The decisions were agreed upon by the National Council of Autonomies composed of the country’s four government bodies (national, departmental, municipal and indigenous autonomies) during the 14th session of the Council, which was chaired by President Luis Arce.

After the meeting, which lasted five hours, the Vice Minister of Autonomies, Álvaro Ruiz, read the document that refers to the measures. “The National Council of Autonomies, first by consensus, resolved to create the Permanent Water Council between the central level and the autonomous territorial entities, as the maximum space for coordination, consultation, deliberation, proposals and agreements for the administration and management of water resources.” the resolution says.

The Ministry of Environment and Water will lead the newly created structure. It was also agreed to establish the National Water for Life Fund, which will grant loans to autonomous territorial entities for the execution of large projects aimed at guaranteeing water security.

The Ministry of Development Planning will be in charge of managing the external resources necessary for the creation of this fund.

As a result of the global climate crisis, Bolivia is currently suffering from water deficit in several municipalities, with Potosí as the most critical case, to the point that rationing was established in the territory.

According to the Federation of Municipal Associations, 140 municipalities nationwide declared a state of disaster due to drought and fires.

During the meeting, the members of the Council supported the efforts of the national government in the acquisition of advanced equipment through the National Meteorology and Hydrology Service, which will be of great importance to have timely information that helps at all levels of the government to mitigate the effects of climate crisis so as to avoid adverse events.

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