The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) is pleased to announce a comprehensive study tour focusing on resilient water infrastructures. This event will take place from November 18 to 22, 2024, in Santiago, Chile.
In Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), numerous communities lack adequate connections to pipelines, sanitation, and electrical supply due to insufficient investment and weak regulatory frameworks. These deficiencies hinder the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, particularly Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 6, 7, and 3, which focus on clean water, renewable energy, and well-being, respectively.
The study tour will offer participants firsthand insights into water infrastructure that has demonstrated resilience in the context of the Chilean megadrought. The goal is to strengthen technical capacities in implementing investment projects for potable water, sanitation, and hydroenergy services. This initiative aims to promote sustainable, resilient, and inclusive recovery, thereby improving public health and facilitating productive activities.
Day 1 – Monday, November 18, 2024
• 14:45 – 15:00: Registration and Welcome.
• 15:00 – 15:15: Opening Remarks by Dr. Martín Abeles, Director of the Natural Resources Division, ECLAC.
• 15:15 – 16:00: Presentation of the study tour objectives, analysis of the context of water infrastructures in the region, and public policy recommendations by Dr. Silvia Saravia Matus, Economic Affairs Officer of the Natural Resources Division, ECLAC.
• 16:00 – 17:30: Discussion and exchange among participants.
Day 2 – Tuesday, November 19, 2024
• 08:30 – 17:30: Visits to the Mega Reservoirs of Pirque and the Las Vizcachas Water Treatment Plant, with expert presentations and discussions on conservation of ecosystems to increase water availability.
Day 3 – Wednesday, November 20, 2024
• 08:30 – 18:30: Visit to the La Farfana Biofactory and transfer to the locality of Manzano, Casablanca - Resilient Water Infrastructure and Practices in Agriculture including expert presentations on circular economy, and sustainable water use in agriculture.
Day 4 – Thursday, November 21, 2024
• 07:30 – 19:30: Tour of the Rapel Hydroelectric Plant and resilient water infrastructure, featuring expert discussions on renewable energy for the water sector.
Day 5 – Friday, November 22, 2024
• 09:00 – 13:00: Final visit to ECLAC's water management systems, reflections, closing remarks, and next steps.
Briefing note
Briefing note
Briefing note
