From November 18 to 22, 2024, Santiago, Chile, hosted the Study Tour on Resilient Water Infrastructure, organized by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) under the auspices of the project “Drinking Water, Sanitation, and Renewable Energy to Improve Population Health Conditions.” This event brought together delegations from 13 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (Argentina, the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Panama, and the Dominican Republic). Participants exchanged experiences and reflected on water management in the context of climate change, sustainable infrastructure, the circular economy, and financing models essential for advancing these projects.
The inauguration took place at ECLAC headquarters, marking the beginning of the tour on its first day. The moderator, René Salgado from ECLAC’s Natural Resources Division, gave the floor to Martín Abeles, Director of ECLAC’s Natural Resources Division, to deliver the welcome remarks to the various participating delegations. The Director emphasized the need to strengthen water governance, promote the circular economy, and reverse the contamination of water bodies.
Danilo Núñez, Undersecretary of Public Works at Chile’s Ministry of Public Works, followed with a detailed account of the challenges faced by the country during the 14-year megadrought, which has caused a 30% reduction in river flows. The Undersecretary mentioned key initiatives such as the development of a desalination plant, wastewater reuse projects, and a 30-year water infrastructure plan. He also underscored the importance of applying Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and thanked the organizers for the opportunity to share these experiences.
To provide context for the 2024 Study Tour, Silvia Saravia Matus, Economic Affairs Officer of ECLAC’s Natural Resources Division, offered an overview of the regional and global contingencies to highlight the importance of proper management and investment in resilient water infrastructure. She continued by presenting the project underpinning the 2024 Study Tour, its objectives, and a brief review of the agenda. She then delivered a diagnostic of the state of water and sanitation in the region, covering not only coverage and climate change but also inefficiencies, treatment, externalities, and dependencies. She concluded with a series of ECLAC’s recommendations focusing on the “how” through the TOPP capacities proposed by ECLAC’s Executive Secretary, Mr. José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs. This was followed by a space for participants to introduce themselves, reflect on the subject, and share their expectations for the tour.
Subsequently, a round of comments was conducted by the represented countries. El Salvador, represented by Carlos Flores, Water Advisor of the Salvadoran Water Authority (ASA), highlighted that the human right to water is an absolute priority. He mentioned advancements such as implementing a water usage fee and supporting water boards and sewerage services. He also shared projects like the recovery of the Lempa River and the Metapán treatment plant, both models of the circular economy. He expressed gratitude to Chile as the host country and to ECLAC for organizing an event that will serve as a reference for future projects.
Guatemala, represented by Jaime Luis Carrera, Deputy Minister of Water of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, emphasized that although the country has abundant water availability per square kilometer, it faces significant challenges in distribution, sanitation, and storage. He indicated that the current government is developing a national hydrological plan and a new water law. He highlighted that Chilean experiences in governance and sustainability will be essential to inspire local solutions.
Mexico was represented by Ximena Mariscal de Alba, Officer for Multilateral Affairs at the Embassy of Mexico in Chile, who presented progress on the National Water Plan focused on the human right to water, with special attention to vulnerable and gender-focused populations. She also conveyed a message on behalf of the members of CONAGUA, who have played a crucial role as primary counterparts in the project’s development.
Additionally, Jatziri Pando Medina, Technical Secretary of the Commission for Water Resources and Hydraulic Infrastructure of Mexico, emphasized the urgency of strengthening water legislation and addressing financing challenges for resource management and monitoring. Guadalupe Plata, Specialized Advisor of the same commission, stressed the importance of urgently working on the human right to water. The delegates expressed their gratitude to ECLAC and Chile for the opportunity to exchange experiences.
The Dominican Republic delegation, consisting of Olmedo Caba, Director of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INDRHI), René Mateo, Deputy Administrator for Renewable Energy of the Dominican Hydroelectric Generation Company (EGEHID), and Juan Saldaña, Director of Institutional Development Planning of INDRHI, also attended the event. Lic. Saldaña remarked that water is finite and vulnerable, emphasizing the importance of recognizing its economic value. He noted that his country’s challenges are not financial resources but rather strategic investment and sustainable planning. He appreciated the opportunity to observe concrete examples in Chile to apply in the Dominican context.
Costa Rica, represented by Danny Olivares, Head of the Geographical Work Area, Tárcoles Hydrological Unit, Directorate of Water, Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), stated that despite having abundant water, the country faces serious limitations in storage and circular resource management. He highlighted that drought and flood issues affect both quality of life and electricity generation. The delegation expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn from Chilean experiences in these areas.
