Water Management on the U.S.-Mexico Border: Achieving Water Sustainability and Resilience Through Cross-Border Cooperation
This white paper outlines a set of proposals intended to strengthen the ability of the United States International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) to respond to the challenges of U.S.-Mexico border water management in the 21st century.
Project Subject Area
Social-environmental vulnerability
Water management
Climate change
Urban health
Project Details
The paper is placed within the context of the USIBWC's long history of handling water management issues on the U.S.-Mexico border and its demonstrated capacity to respond and adapt to the changing social, political, and environmental conditions and needs of residents of the border region. The paper draws on the extensive individual and group experience of the authors. It is guided by our collective understanding that water sustainability, resilience and efficiency along the U.S.-Mexico border are better achieved through cross-border cooperation, local participation, and partnership with universities and research institutions.
The paper is divided into three main sections: (1) institutional context, (2) current and emerging water management challenges and opportunities, and (3) institutional and policy requirements needed to achieve water sustainability, resilience, and efficiency along the U.S.-Mexico border.
