Three Panels at the 2024 World Water Forum to Highlight the Guaraní Aquifer Medium-Sized Project

The 10th edition of the World Water Forum, jointly organized by the World Water Council and the Republic of Indonesia, will take place from May 18 to 24, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia. The Forum is expected to attract 30,000 participants from 172 countries. It will feature a variety of programs, including official sessions, panels, thematic sessions, side events, youth spaces, fairs and expos, and technical tours. Among the diverse lineup, two significant panels will focus on the Guaraní Aquifer Medium-Sized Project (PPM), sharing insights and fostering discussions on transboundary groundwater cooperation and the sustainable management of the Guaraní Aquifer System.

Panel 1: "PPM Guarani – Lessons Seized at Cross-Border Cooperation in Underground Waters: Results Expected, Upcoming Steps, and Perspectives"

This panel will explore the lessons learned from cross-border cooperation in managing the Guaraní Aquifer. It will highlight the project's expected results, upcoming steps, and future perspectives. Experts from the participating countries will discuss the challenges and successes of the project, emphasizing the importance of regional collaboration for sustainable groundwater management.

Panel 2: "Science for Transboundary Groundwater Cooperation – The Guarani Project Case"

The second panel will focus on the scientific aspects of transboundary groundwater cooperation, using the Guaraní Project as a case study. It will delve into the scientific methodologies and technologies employed in the project and demonstrate how scientific collaboration can support effective groundwater management across borders.

In addition to these two panels, the project's National Coordinators, representing Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay, will participate in another relevant breakout session: "Water Cooperation and Peace for South America." This panel will discuss the role of water cooperation in fostering peace and stability in the region, highlighting the participating countries' collaborative efforts and shared goals.

Ricardo Burg, the International Coordinator of the Project, emphasized the importance of these panels: "The Guaraní Aquifer System is a critical water resource for millions of people. Our collaborative efforts through the PPM are essential for ensuring its sustainable management and the well-being of future generations. These panels at the World Water Forum will provide an excellent platform to share our experiences, scientific advancements, and plans for the future."

These panels promise to be enlightening and impactful, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of the complexities and opportunities in managing transboundary water resources. Participants will have the chance to engage with experts, learn from their experiences, and discuss the way forward for the sustainable management of the Guaraní Aquifer System.

Official webpage: https://worldwaterforum.org/# 

About the project

Since 2021, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay have united efforts to drive the Medium-Sized Project (PPM): "Implementation of the Strategic Action Program of the Guaraní Aquifer System: Enabling Regional Actions." This initiative is supported by the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) and UNESCO, and in collaboration with the Regional Center for Groundwater Management in Latin America and the Caribbean (CeReGAS), with financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The project, which began implementation in July 2022, aims to foster transboundary cooperation for properly managing this water resource to strengthen the sustainability of the Guaraní Aquifer System in the long term.

The Guaraní Aquifer System is a transboundary water resource shared by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It provides fresh water to millions of people, meeting domestic, agricultural, industrial, and tourism needs across a vast area of over one million square kilometers. Currently, the four countries, together with the Development Bank of Latin America (CAF) and UNESCO, have joined forces with financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to promote the Medium-Sized Project (PPM): Implementation of the Strategic Action Program of the Guaraní Aquifer System: Enabling Regional Actions. The project’s main objectives are to achieve sustainable management of the aquifer in the long term and consolidate technical cooperation among the countries.