Relationship between Subnational Government Actions and Integrated Water Resources Management in the Ramis River Basin, Puno, Peru

Abstract

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the Ramis River basin faces challenges associated with environmental pressures and institutional constraints within subnational governments. The relationship between the actions of subnational governments and IWRM in the Ramis River basin, Puno, Peru, was evaluated. The research was conducted under a qualitative approach; the study was documentary and propositional in nature, based on the analysis of regulatory frameworks, institutional reports, and scientific literature, organized through analytical matrices and tables. The findings indicate that, although regulatory and environmental planning instruments exist, their implementation remains limited. Within the framework of the 2025 Annual Environmental Evaluation and Enforcement Plan, 106 environmental enforcement agencies complied with the submission of their plans, while 5 remained pending, with operational constraints identified, primarily associated with budgets generally below S/ 2,000. Additionally, water quality issues persist, linked to anthropogenic activities, particularly mining. It is concluded that IWRM in the basin is mainly conditioned by institutional fragmentation. Therefore, it is proposed to strengthen multilevel coordination, ensure the effective implementation of existing instruments, and promote independent monitoring of water resources to improve the sustainability of management.