IHE Delft Hosts Water Science Dialogue Forum for Latin American and Caribbean Embassies

IHE Delft hosted the “Water Science – Applications for Development and Business in Latin America and the Caribbean” Dialogue Forum on March 27, bringing together more than 200 in-person participants and over 100 online attendees.

The event gathered scientists, policymakers, ambassadors and private sector representatives from across Latin America and the Caribbean to discuss how water science and innovation can strengthen water security, improve climate resilience and support sustainable development.

Countries represented at the forum included Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Cuba, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, Uruguay and the Dominican Republic.

Latin America Faces Rising Water Stress Despite Abundant Resources

Latin America holds nearly one-third of the world’s renewable freshwater resources, yet the region faces growing water stress.

Experts noted that uneven water distribution, climate change, rapid population growth, pollution and weak infrastructure are increasing pressure on water supplies.

Against this backdrop, the forum focused on identifying practical solutions and new partnerships between Latin America and the Netherlands.

International Cooperation Highlighted as Key Solution

Opening remarks were delivered by Ingrid Roelvink, Operational Director of IHE Delft, Panama’s Ambassador Sally Loo Hui, Netherlands Water Envoy Meike van Ginneken and Lowina Broens from the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO).

Speakers emphasized that international cooperation is essential to tackle shared water challenges and improve water governance.

The event was organized by the Group of Latin American and Caribbean Countries (GRULAC) under the coordination of the Embassy of Panama, in collaboration with IHE Delft and RVO.

Scientists Discuss Climate Resilience and Water Innovation

A major part of the forum focused on how science can support social transformation and climate resilience.

Professor Taneha Bacchin from Delft University of Technology discussed Brazil-Netherlands cooperation during the devastating floods in Rio Grande do Sul in 2024 and highlighted the importance of climate adaptation strategies.

Sandra Megens from Wageningen University shared findings from her research on transboundary water governance between Ecuador and Colombia, stressing the gap between scientific knowledge and policy implementation.

Gabriel Cárdenas Belleza from Utrecht University and IHE Delft discussed water quality challenges and future risks linked to droughts and heatwaves.

IHE Delft Associate Professor Sergio Salinas highlighted the growing role of desalination technologies in addressing water scarcity in coastal and arid regions.

He said desalination is not a complete solution on its own but can become an important part of integrated water management strategies.

Dutch Private Sector Shares Practical Solutions

The second roundtable focused on how Dutch businesses can support climate resilience and water management in Latin America.

Experts discussed climate intelligence tools, environmental project implementation, plastic waste solutions and urban resilience strategies.

Vitalí Díaz Mercado explained how climate and hydrological data can be transformed into practical water management tools.

Frank Behrens from RiverImpact discussed circular solutions for plastic waste and community resilience in Guatemala.

Antonia Biggs from ANIR stressed the importance of increasing visibility for sustainable materials management industries.

Forum Strengthens Regional Partnerships

IHE Delft Vice Rector Graham Jewitt described the event as a valuable opportunity for Latin American scientists in the Netherlands to build stronger connections with policymakers and private sector leaders.

He said these partnerships can improve knowledge sharing, strengthen regional cooperation and support sustainable development across Latin America and the Caribbean.

Conclusion

The IHE Delft Water Science Dialogue Forum highlighted the urgent need for stronger cooperation, better governance and innovative technologies to tackle water challenges across Latin America and the Caribbean.

As climate change and population growth continue to strain water resources, experts say

partnerships between governments, universities and businesses will be essential for building a more sustainable future.