During the Water Week 2025, organized by the Ministry of Infrastructure of the Government of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, FONPLATA — Development Bank convened a parallel event entitled “Alternative Water: Experiences in MERCOSUR in the Face of Water Stress,” in collaboration with the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education.

The panel addressed the challenges of water stress and included Héctor García (UTEC – IHE Delft), Marcelo Borsellino (COREBE), Karoline Monaro (SAAE Indaiatuba), Walter Álvarez (AYSAM), and Cleide Ferreira (COSANPA), with Eduardo Bogado, FONPLATA Project Specialist, serving as moderator.

Panelists discussed the main challenges faced by some MERCOSUR cities during episodes of water stress, as well as various experiences and solutions—including unconventional alternatives—currently being implemented to strengthen water resilience and ensure the continuity of water and sanitation services.

Represented by its Project Specialist, FONPLATA also participated in one of the official sessions on Thursday, the 27th, joining other multilateral development banks in the panel discussion: “Financing and Innovation in Water Investment.” The discussion focused on the role of financial innovation in mobilizing resources and ensuring sustainable investments. Bogado contributed alongside Franz Rojas, Director of Water and Sanitation Analysis at CAF; Matías Guichon, Senior Specialist in the Water and Sanitation Division at the IDB; and Marcio Da Silva José, CEO of Aquapolo Ambiental (São Paulo, Brazil). He highlighted the main gaps in access to safe water and sanitation services across MERCOSUR countries, the related financing needs, and the opportunities available to advance effective solutions. The panel also shared experiences and perspectives on mechanisms that foster resilient projects and promote cooperation between public and private actors.

FONPLATA is advancing a strategic agenda to strengthen the water and sanitation sector in its member countries, supporting projects that combine traditional infrastructure with nature-based solutions, promote water justice, and reinforce local governance—always with a clear commitment to innovation and climate resilience.

11/27/2025