The natural resources surrounding Cauquenes are abundant, and support a growing organic wine industry. The multiple rivers and wetlands provide both recreational and environmental amenities. But water quality is compromised, in part because of agricultural and industrial runoff. Young people are leaving the region in search of jobs. There is no infrastructure in place to support tourism. Using the San Joaquin Valley of California as a case study, the student team illustrated the hazards of proceeding with conventional agriculture in this dry climate, resulting in depleted resources. The project’s recommended green infrastructure allows natural resource conservation, economic development, and agricultural production to coexist to the benefit of all.
