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Water challenges and proposed solutions for Mexico identified by UNESCO and partners
UNESCO, together with governmental and academic institutions, announced that natural water flows in Mexico have been altered, while watersheds and aquifers have been critically affected. However, it points out that these problems can be addressed through science-based solutions, adapted to the territory and with a long-term vision.
The findings are the result of a series of dialogues with 75 speakers and 500 participants from government agencies and academic institutions. The seminar ‘Dialogue of knowledge: weaving networks for water’ will provide systematised information to help strengthen the National Water Plan 2025-2030, presented by President Claudia Sheinbaum, to ensure equitable, sustainable and secure access to water in the long term.
The concluding session was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR), the Mexican Institute of Water Technology (IMTA), to name a few, and it was reported that habitat loss, overexploitation, deforestation, pollution and the presence of invasive species have been drivers of the alteration of natural water flows in the country, damaging its water supply sources.
In addition, extreme events such as droughts and floods are increasingly occurring, making it imperative to strengthen governance in risk prevention and management, which requires investment in resilient infrastructure and building capacities to anticipate, reduce and respond effectively to water-related disasters.
UNESCO's Representative in Mexico, Andrés Morales, highlighted ‘the strategic importance of scientific knowledge and technological innovation, reliable data, monitoring tools, modelling systems and adaptive solutions for informed and effective decision making’.
The information gathered will also support Mexico in responding to the provisions of instruments such as the National Agreement for the Human Right to Water and Sustainability and the National Agreement for Forests, Jungles and Mangroves, which constitute a key framework to guide a stronger, more inclusive and resilient water policy.
The work took place in the context of the 50th anniversary of UNESCO's Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), a unique international platform to foster cooperation in research, training and participatory water management to build more resilient and sustainable societies through durable solutions.
The seminar sessions were a platform to learn about public policy priorities around water diplomacy, multi-hazard risks, water security, hydrometeorological risks, water education and culture, water knowledge and technology, and water diplomacy.
The seminar was coordinated by UNESCO, which also leads the IHP as well as the UN World Water Development Report, which in .
The organisation of the sessions involved the UNESCO Water Family, a partnership formed by IMTA, the Querétaro Water Research Centre (CIAQ) of the Autonomous University of Querétaro, the University of the Americas Puebla (UDLAP), and the Regional Centre for Water Security (CERSHI), a category 2 centre under the auspices of UNESCO.