Bolivia, with the participation of Grover Huallpa from the Transboundary International Waters Unit of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized harmony with nature and the diplomacy of peoples as pillars of Bolivia’s foreign policy, which considers water a human right but also a right of Mother Earth. Grateful for the upcoming experience, he reiterated the willingness to engage in a fraternal dialogue table and generate a roadmap for transboundary basin management.
Nicaragua, represented by Irasema Kerr, Technical Head of the Hydrology Department of the Nicaraguan Aqueduct and Sewerage Company (ENACAL), discussed the country’s challenges with accelerating water scarcity, urban population concentration, supply issues, aquifer overflow during rainy seasons, contamination problems, lack of safe drinking water access, and the need for tools to adapt to the effects of climate change.
At the event’s inauguration, Mayela Gutiérrez from Panama’s Ministry of the Presidency stressed that water is a key resource for the country’s economy, but the effects of climate change have severely impacted the Panama Canal and urban areas. She underscored the need to reform water governance and recognized Chile as a benchmark in water management. Rafael R. Reyes Ávila, from the National Institute of Aqueducts and Sewers (IDAAN), emphasized that the canal not only consumes water but supplies 80% of the urban population. He highlighted the importance of strengthening water resilience through critical infrastructure, early basin alerts, and climate risk planning. Both advocated for sustainable solutions and innovation to address the challenges of climate change in Panama.
Claudia Dávila Moscoso, Head of the Legal Advisory Office of Peru’s National Infrastructure Authority (ANIN), highlighted the country’s water challenges, where 3.5 million people lack access to drinking water and 25% have no access to adequate sanitation. She stressed the severe crisis in Piura, with reservoirs at 2% capacity and dry Amazon rivers affecting the population and agriculture. She pointed to institutional disorganization as an obstacle to water governance. From ANIN, they manage 98 infrastructure projects, 60 of which have a water focus. She ultimately advocated for sustainable management that incorporates governance and economic benefits, promoting long-term resilience and development.
As representatives of Argentina, María Teresa Badui, Undersecretary of Infrastructure and Territorial Development of the Government of Mendoza, highlighted the significant challenges faced by the province as a desert region. She mentioned ongoing work on a new Water Code and a water plan to address a projected 25% reduction in water availability over the next 30 years. She emphasized the importance of harmonizing water uses, implementing sustainable financing schemes, and fostering public-private partnerships to ensure equitable and sustainable access to water. On the other hand, David Devia, Secretary of Water Resources and Renewable Energies of the Federal Investment Council, stressed the urgency of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in San Juan, where only 3% of the territory is used for agriculture due to water scarcity. He emphasized adaptation to climate change, modernization of water infrastructure, and balancing water supply and demand toward 2050. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of water reuse, efficient measurements, and strategic collaboration to ensure equitable access to this resource.
Brazil participated through Ana Carolina Argolo, Director of the National Water Agency (ANA), who highlighted the challenges of resilient water infrastructure in Brazil, such as maintaining dams and irrigation systems and addressing delays in key investments, especially in basic sanitation. She emphasized the importance of adaptive management, learning from advanced experiences like those of Chile, and underlined water’s economic, social, and environmental value. Fernanda Abreu Oliveira de Souza, Water Advisor at ANA, stressed the need for coordination in a country of continental dimensions, ensuring that information reaches all relevant stakeholders. She acknowledged that participatory management is a complex process requiring constant communication and context-specific adaptations.
Hombray Taylor, Coordinator of the Water and Agriculture Initiative at the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), emphasized the importance of the agricultural sector in water management, considering challenges related to excess, scarcity, and contamination of the resource. He highlighted the need for locally adapted and affordable solutions, a priority for IICA, and the relevance of collaboration and experience sharing among Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) countries to build a shared vision for sustainable development in the region. He also noted that every solution requires well-targeted investments benefiting all actors, from producers to the private sector.
Daniel Tugues, General Manager of Aguas Andinas, highlighted the importance of addressing climate change challenges through efficient and sustainable water management. He noted that initiatives such as the Pirque Reservoirs and collaboration with the Maipo River Water Users’ Board have been fundamental in managing extreme drought events, emphasizing user cooperation as a key element. He also stressed the innovative approach of the Biofactory La Farfana, which has transitioned from a traditional plant to a circular economy-based model, generating economic, social, and environmental benefits. Tugues emphasized that investments in sustainability are essential, as the costs of inaction far outweigh the costs of implementing resilient solutions. Finally, he invited attendees to adopt similar models in their respective countries, highlighting that Chilean experience demonstrates that achieving high levels of sanitation is possible with efficiency and a comprehensive sustainability approach.
