14 Jan 2025 – 09:30
Auditorium 1
Room 29
Despite the abundance of water in Brazil, the uneven distribution of the resource results in a worrying criticality in per capita water availability in various regions. The growing pressure exerted by consumption, combined with the deleterious impacts of climate change, intensifies competition for access to water, with adverse effects on its quantity and quality. Although continued population growth and accelerated urbanisation contribute to the complex management of water resources, pollution of water bodies and unsustainable use of resources aggravate the problem of scarcity, requiring urgent reflection on the equitable distribution of water.
In response to these challenges, Brazil is promoting initiatives aimed at strengthening international cooperation in the management of transboundary water resources, which cover 60 per cent of the national territory. Collaboration with neighbouring nations such as Colombia is of the utmost importance. Initiatives include:
- Memorandum of Understanding (2021): This treaty signed between Brazil and Colombia aims to foster bilateral co-operation in the field of water security and basic sanitation, and is valid for five years.
2. Study on Groundwater: A binational study has been completed which will serve as a basis for formulating policies for the protection and use of groundwater along the Amazon border.
3. Partnerships for Studies and Monitoring: Agreements established between the countries promote integrated water resource management and monitoring studies, as well as encouraging technical and scientific exchange.
4. Investment Attraction Initiatives: Creation of joint efforts to attract private investment aimed at improving water and sanitation services in the region.
These initiatives seek to improve the governance of water resources and foster a more sustainable and equitable use of water in the nations involved.
