Groundwater Governance: The Challenges of Administrative Practice - International Water Resources Association

13:00-14:30 Buenos Aires / 18:00-19:30 CEST | Tuesday 22 September 2026 | Webinar no. 83

Register here

Background

Effective groundwater management depends on having the right systems in place to turn knowledge into action. Across Latin America, administrative and economic realities can shape what is possible in practice, from how groundwater policies are implemented to how resources are allocated and competing needs are addressed.

Against this backdrop, IWRA’s Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Geographic Chapter launched Transboundary Aquifer Systems in Latin America, a five-part webinar series running from August to October 2026 examining the various challenges and opportunities relating to groundwater management across the region.

The third second session is taking place Tuesday 22 September at 13:00 ART/ 18:00 CEST and, like all the sessions in the series, it will be held in Spanish, with simultaneous English translation via subtitles.

Part 3: Groundwater Governance: The Challenges of Administrative Practice

Groundwater management is shaped by more than science and technical knowledge. Across Latin America, decisions about groundwater are also influenced by how institutions work, how responsibilities are shared, who has access to water, how it is financed, and the different interests involved.

This session brings together experts from across the region to discuss the practical realities of managing groundwater. It will explore the challenges faced by governments, institutions and water users, as well as the different needs and interests that can shape decisions. The discussion will also look at ways to overcome these challenges and support more sustainable and effective groundwater management.

Panel

Host

Ariana Rossen, IWRA Latin America and Caribbean Geographic Chapter

Speakers

Pilar Villar, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Brazil
Juan Pablo Galeano, Environmental Lawyer, Argentina
Jorge Arriaga, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico

Moderator

Matilde Saravia Martinez, Universidad de la República, Uruguay

Rapporteur

Sebastián Riera, National Institute of Agricultural Technology of Argentina

About the webinar series: Transboundary Aquifer Systems in Latin America

Overall, the series aims to examine the various scientific, climatic, governance, and policy dimensions of transboundary systems in the region, through a combination of expert presentations, panel dialogues, and audience participation.

The webinar series is designed to follow a logical progression, with each session exploring a different aspect of transboundary aquifer systems while contributing to a broader understanding of their governance and management in Latin America.

The five sessions will be held between August and October, with one session every two weeks. They will be held in Spanish, with simultaneous English interpretation available in subtitles.

All sessions start with presentations, followed by a structured panel discussion, a roundtable Q&A, and conclusions provided by the moderator.

Programme
*All sessions will take place 18:00-19:30 CEST/13:00-14:30 Buenos Aires local time

25 August: “International Cooperation in the Guaraní Aquifer: Lessons Learned and Future Challenges” (Watch the recordings)
8 September: “Using Information and Data to Make Aquifers Visible” (Watch the recordings)
22 September: “Overcoming Structural Challenges in Groundwater Governance” (register here)
6 October: “The Role and Potential of Groundwater Organisations in Latin America” (register here)
20 October: “Aquifers, Strategic Uses, and Conflicts in the Context of Climate Change” (register here)

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IWRA Webinars constitute an additional resource designed to help our members, academics, dedicated practitioners, and policy professionals further explore these and other timely themes engaging in fruitful discussions, also aligned with the international water agenda and in close collaboration with key partners.