Franz Rojas, Sectoral Director for Water and Sanitation at the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), highlighted the global relevance of the Biofactory La Farfana as an iconic reference for sustainable water management and circular economy. He noted that overexploited and highly contaminated water resources pose common challenges worldwide. These risks, he added, have gained priority on the global agenda, with water increasingly central in forums such as COP and climate adaptation plans. He emphasized that CAF prioritizes water security, aiming for a 70% approval rate for water-related projects this year, reflecting both the bank’s and countries’ commitments. He underlined the importance of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) and the circular economy for a sustainable agenda, stressing they should not be overlooked. Rojas expressed gratitude to ECLAC for promoting innovative models showcased during the tour.
Jair Urriola, Executive Secretary of the Central American Commission on Environment and Development (CCAD), emphasized the importance of strengthening technical capacities in Central American countries. He shared the progress of the regional water observatory hosted on the SICA portal. He noted that events like this are crucial for advancing water governance in the region and for CCAD to identify new needs of the countries it represents.
Chilean representatives emphasized the importance of following the United Nations’ guidelines to progress toward meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They highlighted that, although not wealthy nations, it is crucial to make strategic decisions prioritizing essentials to close existing gaps while avoiding resource dispersion in multiple directions. They underscored that dialogue and consensus-building are indispensable since solutions are not always linear and require active collaboration. They pointed out that overcoming challenges like regulatory gaps and implementing water infrastructure projects, which can take between 8 and 12 years, is achievable when trust is built among stakeholders. Furthermore, they emphasized exploring new water sources and innovative management methods, noting that public-private partnerships are essential as no single actor can address these challenges alone. They concluded by urging attendees to leverage the lessons learned and encourage reforms to meet growing demands in water resource management with a sustainable and equitable approach.
The second day of the event commenced with field visits, moderated by Elizabeth Coble from ECLAC’s Natural Resources Division. The first stop was at the Pirque Mega Reservoirs, operated by Aguas Andinas, where water is collected and stored. This infrastructure, comprising six mega reservoirs with a capacity of up to 1.5 billion liters of water, ensures the availability of potable water for Santiago during crises such as droughts, extreme rainfall, and turbidity—phenomena increasingly frequent due to climate change. The visit emphasized the importance of mountains as “water towers” for regional water security and the necessity of preserving them due to their extreme vulnerability to climate change. The tour also highlighted that effective infrastructure management requires clear regulations to guide companies’ operations in strategic projects, enable long-term investments, and ensure strong institutions to monitor efficient, transparent, and good practices. Additionally, innovative technologies, such as ultrasonic buoys to improve water quality and prevent pathogen proliferation, were demonstrated.
The next visit was to the Maipo River Water Users’ Board, where Ernesto Veres, Manager and River Judge, explained how the organization manages 42% of Chile’s potable water for over 9,000 water users, 83% of whom are small-scale agricultural producers (with holdings of less than 10 hectares). Activities derived from these channels contribute 39% to Chile’s GDP. Veres emphasized that, beyond decisions based on historical data provided by sensors and cameras for constant monitoring, transparent dialogue and agreements between different water-user sectors are fundamental for sustainable water management, ensuring availability and prioritizing human consumption.
In the afternoon, participants visited the La Florida Potable Water Plant, inaugurated in 1999, with a design flow of 4,000 liters per second. Operators from Aguas Andinas demonstrated the potable water production process across various stages, including a visit to the plant’s laboratory. The importance of regular water quality analysis to ensure public health and maintain the resource’s organoleptic properties was highlighted. This experience provided participants with deeper insights into the efforts and technologies implemented to guarantee water security.
The third day began with a visit to the Victor Jara Flood Park, guided by María Loreto Mery, National Director of Hydraulic Works at Chile’s Ministry of Public Works. The park showcased the importance of integrating hydraulic infrastructure into urban settings to create recreational spaces for citizens while preserving and respecting natural water flows. Given the increasing intensity of precipitation events due to climate change, the park serves as an example of how Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) can mitigate flood risks, enhance urban resilience, and protect ecosystems. The discussion underscored the need for clear institutional coordination, defined roles, adequate budgets, and continuous monitoring to ensure such projects’ long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
The week’s main session followed, focusing on the opportunities offered by the circular economy, with a special emphasis on waste utilization, exemplified by the Biofactory La Farfana. At this facility, Aguas Andinas presented an innovative case of methane capture—a gas with a climate impact up to 80 times greater than CO₂—which is used to generate energy. Diego Fernández, an ECLAC expert, highlighted that 3.8% of global methane emissions originate from wastewater treatment plants, emphasizing the vast potential of these facilities to reduce emissions and produce clean energy by integrating circular economy principles.
