NEW REPORT PUBLISHED!! Governing water for sustainble farming by Elisa Blanco, 2021 Chile Scholar
14/11/2024
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MEDIA RELEASE
14 November 2024
"Effective water management is not just about technical solutions; it's about fostering collaboration among communities, stakeholders, and governments. By working together, we can tackle the challenges of climate change, ensure food security, and protect our vital water resources."
- 2021 Nuffield Scholar, Elisa Blanco
Collaboration Key to Sustainable Water Governance Globally
Chilean agronomist and researcher Elisa Blanco has unveiled critical insights into community-based water management systems following her Nuffield Scholarship travels. Supported by Public Sector Pension Investments (PSP Investments), Elisa's research highlights the pivotal role of collaborative governance frameworks in addressing global water challenges such as climate change, population growth, and competing water demands.
Drawing on case studies from countries including Australia, Spain, Chile, Portugal, Singapore, and the Netherlands, Elisa explored the successes and limitations of water users' associations, irrigation districts, and governance frameworks. Her findings emphasize the necessity of adaptive management strategies and innovative financing mechanisms to secure water resources for future generations.
"The communities and systems I studied showed that effective water governance begins with trust, shared knowledge, and strong institutional support," Elisa said.
Her research points to key policy and practice recommendations, such as supporting locally managed water associations, integrating scientific expertise with local knowledge, and implementing innovative financial solutions like green and blue bonds.
During her travels, Elisa visited groundbreaking initiatives, including:
- The Tasmania Irrigation Scheme, which demonstrated how public-private partnerships and adaptive management strategies can provide sustainable water supplies for agricultural productivity.
- California's Groundwater Sustainability Agencies, showcasing innovative community-led plans to sustain aquifers during droughts.
- Chile's Copiap Basin, where self-managed water associations have turned arid regions into resilient agricultural landscapes.
Elisa stressed the critical need for capacity building among stakeholders to foster equitable water management and improve outcomes.
"By empowering communities to manage water resources and fostering knowledge-sharing, we can enhance resilience and ensure sustainable farming practices globally," she said.
Implications for Global Food Security
Elisa's report, titled *Governing Water for Sustainable Farming*, underscores that improving water management is essential for environmental sustainability and global food security. She calls for governments and industry to strengthen support for locally governed systems, prioritize inclusive governance, and adopt financial innovations to incentivize sustainable practices.
Transforming Challenges into Opportunities
"Water scarcity is a global issue, but by applying the lessons of community-based governance and fostering innovation, we can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth and sustainability," Elisa said.
Her research has broad implications, providing actionable insights for farmers, policymakers, and water management professionals worldwide.
Next Steps
Elisa's full report is now available on the Nuffield Australia website. Her work provides a roadmap for policymakers and agricultural communities to build resilience, ensuring water security for future generations.
For more information or to access Elisa's report, visit nuffieldinternational.org
Supporter Information:
The Public Sector Pension Investment Board (PSP Investments) is one of Canada's largest pension investors with $264.9 billion of net assets under management as of March 31, 2024. It manages a diversified global portfolio composed of investments in capital markets, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, natural resources, and credit investments. Established in 1999, PSP Investments manages and invests amounts transferred to it by the Government of Canada for the pension plans of the federal public service, the Canadian Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Reserve Force. Headquartered in Ottawa, PSP Investments has its principal business office in Montral and offices in New York, London and Hong Kong. For more information, visit investpsp.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
