By Paula Guerra*
On March 2nd, 2023, the first webinar on Smart Waste Technologies (SWT) was held in Latin America and the Caribbean. This event, led by the IDB's Source of Innovation alliance, promoted the use of digital technologies to improve efficiency in municipal solid waste management.
On this World Day of Creativity and Innovation, we want to highlight creative tools from the water and sanitation sector that improve water management in Latin America and the Caribbean.
By Andrea Ortega C*.
By María Augusta Olmedo Velasco*
The IDB-FEMSA Award is one of the most important prizes for the water and sanitation sector in Latin America and the Caribbean. Organized by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in partnership with the FEMSA Foundation, it promotes innovative and entrepreneurial solutions to water, sanitation and solid waste challenges.
By Raphaelle Ortiz*
Between March 22 and 24, the United Nations (UN) organized a conference on water. Through multiple events, various organizations presented their plans to accelerate activities to achieve sustainable development goal 6 (SDG 6), which states: " guarantee the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all." With only 7 years left to achieve this goal of the 2030 Agenda, the time to act is now.
*By Daniela Araya, Pedro Moreo and Marle Reyes- Project Coordination Group of the GEF CReW+ Project.
Because freshwater is scarce, all levels of society must practice water conservation, particularly in drought-stricken areas. However, water reuse – a strategy that could preserve our limited resources- is still underused and underfunded in many countries.
Rural communities are essential for our society, environment, and economic growth. They grow our food, support our natural resources, and nurture and maintain our cultural diversity. Their wellbeing depends on access to clean, affordable and sustained water and sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. Yet, we are far from reaching universal water and sanitation. In rural areas, 8 out of 10 households do not have access to basic water services and 6 out of 10 do not have basic sanitation.
Written by Ariel Yépez-G
International conferences help move environmental agendas forward, as they allow leaders and specialists to meet and discuss strategies. This year, the IDB will take an active part of the United Nation’s 2023 Water Conference, the most important water event in a generation as well as the New York Water Week, which will begin on Saturday, March 18th and build momentum for the UN Water Conference.
Seeking to make water more accessible, Sara started as the only female engineer in water infrastructure projects. Today, she holds the highest position in the company and works to maintain a community model and increase women's participation in the sector.
Written by Andrea Ortega C.
Spanish version available here
The woman in this news story wears a hard hat and shouts to be heard above the din of traffic and heavy machinery.
Written by: Paul Constance
On this International Women's Day, we want to highlight women who work every day in water, sanitation and solid waste projects to improve the quality of life in their communities.
Written by Paul Constance
Laura Guanoluisa starts every day outnumbered by men. She is the only woman in a household with four children and a husband, "my five boys," as she affectionately calls them. But it is this habit of living with her "boys" that allows her to lead in a highly masculine environment as president of the National Network of Recyclers of Ecuador (RENAREC).