The IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition is a great place to share new insights into how pioneering science, technological innovation and leading practices (will) shape water management.
In the spirit of sharing, learning and collaborating, what better place for Cámara Argentina del Agua (CAA) to join the Watershare network, bringing with them the interests of the water sector in Argentina as a whole and a desire to boost the water sector as a true generator of opportunities that promote economcc sectors, such as agriculture, mining, energy, food and industry in general.
On Wednesday, 13 August 2024, CAA signed the Watershare agreement, emphasising the value CAA puts on international collaboration to shape a water-wise future.
Leading CAA in this endeavour is Gonzalo Meschengieser, a distinguished leader in the field of water management and international cooperation. Gonzalo who previously held the rolse as Head of Foreign Affairs at Agua y Saneamientos Argentinos (AySA), currently serves as the CEO of CAA, where he spearheads innovative water management initiatives. Gonzalo’s commitment to advancing the water sector both nationally and globally is a testament to his dedication to sustainable development. CAA is the Argentina Chamber of Water representing the interest of companies within the water sector by positioning water as a strategic sector for sustainable economic growth in Argentina in a context of global water scarcity. The activities of the CAA are divided into 4 areas: (1) positioning water topics in public and government agenda; (2) promoting exports and attracting investments, (3) promoting the responsible use of water by industries, and (4) training and education.
What can CAA bring to Watershare and what is CAA looking for?
The CAA can contribute to Watershare by providing a comprehensive view of the water sector in Latin America focusing on three water uses: (1) agriculture, (2) industry, and (3) human consumption. In addition, the CAA is a pioneer in developing projects on virtual water export and delimitation of industrial zones rich in water. The CAA is looking for strategic partners for these initiatives. Finally, the CAA can contribute with the view of foreign trade in the field of water companies or companies that use water in their processes.
What do you see as the major opportunities for Watershare?
In my opinion there is an opportunity for global networks in the water sector to work on the appropriate use of water in the industrial sector and in relation to international trade. It may be a differential contribution from Watershare. Another opportunity may lie in collaborating with regions of the Global South, which are not well connected within the water sector.
What is CAA’s ambition as a Watershare partner?
The main ambition of the CAA as a partner of Watershare is to be able to represent the voice of the water sector of Argentina and Latin America more broadly, and contribute by adopting agenda topics that CAA sees as crucial for humanity in the coming decades, such as the use of water in industry and food production.
CAA will also aim to establish Watershare as a reference in the region and in the challenges mentioned above.
Gonzalo Meschengieser (CEO of CAA) and Mariëlle van der Zouwen (interim CEO of KWR)
