Born during the IV Meeting of Presidents of the State Parties to the Amazon Cooperation Treaty – Amazon Summit 2023 and formalized in the Belém Declaration, the Amazon Network of Water Authorities (ANWA) marks a milestone in water management in the Amazon Basin. This regional initiative strengthens cooperation among Amazonian countries for the integrated and sustainable management of water resources, fostering joint actions between Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.

Through coordinated efforts, ANWA reinforces the regional commitment to the revitalization, protection, and conservation of water and the sustainable development of the Amazon. It advances the vision of a future where Amazonian waters are safeguarded and preserved as a symbol of life, balance, and resilience.

Belém Declaration

The Leaders of the State Parties to the Amazon Cooperation Treaty (ACT), gathered in the city of Belém do Pará on August 9, 2023, […]

Recognizing the significance of water as a source of life in the Amazon Region and the need to continue promoting its sustainable management within the framework of national and regional efforts in the Amazon, […]

Decided as follows: […]

30. Create the Network of Water Authorities of the OTCA Member States for cooperation in the sustainable management of the region’s water resources, with the objective that the Member States establish regional protocols for monitoring, cooperation, and mutual support in the management of the Amazon’s water resources by the Member States for the revitalization, conservation, and protection of water sources, of criteria and parameters for water quality; and to support the implementation of regional projects and initiatives on surface and groundwater, the cooperative and sustainable planning and management of water resources, including transboundary ones, the progressive strengthening of technical, technological, and institutional capacities, technological innovation, and intercultural dialogue, in accordance with national circumstances, including the political, social, and cultural commitments of each country.

History

August 2023

The Path Toward the Creation of ANWA

The creation of the Amazon Network of Water Authorities (ANWA) is the result of efforts led by the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) within the framework of the Amazon Basin Project. As part of this collective construction process, ACTO convened the National Water Authorities of the eight Amazonian countries on August 6, 2023, during the Amazon Dialogues, a preparatory event for the Amazon Summit. During this meeting, the proposal for the Network was drafted and later presented to the Heads of State, who confirmed it as a regional commitment.

August 2023

A New Structure for Amazonian Cooperation is Born

On August 9, 2023, during the Amazon Summit, the proposal from the National Water Authorities for the creation of the Amazon Network of Water Authorities (ANWA) was adopted by the presidents of the Amazonian countries and formalized in the Belém Declaration.

This permanent coordination and mutual support mechanism represents a milestone in the implementation of the Strategic Action Program (SAP) for Integrated Water Resources Management in the Amazon Basin, establishing a regional cooperation framework for the sustainable management of water in the region.

November 2023

ANWA’s Establishment

During the XIV Meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Member States of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO), held in Brasília on November 23, 2023, the authorities confirmed the establishment of ANWA.

Through Resolution 19, ACTO’s Permanent Secretariat was tasked with convening the First Meeting of ANWA in the first half of 2024, as well as adopting the necessary measures to ensure funding for its activities and providing administrative support for its meetings and other initiatives.

April 2024

ANWA in Operation

On April 17, 2024, at the headquarters of the Amazon Cooperation Treaty Organization (ACTO) in Brasília, Brazil, ANWA officially began its operations as a mechanism for Amazonian cooperation. During the network’s inauguration ceremony, Ambassador Marissa Castro, Director General of Borders and International Waters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia, assumed the Presidency of ANWA. She emphasized that by strengthening the integrated and sustainable management of the Amazon Basin, the network represents a step forward in the cooperation initiated with the 1978 Amazon Cooperation Treaty.

In the same year, ANWA approved its internal Regulations and Work Plan, structured around four key action areas for the 2024-2026 period, marking the beginning of a joint agenda for water management in the region.

October 2024

Approval of the Internal Regulations and the 2024-2026 Work Plan

On October 4, 2024, during a virtual meeting, the Amazon Network of Water Authorities (ANWA) approved its internal regulations, which consist of four chapters detailing its objectives, responsibilities, structure, and operational procedures.

During the same session, the 2024-2026 Work Plan was also approved. Structured around four key action areas, this plan establishes the foundation for a coordinated regional agenda for water governance in the Amazon.

Words from ANWA’s Founding Authorities

Bolivia

“ANWA must establish itself as a regional management mechanism, promoting cooperation and integration to tackle water challenges with concrete actions.”

Regina Velazco,

Director General of Basins and Water Resources at the Ministry of Environment and Water

Brazil

“ANWA is key to strengthening hydrological monitoring, expanding the hydrometeorological network, and developing water supply and sanitation solutions for Amazonian populations.”

Veronica Sánchez da Cruz Rios,

President-Director of the National Water and Basic Sanitation Agency (ANA)

Colombia

“By advancing water governance in the Amazon, ANWA fosters collaboration among countries to ensure ecosystem integrity and equitable access to water resources.”

