Pan-American Observatory of Hydro-adaptive Cities

Universidad Panamericana

PAN-AMERICAN OBSERVATORY OF HYDRO-ADAPTIVE CITIES

The water situation in Jalisco and the world faces urgent challenges: overexploitation of groundwater, declining reservoir levels, lack of full coverage in drinking water supply, pollution, impermeable urbanization, agricultural challenges, with critical cases such as the Santiago River, where pollution has reached alarming levels. In addition, close to a large percentage of water is not accounted for due to leaks, poor metering or commercial losses, and insufficient tariffs, together with the non-collection of part of the water that is billed, make it impossible to cover operating costs. These problems compromise the sustainability and well-being of communities.

Faced with this complex panorama, the Pan American Observatory for Water-Adaptive Cities has emerged as a dynamic space for research and dissemination, based on the principle of "Dialogue with the Environment", with a vocation for social action and sustainability. Its purpose is to promote collective solutions through active interaction with communities, collaboration with authorities and productive sectors, and the implementation of strategies for sustainable water management.

Committed to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6, the Observatory works to ensure universal access to water and sanitation. Its actions are focused on influencing public policies, empowering communities and strengthening local capacities to address the water crisis. We believe that the key lies in the articulation of efforts between different social actors, recognizing that the right to water can only be guaranteed through sustainable, equitable and participatory management.

WHO WE ARE

At the Universidad Panamericana, Guadalajara campus, the term hydro-adaptive cities has been developed. These cities are those that respond adequately to the risks associated with water, such as scarcity, pollution and flooding, and perceive this resource as an opportunity for their development and the well-being of their citizens.

Through an interdisciplinary approach, we seek to rescue and promote best practices based on four fundamental pillars:

Research
Disclosure
Participation with government and society
Infrastructure

From academia, we seek to make an impact through scientific publications and outreach, consulting, collaboration with governments and civil society organizations, design of public policies, events, congresses, and presence in networks. In addition, with the infrastructure project, Universidad Panamericana aspires to become the first hydroadaptive city as a replicable model.

GENERAL OBJECTIVE

To be an observatory that continuously dialogues with the environment and positions itself as a national reference in research, dissemination and participatory collaboration with government and society in the field of water management.

Research, dissemination and participation

Research, dissemination and participation

Management of agencies in Mexican cities

Management of agencies in Mexican cities

Quality water in an equitable and sustainable manner

Quality water in an equitable and sustainable manner

MISSION

Transform urban water management in Mexico, interacting interdisciplinary, proposing best practices and public policies that promote hydro-adaptive cities harmoniously integrated with the water cycle, mitigating risks and enhancing environmental, social and economic benefits.

VISION

A Mexico where access to water is not a water problem due to excess or lack; where water is of quality and its management guarantees a life with present and future wellbeing.

ADVANTAGES OF THE MODEL

The Pan-American Observatory for Water-Adaptive Cities proposes an innovative model of water management based on the adaptability of cities to their water reality. It is structured in five interdependent pillars:

Efficiency and circular economy
Restoration of the hydrological cycle
Technology
Governance and the human right to water
Water awareness

OBJECTIVES BY PILLAR

Promote efficiency in the management of water resources for urban use, as well as the circular economy in the provision of drinking water, sewerage and sanitation services.
Promote the restoration of the hydrological cycle of cities in order to avoid risks and conflicts related to excess and lack of water.
Promote the use of state-of-the-art technology in water management processes in cities.
Encourage best governance practices in the water sector for efficient decision making, with clear rules and involving relevant stakeholders to ensure the human right to water.
Stimulate water awareness in citizens for an adequate valuation of the resource, as well as its responsible use.