Globally, 153 countries share rivers, lakes, and groundwater resources. The Water Convention has been open to accession by all UN Member States since 2016, and currently the convention has 51 parties and several countries in Latin America and the Caribbean, including the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Paraguay and Uruguay, which are in the process of accession. The relevance of joining the Water Convention is based on the promotion of cooperation in transboundary surface and groundwater and strengthens its protection and sustainable management. Working under this framework helps prevent conflicts over transboundary waters; helps promote sound water management and protection at the national level; and allows the implementation of integrated management of water resources.
During Panama’s accession ceremony to the convention, Ms. Janaina Tewaney, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Panama, affirmed the country’s commitment to promoting both a blue and green economy, through the sustainable use of natural resources. She highlighted that environmental protection is one of her priorities and that her adherence to the Water Convention reinforces her position as a leader in the blue-green economy worldwide, providing her country and the continent with an additional tool.
The Convention provides a legal framework and an institutional platform to drive much-needed progress in transboundary water cooperation in the region.