Additionally, analysis from the target countries of the project—El Salvador, Panama, and Mexico—was presented, showcasing the environmental and financial opportunities derived from these exemplary cases.
Pedro Chavarro, another ECLAC expert, unveiled the Methane Calculator, developed in collaboration with Romeo Moers, Alfredo Montañez, Natalia Sarmanto, and René Salgado. This tool was designed to assess the economic and environmental feasibility of methane utilization in small treatment plants, a sector traditionally underestimated in its potential. The calculator enables decision-makers to easily evaluate the economic and environmental benefits of methane recovery in local wastewater treatment plants. By highlighting these advantages, the tool encourages investment planning to transform these plants into circular systems, with the added value of replicating this model in other regions.
The session concluded with input from the target country representatives, who emphasized the importance of this innovation for replicating sustainable projects in their countries. They also noted how the tool significantly facilitates the technical and financial analyses necessary to implement circular economy practices and recognize economic opportunities. Participants expressed their appreciation for the project’s development in their countries and a keen interest in expanding it to other regions within their territories.
The day ended with a visit to Casablanca, where presentations highlighted the importance of implementing resilient agricultural water practices in response to the climate crisis and water scarcity. Solutions discussed included irrigation technology using sensors and remote sensing to optimize water use by determining precise watering needs. Nature-Based Solutions (NBS), such as soil conservation with higher organic matter to enhance water retention, were also explored. While there have been advancements in tools such as payments for environmental services, participants noted the need for clear policies, financing, and training to support their implementation. The discussion emphasized that resilient agricultural water management contributes to containing desert expansion and fosters more sustainable and efficient farming.
On the fourth day, participants visited the Rapel Hydroelectric Plant, an iconic example of Chilean energy development inaugurated in 1968. During the visit, Francisco Camarada, Head of ENEL’s Northern Hydroelectric Unit, explained how Rapel contributes to the country’s energy stability through its regulation and storage capacity, allowing it to balance generation during periods of high and low demand. Camarada highlighted challenges such as sedimentation in the reservoir and climate change impacts that directly affect water availability. He emphasized the importance of coordination and transparent communication among different stakeholders in the basin, where water is used for various purposes, including energy, domestic consumption, agriculture, and tourism. Additionally, Francisco Camarada shared how ENEL has integrated various renewable energy sources, such as solar and geothermal, into its energy matrix to adapt to increasing demands while promoting sustainability.
The Study Tour on Resilient Water Infrastructure 2024 concluded with a guided tour of ECLAC’s facilities, where the integration of water sustainability principles into its infrastructure was highlighted. During the closing ceremony, Mónica Altamirano, an expert from ECLAC’s Natural Resources Division, emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration, the implementation of clear regulatory frameworks, and presented a guide for accessing sustainable financing in the water sector. She underscored the need to consider the context of each country for appropriate solutions, pointing to emerging opportunities such as performance-based contracts and impact financing. She also mentioned the disconnect between what is offered and what stakeholders need, highlighting the urgency of closing that gap.
This was followed by a presentation from Silvia Saravia Matus, Economic Affairs Officer of ECLAC’s Natural Resources Division, whose primary goal was to synthesize the challenges and opportunities learned from each water infrastructure showcased during the week. This set the stage for a round of interventions where participating countries and institutions shared their conclusions and key takeaways.
Panama praised the professional approach and quality of the event, highlighting key innovations such as the Methane Calculator, the use of advanced technology like satellites, and novel methods for detecting water leaks that could be replicated in their country.
Brazil expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate, highlighting key lessons such as water regulations and practical tools like the calculator. They valued the experience promoted by ECLAC and mentioned that the practices observed could be adapted within the National Water Agency (ANA).
The Dominican Republic reflected on the importance of economically valuing water services and educating about management costs. They considered the circular economy and cost efficiency as key elements. The Chilean model and the relevance of public-private partnerships were highlighted as crucial for achieving rapid advances in water and sanitation coverage.
Guatemala reflected on how the Chilean sector combines strong regulatory frameworks with financial and climate resilience, emphasizing that the private sector plays a critical role in water governance. They also highlighted Chile’s ability to plan long-term, a challenge pending in their country.
