Water security. key to preserve economic and social stability in the planet

Water security is a strategic issue, key to preserving the economic and social stability of the planet, so policies regarding water must be presented as a State policy in every country, promoting the needed international cooperation to prevent threats on this resource which is essential for human existence. 

This is one of the main conclusions of the "II Latin America-Spain Water Dialogues", organized by CAF, Development Bank of Latin America, and the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Environment (MAGRAMA, for its acronym in Spanish), held this Tuesday in Casa America in Madrid. The main objective of this meeting is to exchange experiences on how to improve the management and financing of water infrastructures in a global scenario that is increasingly characterized by the shortage of water.  

During the inauguration ceremony, the Spanish acting Minister of Agriculture, Food, and Environment,  Isabel García Tejerina, highlighted, "water policy must guarantee water security both in cities and rural areas". Therefore, García Tejerina understands that "water security is a strategic issue, so water policy must be presented as a policy of State". 

The Minister confirmed Spain's commitment to collaborate with Latin America, and highlighted CAF's cooperation with an element that, according to Guillermo Fernandez de Soto, the institution's Director for Europe, "is under threat despite the fact that it is essential for human existence". 

According to José Carrera, CAF's Vice President for Social Development, in the face of this scenario, strengthening and creating bridges for the exchange of knowledge between Spain and Latin America: "Spanish and water unite Latin America and Spain", may contribute to face the challenges of the water sector with more guarantees of success. 

Carrera explained "In an increasingly interconnected world, it is necessary to create spaces to exchange experiences, in order to find solutions to specific problems and promote economic growth and inclusive development. This cooperation must help Latin America to manage its water resources more effectively, thus strengthening the production of food, preserving economic and social stability, and guaranteeing universal access to water and sanitation". 

The inauguration session also included the participation of Jorge Dajani, General Director of Macroeconomic Analysis and International Economics at the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, and Jesus Gracia, Secretary of State for International Cooperation and for Ibero-America.  

Cooperation between Latin America and Spain 

This edition included the participation of renowned international experts such as Karin Kamper of the World Bank, Víctor Arroyo, CAF's coordinator for water knowledge management; Ángel Simón, Executive Vice President of Suez, Yolanda Kakabadse, President of the Board of WWF Internacional; and Carlos Ortuño, Vice Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation of Bolivia. They debated about the best measures to provide water and sanitation for all Latin Americans, as well as the possible synergies and collaborations between Latin America and Spain to develop technical assistance, training, research, and technological development programs.

Despite the abundance of natural resources in Latin America, almost 34 million people do not have access to potable water, and 106 million do not have adequate access to basic sanitation services. The region faces important challenges to achieve water security, such as guaranteeing the resources and their availability to reduce risks during droughts and floods; providing universal water and sanitation services; improving treatment processes for residual waters and urban drainage; developing the hydroelectrical potential; and increasing the productivity of water in agriculture.  

It is estimated that if the region invests 0.3 percent of GDP until 2030 to improve water and sanitation services, this could close the gap regarding this matter in urban areas, while at the same time rehabilitating the basic infrastructures and expand the supply sources to cover the additional demand for 100 million inhabitants in cities. Finally, it is important to stress the need to strengthen the capacities of managers and workers in the sector, including constant updates to adapt to the new tools that technology places at their disposal. 

CAF's work in water and sanitation

In past years, the activities of the multilateral organization in the sector have intensified, and from 2010 to 2015, an annual average of more than USD 700 million have been approved for water infrastructure at a regional level. Currently CAF is the first multilateral financial backer in the water sector in countries such as Ecuador, Bolivia, Panama, and Venezuela.

In addition, in the past 15 years CAF has financed close to 70 programs and projects in the water sector, for a total of USD 5.8 billion. Seventy-five percent has been allocated to financing infrastructure for potable water and basic sanitation services.  

The institution's work in water and sanitation is focused on four lines of action: management and protection of basins; management and control of floods; irrigation; and agricultural development. In addition, CAF seeks to generate the conditions to ensure an adequate management and sustainability of basic services through institutional strengthening and governance in the companies and institutions that are responsible for water management in the region. 

For more information regarding the II Water Dialogues, click here.