We brought Aquafondo’s experience to one of the most important forums on water and sustainable development in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our Executive Director, Mariella Sánchez Guerra, participated in the 6th Regional Water Dialogues 2026, organized by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the Instituto Nacional de Recursos Hidráulicos (INDRHI) of the Dominican Republic.
The international event brought together authorities, experts, multilateral organizations, and strategic stakeholders from across the region to strengthen dialogue on water security, water governance, and sustainable water financing, positioning water as a strategic asset for sustainable development and climate resilience.
During our participation, we shared Aquafondo’s experience in water security, governance, and water financing, demonstrating how collaboration among communities, businesses, academia, international cooperation, and the public sector can accelerate solutions to the water challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean.
Regional cooperation and water governance to address water challenges
We participated in the expanded policy dialogue on regional cooperation, technical assistance, and financing, a forum designed to build regional priorities and key messages ahead of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference.
In this space, we exchanged lessons learned on how to strengthen partnerships and cooperation mechanisms that can translate strategies and commitments into concrete actions for water security. We also shared our perspective on the importance of consolidating water governance that brings together diverse stakeholders and promotes sustainable, evidence-based decision-making.
We also participated in the technical session on water valuation and governance, where we engaged with authorities and experts in discussions on public policies, financial sustainability, and the reforms needed to recognize the strategic value of water and strengthen its management.
These conversations provided an opportunity to reflect on how to balance the human right to water with mechanisms that ensure financial sustainability, greater efficiency, and stronger institutions to address the increasing pressure on water resources.
Water financing and private investment for water security projects
As part of the workshop on water financing, we presented Aquafondo’s experience in mobilizing private-sector investments to promote projects that strengthen water security.
We shared lessons learned on financing and investment mechanisms aimed at implementing projects that contribute to water source conservation, ecosystem restoration, and watershed resilience.
We also highlighted the role of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) and integrated watershed management as key components of sustainable investment strategies capable of generating environmental, social, and economic benefits.
From our experience in Peru, we demonstrated how Water Funds and collective action mechanisms can connect conservation, investment, and governance to drive long-term solutions to water challenges.
We continue bringing the Aquafondo model to international forums
Our participation in the 6th Regional Water Dialogues 2026 provided an opportunity to showcase how, from Peru, we are advancing a model that integrates governance, financing, and ecosystem restoration to strengthen water security in Lima and Callao.
