top of page

Neuchâtel Library

Element 1_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited_edited.png
Element 1_edited_edited_edited_edited_ed

No Water, No Village

Anuja Dasgupta

Commentary on research findings in Vals

by Anuja Dasgupta

 

As someone from Ladakh, a land of high-altitude deserts, stark landscapes, and an intricate relationship with water, reading about Vals resonates deeply with our own experiences. The three documents provide a fascinating glimpse into how this small Alpine community grapples with themes of community, water, and sustainability—themes that are equally critical in Ladakh.


Water: A Shared Lifeline and Responsibility


“No water, no village”—a sentiment deeply embedded in both Ladakhi and Valser ways of life. In Ladakh, water is a precious resource. Glaciers feed our streams, and their seasonal melt governs our agricultural rhythms. The discussions in Vals around water—its abundance, its economic potential, and its dual nature as both a blessing and a threat—remind me of our own challenges. In Ladakh, glacial floods, such as those caused by glacial lake outbursts, pose significant threats to villages, destroying homes and livelihoods in their path. These events highlight the delicate balance between relying on water for life and safeguarding against its potential for devastation. The recognition in the documents that water is central to life and must remain a public good aligns with Ladakhi values. We, too, have faced debates about privatization and the ethical use of our natural resources.


What struck me most is Vals’ nuanced view of water as both a “Fluch und Segen” (curse and blessing). This mirrors our understanding of glacial melt, which nourishes but also threatens us with flash floods. The emphasis on living harmoniously with water—letting it “flow where it will”—resonates with our philosophy of working with nature rather than against it. This is reflected in traditional practices like the Yonchap ritual, where water is offered daily as a symbol of respect and interconnectedness with nature, ensuring harmony with both spiritual and physical realms. Rituals like Yonchap, where water offerings are made to accumulate merit, illustrate how deeply interwoven water is with our spiritual and daily lives. Yet, as in Vals, the specter of climate change looms large, making the future of our water security uncertain.


Community: Bridging Generations and Perspectives


The importance placed on community in Vals reminds me of Ladakh’s tight-knit villages, where cooperation is a survival strategy. The desire expressed in the documents to create low-threshold spaces for intergenerational dialogue is inspiring. In Ladakh, we have our communal festivals and gatherings, but rapid modernization has disrupted these traditions, much like the individualism that some in Vals lament. Both communities face the challenge of balancing tradition with modernity while ensuring that younger generations feel invested in their heritage.


The idea of “Begegnungsinseln” (encounter islands) in Vals struck a chord. Spaces designed to foster connection and mutual support are vital for sustaining the social fabric. In Ladakh, where distances between villages can be vast, such initiatives could mitigate the sense of isolation that modernization sometimes brings. The metaphor of bridges in Vals—connecting diverse parts of the community—is a powerful reminder of the bridges we need to build, not just physically but socially, across our own fragmented societies.


Sustainability: Living in Harmony with Nature


Vals’ commitment to integrating human and natural systems—whether through permaculture, respectful water use, or balancing economic development with ecological stewardship—parallels our own struggles in Ladakh. The emphasis on “Naturwissen” (nature knowledge) resonates deeply. Our elders often say, “Nature is the best teacher,” a lesson that seems equally valued in Vals. However, the documents also reveal tensions between preserving the environment and pursuing economic opportunities, a challenge we know all too well.

The notion of “Artefakte”—symbols of community vision—is particularly inspiring. For example, the “Netz de Trabajo” project highlights how interconnectedness and shared responsibilities can sustain a community. In Ladakh, the equivalent might be our communal irrigation channels (Yura), which depend on collective labor and shared responsibility. These systems are under strain as economic priorities shift, and the story of Vals serves as both a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration.

Lessons and Reflections


From the documents, it is clear that Vals and Ladakh share a deep respect for water, a reverence for nature, and a strong sense of community. Yet, both regions face the pressures of a changing world—climate change, economic development, and shifting social values. Vals’ efforts to harmonize these forces offer valuable lessons:

  1. Inclusivity in Decision-Making: In Ladakh, inclusivity has traditionally been practiced through the roles of the goba and chhurpon, who ensure that community voices are represented in decisions about water and land use. However, modern governance systems often bypass these roles, challenging the communal decision-making process. Balancing traditional practices with modern administrative demands is a critical parallel to the Valser experience of involving diverse voices in shaping their future. The emphasis on involving all voices, particularly younger generations, in shaping the future is a call to action that Ladakh could heed.

  2. Sustainable Development: Balancing tourism and local needs, as discussed in Vals, mirrors our struggle with over-tourism in Ladakh.

  3. Cultural Continuity: The preservation of stories and traditions in Vals serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding our own heritage.


Reading about Vals feels like looking into a mirror reflecting both shared struggles and unique approaches. As a Ladakhi, I see hope in their initiatives and wisdom in their challenges. Perhaps the mountains, whether in the Alps or the Himalayas, teach us all the same lessons about resilience, harmony, and the enduring power of community.

 


Waterfalls, Photo by Jehisson Santacruz
Waterfalls, Photo by Jehisson Santacruz

Comments


About us

The Library for a Happy Future is run by the association The Library for a Happy Future.

 

The pilot project was initiated in collaboration with the Klimastadt Zürich association.

 

 

Find news about
the library here

Where we are

Support us

Follow us!

The next edition of the library opens in September at the Musée d'Histoire Naturelle in Neuchâtel

 

Events

Alternative Bank Schweiz ABS​

​Attention:
The Library for
Happy Future
8044 Zürich


Remark: Library
for a Happy Future

  • Linkedin
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

© 2024 by Camilo Palacio

bottom of page