Long-term planning and innovation key to a water-secure future
New York, Mar 25 (EFE) – Samuel Alejandro García, Governor of the Mexican state of Nuevo Leon, emphasized the urgency for innovative solutions to combat water scarcity in his region during a recent forum in New York City. NASA images revealed critically low reservoir levels in the area, signaling an unsustainable water supply deficit.
García presented these images at the forum titled “Waves of Change: Talking About What Cannot Be Talked About – Latin American Edition,” organized by the FEMSA Foundation as part of events parallel to the UN Water Conference.
Governor García explained that despite increasing discussions about water management issues, concrete actions remain insufficient, causing a significant impact on the region. He cited the need to repair pipe leaks “that had not been addressed for decades,” regulate water pressure and develop projects to ensure water service availability through 2050.
García expressed his frustration over the lack of long-term planning and innovative ideas from governors and mayors for this technical issue “that should not be politicized.” He stressed the importance of public-private coordination and collaboration with farmers to develop long-term master plans.
During the same session, Suzanne Ozment from the NGO Natural Infrastructure pointed out that current water management practices must change. Ozment called for a paradigm shift in water usage and increased innovation but lamented the slow progress in implementing nature-based solutions.
Sergio Campos, the Director of Water and Sanitation at the Inter-American Development Bank, echoed these sentiments. He warned that closing the gap caused by inadequate water access would be challenging, especially as climate change exacerbates the situation. Campos urged for an end to excessive water usage and promoted the adoption of technology and innovation in agricultural irrigation and water reuse in factories.
American farmer Lee Jones sent an impassioned message to the forum, emphasizing the need to regenerate land and water resources, foster biodiversity, and move away from chemical solutions to maintain agriculture and the nutritional value of produce.
The forum’s nearly twenty speakers were introduced by the Executive Director of the FEMSA Foundation, Lorena Guillé-Laris, who expressed her hope for a future of water management based not on improvisation, but on an “inclusive and resilient” design. EFE
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