Triangular cooperation between Germany, Mexico and Bolivia: Drinking water, energy and irrigation from a single source – increased efficiency in water management

Project description

Title: Triangular cooperation between Germany, Mexico and Bolivia: capacity development for efficient water management in multi-purpose systems 
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Mexico, Bolivia, Germany
Lead executing agency: For Bolivia: Ministry of Environment and Water (MMAyA) and the Autonomous Departmental Government of Cochabamba; For Mexico: Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID) and National Water Commission (CONAGUA)
Overall term: 2018 to 2020

Context

The provision and use of water is of strategic importance for Bolivia, not only for human consumption but also for irrigated farming to produce food and for power generation. Bolivia’s Patriotic Agenda 2025 provides for considerable investment in these areas. In order for the country to be able to implement this, detailed targets need to be formulated.

The Ministry of Environment and Water promotes the implementation of multi-purpose systems with a strategic focus, in which the emphasis is placed on managing water for the various purposes. 

In this context, the Autonomous Departmental Government of Cochabamba is taking measures that aim to improve services for the provision and distribution of water for various uses, both in the metropolitan region and in the Cochabamba valley. The Misicuni Multiple System (SMM) is part of the development proposals presented by politicians, which could provide a solution to the water supply problem. Misicuni is one of the largest dams in Bolivia. The plan is for it to provide additional drinking water to meet the requirements of seven communities. It will also provide water for the irrigation of 3,600 hectares of agricultural land. In addition, the dam is to be used to generate energy from hydroelectric power. In order to achieve this, the stakeholders involved need to be brought together from across all areas.

The aim of the COTRINEXO project is to bring together regional and national stakeholders while at the same time reinforcing specialist skills and management expertise for overarching planning and administration in the areas of drinking water, irrigation and energy. 

Objective

The technical knowledge of the parties involved in multi-purpose systems has increased. Stakeholders can plan and manage water in the various uses.

Approach

COTRINEXO is part of the financial support provided by the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID) and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project supports Bolivia in implementing the plans based on the extensive experience gained both in water planning and in creating management models for multi-purpose systems. To this end, the project works in the technical field with the Mexican counterparts of the National Water Commission and the Institute of Water Technology. 

The project works here in various fields of action.

  • Water planning in multi-purpose systems: The project provides support in drawing up and implementing a management plan for water resources in multi-purpose systems.
  • Institutionalising water management in the Misicuni Multi System: The project brings together the stakeholders of the Misicuni Multi System. The aim here is to create and implement a water management model for this system. In this way, the project is supporting Bolivia in ensuring appropriate provision for the three uses, namely drinking water, energy and irrigation.
  • Training all stakeholders of multi-purpose systems: The project trains experts and staff to develop their skills in using multi-purpose dams. This enables them to implement the plans, with a view to planning, operating and implementing good water management in general and the Misicuni Multi System in particular.
     

Additional information