Members of the ECLAC Water team will be embarking on a mission to Quintana Roo, Mexico from July 17 to 21 under the auspices of the United Nations Fund for Peace and Development and the support of German Cooperation.
The objective of the mission is to promote the technical capacities of municipalities in the design of plans for the generation and incorporation of circular solutions in wastewater treatment plants (PTAR). In addition, these capacity building sessions help to develop investment plans in renewable energy for the water sector, which is essential to guarantee the water supply in the area. Since the area is strategically dependent on tourism, the project aims to help local municipalities create investment plans that can find financing in the future.
The mission is made up of a team of ECLAC organizers, which includes three ECLAC experts and two officials, including Dr. Silvia Saravia Matus, Economic Affairs Officer of the Water and Energy Unit of the Natural Resources Division . The project participants will include the National Water Commission (CONAGUA), local operators of the San Miguelito, Bicentenario, Centenario and San Martín de las Pirámides WWTPs, the Mexico State Water and Sewerage Commission (CAEM), the Quintana Roo Water and Sewerage Commission (CAPA) and other relevant parties.
Led by the experienced ECLAC team, participants will receive in-depth knowledge on methane capture and use and energy efficiency. This foundation equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to explore and implement circular practices in WWTPs. A hands-on workshop, designed to review, calculate and evaluate potential improvements that can be implemented in specific plants, will also take place.
A socialization session with the community will also take place at the Technological University of the Riviera Maya on Tuesday, July 17 at 10am. The objective of this session is to involve and inform the local community about the project efforts and provide a space for local participation. During this session, the expected benefits for the community in terms of improvements in water management and the promotion of sustainable practices will be shared. Dialogue and participation of community members will be encouraged, allowing them to express their concerns, ideas and contributions.
The mission involves on-site technical visits to two WWTPs; San Miguelito on Isla Cozumel, and Bicentennial in Tulum. During these visits, the team will provide further inputs to strengthen the operation of the plants and will closely evaluate the proposed improvements and determine their feasibility. This hands-on approach ensures a full understanding of the practical challenges and opportunities unique to each plant. By directly engaging with local operators and stakeholders, the mission aims to provide personalized recommendations that address the specific needs and circumstances of each facility.
