The 2023 Watershed Forum, organized by the Water Stewardship Platform and led by WWF Colombia, has firmly established itself as a vital space for reflection, analysis, and discussion on key issues related to water resource management. This year’s forum focused on water security and productivity, bringing together experienced environmental experts and professionals. Notably, according to the 2022 National Water Study (ENA), the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta hydrographic subzone ranks fifth nationwide in water demand, even surpassing that of Bogotá. Surprisingly, 92% of this water is used for agricultural activities, highlighting the urgent need for effective, collaborative water management and preservation in the region.

Since its inception in 2016, the forum has addressed the socio-environmental challenges of the Frío, Sevilla, Aracataca, Tucurinca, and Fundación watersheds, which connect the Sierra Nevada and the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta. Through experience sharing, scientific and technical knowledge transfer, and identifying collective actions, the forum has fostered the development of tools to analyze and design strategies that support sustainability in this region.

Topics covered included the climate crisis, water security, sustainable management of organizations and production systems, as well as regulatory challenges and opportunities on an international scale. This year’s event also welcomed candidates for the governorship of Magdalena, who discussed their plans and priorities for securing water resources in the region.

Dora Milena Zapata, Specialist in Intersectoral Planning and Governance at WWF Colombia and coordinator of the Water Stewardship Platform’s technical secretariat, shared her reflections: “The 2023 Watershed Forum has been an invaluable space to identify key challenges, opportunities, and commitments for integrated water management in our region”.

Some of the main takeaways include:

Challenges and Opportunities: Participants noted that while our environment presents significant challenges—climate, social, and production-related—it also holds valuable assets, including environmental resources, biodiversity, water, and cultural heritage. Jointly identifying and leveraging these opportunities is essential.

The Power of Collaboration: Collaboration and collective effort were highlighted as vital to transforming these opportunities into concrete actions for sustainability. The Water Stewardship Platform serves as a key catalyst in bringing together capacities and resources to achieve more effective results.

A Global Connection: Collaboration transcends local boundaries, extending to regional, national, and international levels. It is crucial to involve all stakeholders across the value chain in sectors like coffee, banana, and palm, as production and environmental relations are increasingly influenced by market demands and consumer expectations.

An Integrated Approach: Recognizing the interconnectedness of watersheds from social, environmental, and economic perspectives is essential. Strengthening local capacities and fostering knowledge exchange, while acknowledging territorial interdependence, are key to advancing sustainability.

Ethical Responsibility: The conservation and protection of ecosystems should go beyond compliance with government or market regulations. It must reflect a deeper, ethical commitment to benefit both present and future generations.

Positive Impact: The 2023 Watershed Forum facilitated the exchange of information, experiences, knowledge, and contacts, contributing to more informed and conscious decision-making in managing critical resources like water and soil.

In summary, the 2023 Watershed Forum achieved its goal of promoting water sustainability by uniting diverse stakeholders to address urgent challenges and leverage new opportunities in a highly significant environmental setting. An ethical commitment to conserving natural resources stands out as a core principle for a sustainable future, reinforcing our collective path toward sustainability and environmental preservation.