Oscar Francisco Puerta Luchini,

Director of Integrated Water Resources Management at the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development

Ecuador

“ANWA's mission is to secure a sustainable and equitable future for all Amazonian families who depend on these water resources.”

María Luisa Riofrio,

Vice Minister of Water of Ecuador at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition

Guyana

“ANWA facilitates regional cooperation and integrated water management, promoting synergies and common policies to address the challenges of the Amazon Basin.”

Frank Grogan,

Specialist Hydrologist at the Ministry of Agriculture / Hydrometeorological Service

Peru

“By working together, sharing knowledge, and promoting joint initiatives, we can tackle challenges and ensure efficient management while respecting national sovereignty.”

Alonzo Zapata Cornejo,

Head of the National Water Authority (ANA)

Surinam

“ANWA's success relies on effective coordination, data exchange, and proper resource allocation.”

Nasser Rodjan,

Permanent Deputy Secretary for Environment and Ecosystems at the Ministry of Land Use Planning and Environment

Venezuela

“ANWA must work to ensure water security, public health, and sustainable economic development.”

Miguel Ángel Perozo,

Vice Minister of River Basins of Venezuela at the Ministry of Popular Power for Ecosocialism

Internal Regulations

Approved on October 4, 2024

The Amazon Network of Water Authorities (ANWA) was established as a permanent space for participation and coordination, with the purpose of operational and technical planning of its activities. Its goal is to enhance dialogue, information exchange, experience sharing, and cooperation among the Member Countries of ACTO.

Objectives

Promote cooperation and mutual support to permanently coordinate the necessary actions that improve the management and monitoring of Amazonian waters, contributing to mitigating the risks of water insecurity and the impacts of climate change.
Cooperation and Dialogue for IWRM

SAP Implementation – Support for the achievement of OTCA’s objectives

  • Strengthening technical, technological, and institutional capacities
  • Technology transfer
  • Professional training and exchange of experiences
  • Strengthening and harmonization of water management policies
  • Harmonization of regulatory frameworks
  • Coordination of actions for the right to drinking water and sanitation, balancing it with food and energy needs
  • Mutual support for the conservation and protection of water sources and basins
  • Support for surface and groundwater management projects
  • Support for technological innovation and intercultural dialogue
  • Support for the implementation of regional projects and initiatives
Hydrological and Water Quality Monitoring
  • Support for data and information exchange
  • Strengthening the Amazon Regional Observatory (ARO)
  • Establishment of Regional Protocols
  • Definition of monitoring criteria and parameters
  • Creation of early warning systems
Sustainability of institutions and initiatives

  • Seeking and mobilization of non-reimbursable financial resources

Work Plan

2024-2026

ANWA is implementing its Work Plan with a focus on four key areas: technical training, monitoring protocols, strengthening water management, and financial sustainability. These actions enhance the integrated management of the Amazon Basin’s water resources, fostering cooperation, innovation, and regional alignment.

  • Amazon Water Management Training Plan

    Through the Amazon Basin Project (ACTO/UNEP/GEF), a series of technical training sessions will be conducted in the countries to strengthen water resource management at national and regional levels.

    ACTO and ANWA’s Specialized Technical Panel (STP) are responsible for refining the Training Plan proposal and guiding its implementation, developing a training portfolio aligned with the needs identified during the National Workshops for the Implementation of the Strategic Action Program for Integrated Water Resources Management in the Amazon Basin (SAP), held between August 2023 and April 2024. All courses must incorporate a gender perspective.

  • Water Quality and Quantity Monitoring Protocols

    Another key area is the implementation of common protocols for the operation of the Amazon Hydrological Network (AHN) and the Water Quality Network (WQN), which have been operating since 2019 within the Amazon Regional Observatory (ARO), with monitoring data from 244 hydrometeorological stations.

    In addition to setting standards for regional network operations, the protocols will support countries in modernizing and strengthening their monitoring systems. These tools will be essential for ANWA and ACTO to seek funding for their full implementation.

  • Establishment of a Permanent Regional Coordination Mechanism for IWRM

    ANWA will also be responsible for establishing the Permanent Regional Coordination Mechanism for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) within ACTO. The network will serve as the core of this mechanism, helping countries overcome technical and managerial challenges in advancing IWRM in the Amazon Basin while strengthening cooperation among them. Additionally, ANWA will be tasked with planning a financial sustainability strategy to support basin conservation efforts, IWRM coordination, and SAP implementation.

  • Experience Exchange and Financing Strategies for IWRM

    The fourth key area focuses on securing international funding to support IWRM development in the Amazon Basin. Countries will also organize workshops to share experiences on financial sustainability, aiming to improve national water resource management systems in the Amazon.

Documents

  • Belém Declaration

  • Regulations

  • Work Plan

  • Regional Protocols

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