Freshwater is the most important resource
for the health, well-being, and prosperity of the world’s human
communities and ecosystems. However, for more than 1.1 billion people
around the globe, getting access to potable water is a daily struggle.
Improving management and access to freshwater is a task facing
governments and organizations worldwide.
Every
year, hundreds of legislators from throughout the Americas convene for
three days in Miami, FL at the Interamerican Conference of Mayors and
Local Authorities to discuss major issues affecting governance and
progress in the hemisphere. In June 2005, water issues were brought to
the top of the agenda during a special panel session organized by the
Global Water for Sustainability program (GLOWS). Speakers from the
U.S., Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia discussed Latin America’s water
resources and presented innovative solutions to water-related problems.
These approaches included basin coordination committees, payment for
environmental services programs, and environmental education.
This year was the first time
that the Conference has included a special session to address an
environmental issue. The water panel received an overwhelmingly
positive response with more than 100 people in attendance. The event
introduced GLOWS to governments throughout the Americas, helping pave
the way for future collaborative work towards more integrated
management of water resources.
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