Acting today for the peace of tomorrow

From simple, individual daily activities to the functioning of communities and countries, water is ever-present. This substance is fundamental to our own species and our relationship with other species as well as to our ecosystems. That is why, every March 22, we promote awareness of the challenges and actions we can take to better manage the use of this resource.   

This year, the United Nations chose the slogan "water for peace" in reference to scientists' concern about social conflicts related to freshwater management in the context of climatic events resulting from natural changes or as a consequence of anthropogenic activities.  

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), indigenous groups have been most affected by rising temperatures. In Alaska, their livelihoods are endangered by melting permafrost and shrinking ice sheets. In the south of the continent, the Aymara face the possibility of having to migrate due to the degradation of their soils by the loss of glaciers.    

The summary of the 6th IPCC Report on Water Security in the Americas prepared by the IAI highlights the risks for the various regions of the Americas. In general terms, priority concerns revolve around water scarcity and competition for water, potential conflicts over water management and security, and global warming.   

In North America, the intense exploitation of limited water supplies, especially in the western United States and northern Mexico, and the deterioration of freshwater management infrastructure have increased water security impacts and risks. In Central and South America, the disruption of water flows is significantly degrading ecosystems. Efforts have been made to improve the quantity and quality of water supply for vulnerable and marginalized populations, but large infrastructure projects proposed as a solution have been suspended due to their potential negative impacts on the environment and communities.  

World Water Day marks an opportunity to cooperate and advance adaptation and mitigation measures to cope with drought scenarios, shortages and changes in water cycles, prevent unequal access to water sources and ensure that human consumption does not compete with industries. Some of these measures are self-determination, recognition of adaptation rights based on indigenous knowledge, intersectoral adaptation strategies, and actions for the adequate management of water resources in urban systems.   

Social participation is a critical aspect in the reduction of future risks, as well as transformative adaptation policies. Good governance allows for more effective management of water resources. 

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