The event began with an introduction to the topic, highlighting the transformative role of wastewater treatment in the context of climate change. Global efforts led by UNEP and other international entities were discussed, emphasizing the climate mitigation opportunities that can arise from proper wastewater management.
Dr. Silvia Saravia Matus from ECLAC focused her participation on presenting the results of a comprehensive analysis of the implementation of circular economy practices in wastewater treatment plants across Latin America and the Caribbean. In her presentation, she explained that less than 50% of the region’s wastewater receives adequate treatment, contributing to high levels of pollution, with 25% of rivers experiencing severe impacts. This situation, compounded by increasing water stress in urban areas and infrastructure inefficiencies, underscores the need for a structural transformation in water resource management.
Dr. Saravia Matus highlighted a study conducted on 75 treatment plants in intermediate cities in countries such as Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. According to the analysis, investments of approximately $250 million would be required to recover methane in these facilities, enabling estimated annual energy savings of $46 million. Calculations suggested payback periods of six years and a positive benefit-cost ratio. Additionally, results were shared from a similar project in smaller municipalities in Mexico and El Salvador, where more modest investments of $5 million proved highly profitable, generating significant annual savings and payback periods of less than six years.
The presentation also showcased concrete examples of implementation. El Salvador has decided to move forward with investments in specific plants evaluated by ECLAC, while Colombia has requested the expansion of the study to 100 additional plants in intermediate cities, in collaboration with UNEP. These initiatives aim not only to generate economic benefits but also to reduce air and water pollution and mitigate biodiversity loss in the region.
The event concluded with a lively Q&A session, where participants discussed the feasibility of scaling these solutions and the challenges of closing technical and financial capacity gaps in the sector. Dr. Saravia emphasized the importance of providing robust evidence to policymakers to accelerate the integration of circular economy principles in wastewater treatment at various scales. The event served as a call to action to prioritize sustainable wastewater management as a strategic pillar in the global climate agenda.
