Symposium Highlights Transboundary Water Resource Management as Key Pillar for Development in Latin America and the Caribbean

The III International Symposium on Transboundary Waters in Latin America and the Caribbean, to take place in San Salvador, El Salvador, on November 19-20, will highlight the crucial role of managing shared water resources for the development of the region, especially in the context of the current climate crisis. 

The event aims to foster collaboration and generate strategic alliances among the countries of the region to ensure inclusive and resilient water management, with a focus on preserving ecosystems and guaranteeing equitable water access. 

Organized by the Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan (CTPT), the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States (OAS), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the event convenes government leaders, representatives of international organizations, water resource experts, academics, and members of civil society. 

During the symposium, participants will analyze regulatory and incidence frameworks of the integrated management of shared basins, the closing of gaps in the integrated management of shared water resources, and water security and climate risks. 

Additionally, a High-Level Panel will present the main challenges and joint initiatives to strengthen climate resilience and water security in the region.  

Participants will also evaluate strategies and lessons learned and deepen the dialogue to strengthen cooperation and best regional practices around shared basins and aquifers, considering water as an essential resource for maintaining peace and community well-being. 

Discussions will focus on seven thematic areas, including multi-level governance and transboundary cooperation; financing for water development; innovation and knowledge management; and water diplomacy as a tool to promote peace and development. 

Among the attendees are key decision-makers in water security policies, representatives of basin organizations, intergovernmental commissions, and regional integration bodies. 

The Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan (CTPT) is hosting this symposium to promote environmental and territorial management processes in the Trifinio region, encompassing El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. This region is strategic for its biodiversity of ecosystems, including 17 protected natural areas, and the Trifinio Fraternity Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO 2011). Additionally, it serves as the headwaters for three river basins: the Trinational Lempa River Basin, the Binational Motagua River Basin, and the National Ulua River Basin.

From left to right: Juan Carlos Roncal, Representative in El Salvador, OAS; Mark Lambrides, Director of the Department of Sustainable Development of the Executive Secretariat for Integral Development, OAS; Adriana Mira, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of El Salvador; Liseth Hernández, Executive Secretary of the Trinational Secretariat of the Trifinio Plan Commission; Olga Gómez García, Representative in El Salvador, IDB; Jorge Urbina, National Executive Director of the Trifinio Plan El Salvador; Jorge Aguilar, National Executive Director of the Trifinio Plan Honduras; César Beltetón Chacón, National Executive Director of the Trifinio Plan Guatemala; Anamaría Nuñez, Water and Sanitation Specialist, IDB; Andrés Sánchez, Senior Officer and Manager of the Water Program of the Americas, OAS; and Nelson Estrada Regalado, Water and Sanitation Specialist, IDB.