Mexico Tackles Water Crisis Through Partnerships

In Mexico, access to clean water is one of the most pressing issues. This situation compromises access to drinking water, food production, and public health in vast regions of the country. Faced with this scenario, it is essential to recognize the advances the Government of Mexico has made by placing the human right to water at the center of public policy. However, the complexity of the challenge requires the participation of multiple actors who, from different fronts, can contribute to these objectives. In this shared effort, acciona.org México has consolidated itself as an ally to rural communities and local governments in implementing drinking water and sanitation projects. Similarly, thanks to a collaborative model with the Gonzalo Río Arronte Foundation, also in Oaxaca, more than 280 people now have access to basic water and sanitation services. Joining the efforts of the Government of Mexico is not only a sound strategy but an indispensable condition for building a future where water access is a reality for all. These alliances have allowed the foundation to expand its activity in the country since 2012 and to act in a region particularly affected by water stress. The impact of these projects goes beyond infrastructure. Driven by the United Nations, this call not only challenges governments but also the private sector, academia, and civil society to act in the face of a water crisis that is already a global reality. With a solid track record in Latin America, the foundation has developed initiatives in Mexico based on a fundamental principle: water is a human right. The experience of acciona.org in Mexico demonstrates that collaboration between the public, private, and civil society sectors is key to generating lasting impacts. On World Water Day, commemorated on March 22, it is crucial to recognize that only through strong alliances and comprehensive approaches will it be possible to face the water crisis. In Mexico, the data clearly reflects the magnitude of the challenge. Projects like PROTEC, co-financed by the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation in Oaxaca, benefit more than 190 families through comprehensive solutions that combine access to water, sanitation, and food security. Together, improvements in water quality, strengthening of hygiene practices, and access to a constant supply have transformed the living conditions of more than 660 vulnerable households, especially women and girls. Local training, the creation of water committees, and continuous accompaniment guarantee the technical viability and social sustainability of the solutions. These initiatives directly contribute to the fulfillment of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in health, access to basic services, climate resilience, and environmental preservation. This work is based on a participatory method that places communities at the center: from diagnosis to operation, the beneficiary communities are active actors in decision-making, implementation, and maintenance of the systems. According to the diagnosis of the 2024-2030 National Hydraulic Plan (PNH), water scarcity affects 35 million people, and per capita availability has decreased by 30% in the last two decades. The PNH seeks to prioritize access in the most vulnerable communities, laying the foundations for a more equitable and sustainable policy.