World Water Council Supports the Latin American Water Council

In August 2024, the Latin American Water Council (CLAA) met in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, to discuss and ratify its Statute. The meeting focused on establishing a governance framework, leading to the election of Pr. Benedito Braga as President and nomination of Lupercio Ziroldo Antonio as Executive Director. Officially launched in May 2024 at the 10th World Water Forum, the CLAA aims to promote dialogue on water management in Latin America. It is a crucial platform for addressing regional challenges and promoting sustainable water governance. The next meeting will take place in March 2025 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where discussions on water governance and collaboration will continue.

Interview with Prof. Benedito Braga newly elected President of the Latin American Water Council about Regional Water Governance

Question 1: Why is the creation of the Latin American Water Council important for the region?

Pr. Braga: The Latin American Water Council is vital because it addresses the unique water challenges of our region. Latin America has 25% of the world's water resources, but these are not evenly distributed, and there are very challenging issues like pollution and insufficient infrastructure. The Council brings together over twenty nations to work on these problems collectively. It’s about sharing knowledge, fostering innovation, and developing sustainable solutions that can improve water security for everyone in the region. We need a platform like this to collaborate on common challenges and make our voices heard globally. The Latin American Water Council helps ensure that our region’s specific needs are represented in global water governance discussions.
 

Question 2: How does the Latin American Water Council contribute to global water security and regional governance?

Pr. Braga: The Council plays a critical role by focusing on regional collaboration, which is essential for global water security. Water issues are inherently political, impacting everything from public health to agriculture and the environment. By uniting diverse stakeholders, from governments to local authorities and basin organizations, the council ensures that water governance is prioritized at all levels. We aim at raising awareness, promoting regional solidarity, and finding solutions that work locally and globally. Water is a shared resource, and the challenges we face are interconnected. The council helps build a strong regional voice that can influence global policies and ensure sustainable water management practices.

Question 3: What role does the World Water Council play in supporting regional processes like this?

Pr. Braga: The World Water Council supports initiatives like the Latin American Water Council by providing a platform for dialogue and exchange. The objective is to facilitate cooperation at all levels, from local to global, to ensure that effective water management practices are shared and adopted widely. This partnership is about more than just support; we share collaboration and learn from each other. We believe in the power of collective action, and by working together we can better address the complex challenges of water security. The Latin American Water Council is an example of how regional initiatives can drive change and create a ripple effect for better water governance worldwide.