To reduce water risk at the border, experts urge binational cooperation

Forum proposes institutional cooperation, agricultural transformation, technical education, community empowerment and private sector engagement

Water security across the Rio Grande and Colorado River basins faces a threat that is “no longer temporary but systemic,” warned experts from Mexico and the United States during the event “The Need for Collaboration”, convened by the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters (PFBW).

The specialists agreed that only coordinated action among both governments, local institutions, and end users can curb the advance of water stress and its impacts on border communities in Mexico and the United States.

“We may be entering the beginning of the end if we don’t act together,” cautioned Eddie Moderow, border program manager at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

Moderow highlighted that one of the greatest achievements over the past five years has been the strong relationships built among key agencies from both countries. He emphasized that the success of Minute 331 was not so much in its content but in the collaborative process that made it possible, with over 25 in-person meetings held in Monterrey, El Paso, Mexico City, Austin and other key locations.

Erik Porse, director of the California Institute for Water Resources, stressed that “the challenge is to accelerate the pace of our institutions in the face of change.” 

Gabriel Eckstein, law professor at Texas A&M University, urged a shift in focus “away from the 1944 Treaty and toward local solutions.”

Given the growing pressure on water resources, specialists warned that a third consecutive cycle of water deficit in the Rio Grande could undermine the viability of the current distribution model. They called for decentralized action led by communities, supported by technical expertise and binational collaboration.

Salvador López Córdova, environmental director at the North American Development Bank (NADBank), called for a transformation of productive models. “As long as 78% of water is allocated to agriculture, there will be no lasting solution,” he said, advocating for new financial mechanisms to support the agricultural sector in water conservation.

He noted that NADBank has mobilized over $12 billion in environmental infrastructure investments, two-thirds of which have gone to water and sanitation projects.

Sharon Megdal, director of the Arizona Water Resources Research Center, pointed out that one of the PFBW’s key accomplishments over the past five years has been enabling the exchange and unification of bilateral data. “We’ve made great progress in this area, but there’s still work to do,” Megdal said, adding, “I believe we can stay focused on solutions and progress with an optimistic outlook.” 

Participants also emphasized the need to strengthen local capacities and technical education along the border. They cited the example of the PFBW itself, which with nearly 300 active members, promotes research projects, offers free bilingual courses, fosters intergenerational mentorship among experts, and provides consulting services to public institutions and private companies.

Another priority moving forward is to actively involve the private sector and vulnerable communities in sustainable water solutions. Speakers underscored the importance of integrating multisystemic approaches and ensuring the voices of those most affected by water scarcity are heard.

“We must empower communities to work from the bottom up with creativity and innovation,” said Rosario Sánchez, director of the PFBW.

The event also highlighted the importance of preserving safe, bilingual spaces for technical dialogue. Held in celebration of the PFBW’s fifth anniversary, the gathering concluded with a shared commitment to develop joint recommendations that strengthen water governance along the border and enhance scientific, technical and community collaboration.