The World Bank Board of Executive Directors has approved a new project to support Chile’s Just Water Transition program, aimed at fostering more sustainable and equitable water resources management. This $250 million initiative will be implemented by the Ministry of Public Works in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment.
Jessica López, Minister of Public Works for Chile, emphasized the importance of integrated water resources management given the country's commitment to the human right to water and sustainable development. "As a country, we must therefore continue developing our country, carefully managing our water resources, in light of the triple crises of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution that assail our planet," López stated.
Maisa Rojas, Minister of Environment for Chile, noted that achieving better water security involves establishing an Interministerial Committee for the Just Transition of Water Resources. “We have promoted an agenda for planning and managing water resources, incorporating an ecosystem-based approach and a vision of watersheds into various instruments to ensure water availability and quality,” Rojas explained.
The World Bank project aims to benefit 100,000 inhabitants in rural communities by providing access to safe drinking water through new or rehabilitated systems. Additionally, 1.1 million people will be less exposed to flood risks related to climate change. The initiative also seeks to enhance national capacity for planning and managing water resources.
“We support Chile’s efforts to strengthen the management of its water resources through increased participation of various stakeholders linked to a river basin,” said Issam Abousleiman, World Bank Country Director for Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, and Peru. He added that better information for decision-making and integrating nature-based solutions into infrastructure would bolster Chile's capacity to address climate impacts.
The program includes innovative practices such as strengthening stakeholder participation in watershed management involving government entities, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and local communities. It also addresses the lack of safely managed drinking water and sanitation in rural areas by incorporating efficient wastewater treatment technologies adaptable to different geographic conditions.
To mitigate climate risks further, the Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Environment plan to integrate nature-based solutions into infrastructure projects like drainage systems, floodplain restoration, riverbank protection, dikes, and reforestation efforts.
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