In Costa Rica, water is an abundant resource. Yet, the availability of this resource as drinking water for some users is being undermined. Intensive agriculture, grazing, use of pesticides, growing urbanisation and discharge of non-treated wastewater all pose threats to soils and disturb water cycles. This is happening in a context of climate change that is exacerbating these problems. The Costa Rican government itself acknowledges that despite a national water policy (2008) and an integrated water resources management [IWRM] strategy (2006), “it has not been possible to establish adequate management of this [water] resource that would integrate institutional performance, ensure fair use and effective protection of water”[1].

In this context, GRET is conducting a project for conservation and fair distribution of water resources. Funded by the Adour Garonne Water Agency, GRET is testing models of local governance so that all water users can be represented. With a water law and an action plan for integrated water resources management currently under review, Costa Rica is serving as a test “laboratory” for this project experimenting participative, democratic approaches with a view to inspiring local and national policies. Within the same framework, a participative diagnosis of integrated water resources management will also be conducted in neighbouring El Salvador.

[1] Agenda del Agua 2013 – 2030

The project’s specific objectives and main results:

SO 1: Revitalise IWRM governance bodies in micro-watersheds of the Rio Poas taking an action-research approach

1.1 Support for IWRM governance at local level by sub-committees in the Rio Grande sub-basins in San Ramon, as part of Costa Rica’s national programme for IWRM.
1.2 Coordination between the various IWRM actors across Costa Rica
1.3 Participative IWRM diagnosis and support for the action plan in two sub-watersheds in El Salvador.

SO 2: Creation of a platform to monitor hydro-climatological data from a technological and institutional point of view

2.1 Development of a platform for a hydro-climatic information system in Costa Rica in a micro-watershed
2.2 Implementation of a platform with State entities and the main users.
2.3 South-South training exchanges (Costa Rica and El Salvador) on the hydro-climatic platform.

SO3 Contribute to a major political commitment, investment and operationalisation of IWRM in Costa Rica

3.1 Monitoring and evaluation
3.2 Dissemination and capitalisation of results