By Abbas Nazil
UNESCO and a coalition of governmental and academic partners have identified critical water security challenges in Mexico, emphasizing that these issues—ranging from habitat degradation to water governance failures—can be effectively addressed through science-based strategies tailored to Mexico’s diverse territories.
These findings stem from a comprehensive seminar titled “Dialogue of Knowledge: Weaving Networks for Water”, which engaged over 500 participants and 75 speakers from various public and academic institutions.
At the heart of the discussion was the stark reality that natural water flows in Mexico have been severely disrupted due to habitat loss, deforestation, pollution, overexploitation of water resources, and the spread of invasive species.
These factors have significantly affected the health of watersheds and aquifers, which are crucial sources of the country’s water supply.
Additionally, Mexico is experiencing an increase in extreme hydrological events such as floods and droughts, further threatening water availability and quality across the nation.
The seminar’s closing session was attended by high-level representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), the National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR), and the Mexican Institute of Water Technology (IMTA), among others.
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These institutions acknowledged the urgent need to reinforce governance structures for effective water risk prevention and disaster management.
They stressed the importance of investing in resilient water infrastructure and enhancing the capacity of communities and institutions to anticipate and respond to water-related crises.
UNESCO’s Representative in Mexico, Andrés Morales, underscored the importance of leveraging scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and robust data systems to support informed decision-making.
He pointed out that tools such as reliable monitoring systems, hydrological modeling, and adaptive management approaches are essential to crafting long-term, sustainable solutions.
The data and insights generated from the seminar are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping Mexico’s National Water Plan 2025–2030, introduced by President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The seminar also contributes to the implementation of key policy frameworks, including the National Agreement for the Human Right to Water and Sustainability and the National Agreement for Forests, Jungles, and Mangroves.
Held as part of the 50th anniversary of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), the seminar facilitated rich exchanges on topics such as water diplomacy, education, technological innovation, hydrometeorological risks, and participatory water governance.
The initiative was spearheaded by UNESCO and supported by members of the UNESCO Water Family, including IMTA, the Autonomous University of Querétaro’s Water Research Centre (CIAQ), the University of the Americas Puebla (UDLAP), and the Regional Centre for Water Security (CERSHI), a UNESCO-affiliated category 2 centre.