Bolivia appreciated the tour’s comprehensive approach, emphasizing the relevance of the circular economy as a concept to explore. They recognized the need to change negative perceptions toward the private sector and learn from Chile’s experience in efficient control and oversight.
Nicaragua considered that the lessons learned will be fundamental to “tropicalizing” resilient projects, especially with ECLAC’s technical and legislative support.
El Salvador emphasized that the country will seek to implement circular and sustainable wastewater treatment plants (PTAR) based on the economic and social benefits learned during the tour. They also valued the opportunity to create synergies with other countries in the region.
Colombia highlighted the success of public-private partnerships in Chile and the importance of considering local contexts before adopting similar practices. They reflected on the need to integrate energy transition into water management strategies.
Mexico shared that they have circular economy legislation in development and plan to apply concepts learned during the tour. They underscored that experiencing Chile from this perspective was a unique and invaluable experience.
Argentina recognized similarities with Brazil in groundwater management and highlighted the potential for energy integration in the Andean region. They emphasized the importance of ECLAC’s technical assistance for accessing financing and fostering water reuse.
Colombia, represented by Ruth Quevedo, Director of the Commission for the Regulation of Drinking Water and Basic Sanitation (CRA) of Colombia, emphasized that public-private partnerships have proven to be an effective strategy in the water and sanitation sector, although they acknowledged the challenge lies in determining and managing the appropriate value for services. They also underscored the importance of addressing the energy transition within the sector, stressing that models cannot be replicated directly between countries. Instead, it is essential to understand and adapt solutions to the specific context of each region to ensure their success and sustainability.
Costa Rica expressed that the tour provided a broader and clearer vision of sustainable water management. They recognized the value of tools such as the Methane Calculator presented during the event, describing it as accessible and useful for facilitating the implementation of more sustainable solutions. They appreciated the effort behind its development and noted that this tool will be essential for guiding future projects in the country toward more efficient and sustainable water management.
Peru highlighted at the closing ceremony the high quality and organization of the event, emphasizing that the lessons learned would be critical for improving water management in the country. They stressed the importance of developing legislation to enable greater efficiency in infrastructure construction, recognizing that this is a key aspect of addressing challenges in the water sector. They also emphasized the need to review and compare international legislative frameworks to adjust and strengthen private sector participation in Peru, ensuring more effective and sustainable collaboration in water and sanitation-related projects.
The host country, Chile, expressed gratitude to the organizers and participants, highlighting the experience as a valuable learning opportunity. They appreciated the shared experiences, acknowledging that challenges remain in Chile, and committed to bringing the knowledge gained back to their team to advance water management efforts.
Jair Urriola, Executive Secretary of the Central American Commission on Environment and Development (CCAD), expressed his gratitude to ECLAC for providing the space and opportunity to learn about resilient water management structures. He emphasized the importance of adapting (“tropicalizing”) the experiences and models observed during the tour to the realities and needs of SICA member countries. He highlighted the Water Profile project, led by Camila Quiroz in collaboration with ECLAC’s Statistics Division, as a fundamental tool for the region, particularly in planning policies and projects related to water. He also emphasized the importance of strong legislative frameworks and requested ECLAC’s support in this regard. Finally, he reiterated the value of the lessons learned and their potential impact on improving water management in Central America and the Caribbean.
Finally, Martín Abeles, Director of ECLAC’s Natural Resources Division, concluded the event by thanking all delegations for their participation and highlighting the value of regional exchange as a key tool for addressing shared water challenges.
The Study Tour on Resilient Water Infrastructure in Santiago, Chile, concluded as an enriching space for exchanging experiences and learning among the 13 participating countries. The discussions and reflections underscored the importance of advancing sustainable water management models with a focus on the circular economy, Nature-Based Solutions, and public-private collaboration. Each delegation brought valuable perspectives, highlighting common challenges such as climate change, the need for robust regulatory frameworks, sustainable financing, and the adaptation of innovative technologies like the Methane Calculator. Interviews with participants, coordinated by Josefa Asmussen of ECLAC’s Natural Resources Division, on strategic topics covered during the Study Tour within their respective national contexts, will soon be available on ECLAC’s website.
The event allowed participants to identify practical lessons and strategies that can be adapted to the realities of their own countries. Chile, as the host country, stood out by showcasing concrete examples of success in water resilience and leadership in water governance.
The event’s conclusion delivered a clear message: regional cooperation and knowledge exchange are fundamental for advancing water security in Latin America and the Caribbean, promoting a future where equitable and sustainable access to water becomes a reality for all.
