas para la Sopa, collaborated with community members to help restore their water system and lead workshops focused on fostering a deeper commitment to long-term conservation. Participants rebuilt a damaged retaining wall to protect the water source, painted a mural highlighting their commitment to environmental stewardship, and designed 50 signs advocating for clean water and sustainable practices. A total of 143 residents pledged to maintain and protect the water source through regular spring clean-up days and by working with local cattle ranchers to implement sustainable agroforestry practices.
The Impact
• Informative signs and murals now serve as lasting reminders of the importance of clean water and forest conservation.
• The community now conducts reforestation campaigns every three months to restore lost forest cover and protect their water supply.
• Schools integrated water conservation and reforestation into their activities, encouraging long-term environmental responsibility.
"What I appreciated most about this project was the active involvement of the children and the community. Through creative activities, they have developed a deeper awareness of the importance of water conservation. This awareness is beautifully captured in the mural, serving as an enduring reminder of our collective responsibility to protect our water sources."