GM Spotlight Series: IWA GM Bolivia Strengthening Collaboration and Climate Resilience in the Water Sector

Bolivia’s water sector reflects the country’s remarkable geographic diversity. From the Andean highlands to the Amazon basin, water availability, climate conditions, and service challenges vary significantly across regions. While Bolivia possesses important natural water resources, many communities continue to face difficulties related to access to drinking water, sanitation, wastewater treatment, and climate vulnerability. Bolivia’s water sector faces several interconnected challenges. Expanding equitable access to safe drinking water and sanitation services remains a national priority, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where service coverage and infrastructure gaps persist. Climate change is also intensifying pressures on water systems, with droughts, floods, glacier retreat, and water scarcity affecting both urban and rural communities.

At the same time, improving wastewater treatment and reducing water pollution continue to be important concerns, especially in growing urban and industrial areas. Strengthening integrated water resources management and improving coordination among institutions and sectors is also essential to building more resilient and sustainable governance frameworks. In this complex context, IWA Governing Member (GM) Bolivia has emerged as a growing platform for collaboration, technical exchange, and capacity building.

As part of the International Water Association’s global network, IWA GM Bolivia brings together professionals, researchers, institutions, students, and practitioners committed to advancing sustainable water management in the country. The GM promotes interdisciplinary dialogue and cooperation among academia, government institutions, civil society, industry, and local communities, encouraging solutions tailored to Bolivia’s social, environmental, and institutional realities.

A central focus of IWA GM Bolivia’s work is strengthening technical and scientific capacities while connecting local initiatives to regional and global discussions on water security, climate resilience, sanitation, and environmental sustainability. The GM also places strong emphasis on inclusion, recognising the importance of youth participation, gender equity, and diverse perspectives in addressing complex water challenges.

In recent years, IWA GM Bolivia has sought to contribute to these discussions through a range of technical and collaborative initiatives. One of its flagship activities is organising   Bolivia Water Week, a national platform that convenes researchers, students, professionals, public institutions, civil society organisations, and international partners to exchange experiences and discuss key issues related to water, sanitation, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

The organisation has also promoted webinars, workshops, fairs, and collaborative activities focused on sustainable water management, interdisciplinary research, and climate resilience. Through its 'Water Knowledge' series, IWA GM Bolivia has created opportunities for scientists and researchers to present and discuss their work, helping to strengthen connections between academia, professionals, and communities.

Young professional engagement has become another important pillar of the organisation’s activities. The IWA Young Water Professionals (YWP) Bolivia Chapter was established to strengthen the participation and leadership of students, researchers, practitioners, academics, and early-career professionals working in the sector.

Working closely with IWA GM Bolivia, the YWP Chapter promotes networking, technical exchange, mentoring, and capacity building through workshops, webinars, outreach activities, and collaborative initiatives. This close relationship between experienced professionals and emerging leaders has helped foster intergenerational dialogue and created a stronger and more connected water community in Bolivia.

Looking ahead, IWA GM Bolivia aims to strengthen its institutional presence and expand collaboration opportunities nationally and internationally. Future priorities include expanding engagement beyond academia by strengthening connections with industry, government institutions, civil society organisations, and local communities.

The organisation also sees significant opportunities for regional collaboration with other IWA Governing Members, YWP Chapters, universities, NGOs, and public institutions across Latin America and beyond. Key areas for future cooperation include climate resilience, sustainable water management, sanitation, innovation, and capacity building for young professionals. 

As discussions around climate adaptation, inclusion, and sustainable water governance continue to gain urgency globally, IWA GM Bolivia is helping to create stronger connections between local realities and international dialogue. Through collaboration, technical exchange, and inclusive engagement, the organisation continues to contribute to a more resilient and sustainable water future for Bolivia and the wider region.

About IWA GM Bolivia

IWA GM Bolivia is part of the global International Water Association network and brings together professionals, researchers, institutions, and students committed to advancing sustainable water management in Bolivia. The organisation promotes collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building related to water security, sanitation, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability.

Chair: Paula Cecilia Soto Rios