Access to water is a vitally important issue in northwestern Mexico. In this region, the critical reality shared with the southeastern United States is one of growing demand that is entirely dependent on Colorado River water. As a result, the binational basin is at the epicenter of transcendental diplomatic negotiations between Mexico and the United States; whatever is decided here has a direct influence on the future of the population, as well as the flora and fauna that depend on the river.
Pronatura Noroeste actively participates in these roundtables to ensure a volume of water exclusively for nature. It is Gabriela Caloca, the organization’s current Water and Rivers coordinator, in coordination with the Revive the Colorado River / Raise the River alliance, who carried out these important negotiations that currently guarantee the permanence of 700 hectares of restored riparian forest and wetlands in the Colorado River Delta.
Her experience did not go unnoticed. At the end of 2023, Gabriela was invited to be part of the Women in Water Diplomacy network, a non-binding international community of women who, from government agencies, civil organizations and academia, are actively involved in water management within their respective countries.
“I am very honored and excited, but I understand it’s a gigantic challenge,” says Gabriela. “This group is truly important because it helps us to understand the challenges in our shared regions, and thus be able to change the perspective and inclusiveness within our countries.”
At the meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, the North American section of the international network was officially launched, establishing the Colorado River and the leadership of indigenous communities as pillars of the strategy that will seek to expand the network to the entire continent. All the actions are part of the global strategy and objectives set out in “A Path Forward for Women, Water, Peace and Security”, endorsed by the international group.
There is much to share and be learned, as Gabriela points out, especially when they identify similarities in environmental problems and there is still a long way to go on gender perspective in diplomacy. “For now we are only two women from Mexico. I’m optimistic we are on the right track, but we still have a lot of work to do”, says the expert from Pronatura Noroeste.
With Gabriela at the helm of the network and the diplomatic efforts for conservation in the Colorado River Delta, we are certain someone is looking out for the fauna, flora and communities that depend on the water to live.
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