GEF CReW+ Strengthening Local Governance and Management

Since the previous CReW project, we in Costa Rica have shown great interest in working collaboratively with countries in the region to promote proper wastewater management and ultimately reduce the impacts of pollution in the Greater Caribbean Region.

With the launch of GEF CReW+, we celebrate the inclusion of components related to integrated water resources management. The connection between water management and wastewater management is crucial if we want to reduce pollution impacts and conflicts over water use, which is always important for achieving final goals.

The process of updating the National Policy for Integrated Water Resources Management, supported by GEF CReW+, allowed us, through the diagnostic performed, to investigate the true state of the country in more depth, as well as prioritize the actions deemed necessary for the future. This process, conducted through broad participation from various sectors, both institutional and civil society, has provided a much more realistic and closer vision. It has also taught us valuable lessons about the need to strengthen participatory spaces to enhance governance in water management.

The importance of participation was also evident during the feasibility study for a wastewater treatment system in the La Fortuna community. The leadership of local organizations and the community operator providing potable water and sanitation services contributed to the project's success, ensuring that the results from these pre-investment studies were solid not only technically but also socially.

The need to incorporate the demands of local actors, minorities, and indigenous peoples in water management has also become clear through the activities supported by GEF CReW+ in our country. Given the diverse worldviews and needs, it is essential to place these issues of inclusive participation on national agendas and integrate them as a necessary part of governance processes to make them effective.

From our work in water resource management in Costa Rica, the activities executed through GEF CReW+ have provided us not only with positive results in terms of achieved objectives but also with significant lessons and new challenges for the future. We envision a new agenda that incorporates more collaborative, interinstitutional work with a strong connection between national and local levels.

Author: Vivian González, Professional in Projects and Strategic Processes, Water Directorate, Ministry of Environment and Energy.