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Research: ancient aquifers and modern infrastructure in Lijiang

My friend and Northwestern University classmate Liz Voeller is doing some really interesting research in Lijiang (southwestern China) to examine the impact of tourism on the Naxi people’s ancient water supply system, and how this relates to China’s development as a whole. It’s a fascinating look at the balance between culture and technology and its impact on the natural environment.

You have to check out Liz’s blog, Cultural Impacts on Infrastructure, to learn more. She says:

I want to know:

A. How did the Naxi DESIGN and USE their ancient supply system so that it successfully provided them with clean water for centuries?

B. How can these factors be REPRODUCED in new water supply projects–so that these new systems can better MEET the Naxi community’s needs?

Liz, who studies environmental engineering and cultural anthropology, struggles with some language barriers, which limits the depth of her ethnographic and scientific research, but she definitely has some great ideas and insightful questions. Her blog is  worth checking out if you’re interested in the cross-sections of modernization, environmentalism, tourism, natural resource management, and community development in China.

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