The Source-to-Sea approach, developed by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI), aims to provide a more integrated perspective on river basin management. It considers the processes that occur throughout the land area drained by a river, including aquifers, lakes, tributaries, deltas, and estuaries, as well as coastal areas near the river mouth and the open ocean, along with low-altitude atmospheric movements. This holistic approach offers analytical and planning tools for the sustainable development of future initiatives.

As a governance and management tool, the Source-to-Sea approach considers the river basin systemically, encouraging cooperation between upstream and downstream stakeholders and ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes for management challenges. These challenges span traditional boundaries between terrestrial, freshwater, and marine systems, connecting sustainable social, economic, and environmental policies and practices.

Adriane Michels Brito, a researcher in water resources, governance, and environmental management, and the lead trainer on the Source-to-Sea approach, explains that fragmented, overly focused, or weak governance and management jeopardize progress toward sustainable development.

“To address rapid environmental degradation, integrated and effective action is essential, and this is facilitated by the Source-to-Sea approach. By incorporating this approach, IWRM achieves more positive results in combating ecosystem destruction,” Adriane emphasizes.

From the Andes to the Atlantic

Within the framework of the Amazon Basin Project, the Source-to-Sea approach includes the water continuum from the headwaters of the Amazon River in the Andes to the Atlantic Ocean. It considers the connections between water, land, and atmosphere, including flying rivers, aquifers, and riparian and coastal ecosystems. This approach is applied to regional, national, and local actions throughout the region, aiming to reduce the impacts of extreme climatic events and sea level rise, prevent and reduce pollution and water overuse, and promote water security and efficient water use across the Amazon Basin.

Through this training series, countries are also strengthening their conflict resolution and negotiation skills regarding water resource use. Cooperation among nations and other stakeholders can lead to mutual benefits, such as improved water quality, efficient resource use, and reduced environmental impacts.

Brian Zurita from Ecuador’s National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (INAMHI) highlighted the simulations conducted during the training on cross-border negotiation processes. “By analyzing a hypothetical case of countries with different economies and ideologies managing shared water resources in a river basin, we were able to explore integrated solutions for conflict resolution, considering technical, social, political, environmental, economic, and bureaucratic aspects,” he explained.

“These simulations helped clarify negotiation concepts and principles and provided us with effective tools for interdisciplinary work and collaborative processes between countries, institutions, and communities,” noted Gisela Paredes Leguizamón, manager of Colombia’s National Natural Parks, and a participant in the Bogotá training session.