Zapopan, Jalisco; May 15.—The Universidad Panamericana officially presented the Center for Hydro-Adaptive Cities, an academic and research initiative focused on developing solutions to Mexico’s water crisis and promoting more resilient and sustainable urban models.
During the opening event held on the Guadalajara campus, university officials, experts, and representatives from the public sector emphasized the need to transform water management through applied research, innovation, and institutional collaboration.
Universidad Panamericana Research on Water Resilience
Dr. Abraham Mendoza Andrade, rector of the Guadalajara campus, noted that universities must take an active role in addressing environmental and social challenges. “We are not here to be spectators of climate change, but architects of resilience, ” he said.
The new center aims to generate knowledge and concrete proposals to address issues such as water scarcity, pollution, and urban flooding. Dr. Daniela Salgado Gutiérrez, the research director, emphasized that science is the non-negotiable starting point for avoiding ad-hoc solutions to crises.
What will the Center for Hydro-Adaptive Cities be researching?
The center's main areas of research include:
- Institutional factors that optimize the performance of water utilities.
- Implementation of nature-based solutions for urban management.
- Development of technologies for smart cities and effective water conservation programs.
These initiatives aim to strengthen cities' ability to adapt to climate change and water stress.
What are water-resilient cities?
Dr. Hugo Briseño Ramírez, director of the Center for Water-Adaptive Cities, explained that the concept of “water adaptation” involves aligning urban life with the natural water cycle, rather than altering or damaging it.
According to the expert, water-resilient cities are environments designed to respond to risks such as:
- Water shortage
- Water pollution
- Urban flooding
The goal is to build cities capable of capturing, retaining, and valuing water as a strategic resource for sustainable development. In addition, the project will involve collaboration with national and international researchers specializing in sustainability, urban planning, and water management.
Social commitment and a vision for the future
As part of the opening ceremony, a preview of the documentary *Cuando el Agua Calla* was shown, which addresses issues related to drought, pollution, and canalized rivers in Jalisco and other regions of the country.
Dr. Fernanda Llergo Bay, president of the UP-IPADE system, emphasized that the Universidad Panamericana to address social and environmental challenges through impactful research. “The truth is that the time for water is now, ” she said.
The day concluded with the panel Water-Adaptive Cities: The Master Plan for Surviving Tomorrow, in which national and international experts such as Guadalupe Peñúñuri, who has contributed to water solutions in Hermosillo, Sonora; Dr. Yu Chen, from the University of Toronto; and Mario López Pérez, from the State Water Commission, discussed strategies to address the global water crisis and build more resilient cities.
