On December 5, Dr. Silvia L. Saravia Matus, Economic Affairs Officer in charge of Water Affairs at ECLAC, participated in the seminar entitled “Water security: governance, economic development and finance,” organized by the International Water Association (IWA).
During her intervention, Dr. Saravia Matus highlighted how extreme phenomena and pollution deeply affect the water resources of Latin America and the Caribbean, a region where 88% of disasters are related to water and climate change.
Among the main points discussed, Dr. Saravia Matus pointed out the impacts of droughts, floods and storms on water security, agricultural production, health and local economies. For example, he mentioned that droughts have affected more than 53 million people since 2000 and have caused economic losses of more than 22 billion dollars. Furthermore, it highlighted how water pollution remains a critical problem, with only 45% of wastewater treated safely.
The official also stressed the urgency of significantly increasing investments in water infrastructure, pointing out that closing the gaps in access to water and sanitation in the region would require 1.38% of the annual regional GDP for a decade. In this context, he highlighted the importance of strategies such as circular water management, the implementation of clean technologies and the promotion of innovative financial solutions such as green bonds and revolving investment funds.
Finally, during his presentation, he emphasized the need to strengthen water governance through solid regulatory frameworks, inclusive participation mechanisms and greater intersectoral coordination. Dr. Saravia Matus concluded her participation by highlighting that investment in water management not only faces the effects of climate change, but also acts as a driver of sustainable and inclusive development in the region.
ECLAC’s participation in this seminar reinforces its commitment to the development of comprehensive policies and the promotion of initiatives that guarantee equitable and sustainable access to water in Latin America and the Caribbean.
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