Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development: Side event: "The value of water in the 2030 Agenda": Reality and challenges

Within the framework of the third meeting “Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development”, UNESCO, in coordination with the Natural Resources Division (NRD)  of ECLAC, organized the side event "The value of water in the 2030 Agenda ": Reality and challenges”, to promote a regional dialogue space on the relevance of water to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In this opportunity, the Director of the NRD, Ms. Jeannette Sánchez presented some of ECLAC thinking regarding water, emphasizing addressing the water problem in Latin America and the Caribbean from a comprehensive point of view, considering its trade-offs and synergies with, mainly, energy, agriculture, biodiversity and non-renewable natural resources. This comprehensive vision allows us to present progressive structural changes based on a great environmental boost.

Furthermore, it is indicated that there is an imperative to improve water governance and intergovernmental coordination, including different levels of government. Increase the coherence of public policies through the alignment of incentives, to integrate the negative externalities of inefficient water use, and incorporate modifications and responses that have a sustainable approach.

Ms. Marina Gil, from the DRN, also proposed some indicators that explain the current water situation in Latin America and the Caribbean. Issues ranging from drinking water coverage and sanitation to other environmental aspects, such as wastewater treatment or water use stress were addressed.