Latin America

From the arid highlands of the Andes to the rainforests of the Amazon basin, Latin America encompasses climatic variability to match its economic, demographic and social differences. With the highest average water availability of any region in the world, Latin America may not initially seem in danger of a water crisis. Yet, both water availability and water security can vary widely between and within Latin America countries. And with the highest water bills in the developing world, the region faces chronic problems with water access. For the first time at the World Water Week, we will put a focus on this diverse continent and explore some of its most important water challenges.

Facts:

• Many of the water-related challenges in Latin America are associated with inequalities in living standards. (The World Bank, 2009)

• A 2006 World Bank study shows average water bills in Latin America are the highest of all regions in the developing world. (World Bank 2006: Water, Electricity and the Poor. Who Benefits from Utility Subsidies?)

• Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) have the highest average water availability of all regions, at about 24,400 cubic meters per person. But availability and water security vary widely between and within LAC countries. (The World Bank, 2009)

• The Amazon Basin is the largest basin in the world. Its drainage area covers more than one third of the South American continent and is shared between 8 countries: Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela, Suriname and Guyana. (Global International Waters Assessment Amazon Basin, University of Kalmar and UNEP)

• The Guarani Aquifer, shared by Argentina, Brasil, Paraguay and Uruguay, is the largest source of fresh groundwater in the world.

• 77% of the population in Latin America is urban. (3rd UN World Water Development Report, 2009)