Water Crisis Imminent at World Water Week 2025: The Escalating Consequence of Disregarding the Finite Supply of the Essence of Existence

In a world grappling with the triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, the South American nation of Peru has taken significant strides in ensuring water security and sustainability. The country, despite having abundant water resources, is currently facing water scarcity in various basins, a problem partly attributed to the impact of climate change.

To address this issue, the Peruvian government has placed water management on the international public agenda. At the COP 29 on Climate Change (2024), Peru integrated water components into national adaptation plans and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) at the Baku Dialogue on Water and Climate Action.

One of the key players in this mission is Aquafondo, a Water Fund that operates in Lima. Aquafondo's work model brings together communities, the private sector, local governments, and international cooperation. This unique approach has enabled it to contribute to the water security of over 200,000 capital residents by supplying over 13 million cubic meters of water to the city's main source.

The work of Water Funds in Peru goes beyond alliance; they are active agents working towards restoring sustainability and resilience to the country's basins and cities. For instance, since 2025, a small community near Lima has achieved concrete results in water supply by using fog-catching nets to harvest water from natural fog, providing an ecological water source for about 300 families previously without access to the city's water network.

International agreements require concrete actions on the ground, making Water Funds strategic allies of the state in Peru. At the COP 15 on Wetlands (2025), Peru signed the Victoria Falls Declaration, committing to conserve, protect, and restore wetlands. Similarly, at the Latin American and Caribbean Water Ministerial Summit (2025), Peru supported the Water Roadmap, promoting interventions for water availability and resilience in basins.

Peru also committed to the Freshwater Challenge at the United Nations Water Conference (2023), aiming to restore over 300,000 kilometers of rivers and 350 million hectares of wetlands by 2030. These commitments align with national strategies, such as the National Strategy for Climate Change to 2050 and the National Biodiversity Strategy to 2050.

At the 2025 World Water Week, under the theme "Water for Climate Action," it was reaffirmed that Water Funds are dedicated agents working to restore sustainability and resilience to basins and cities in Peru. Clear goals and real commitments are needed to prevent this crisis from becoming a global water crisis. The Peruvian government, through its actions and partnerships, is leading the way in addressing this pressing issue.

Water, despite appearing endless, is a vulnerable and finite resource. It is crucial that nations like Peru continue to take proactive steps towards ensuring its sustainability and security for future generations.