Preserving and Monitoring the Guarani Aquifer for Current and Future Use
| Geolocation: | -22° 23' 7.2204", -50° 58' 32.7623" |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 65,078,20065,078,200,000,000 millionmillion |
| Total Area | 1,182,0001,182,000 km² 456,370.2 mi² km2 |
| Climate Descriptors | Moist tropical (Köppen A-type), Continental (Köppen D-type), Moist, Monsoon, Dry-winter, temperate |
| Predominent Land Use Descriptors | agricultural- cropland and pasture, forest land, rangeland |
| Important Uses of Water | Domestic/Urban Supply, Hydropower Generation, Recreation or Tourism |
| Water Features: | Guarani Aquifer |
Contents
Summary
The Guarani aquifer is the largest groundwater resource in the world, with 45,000 km 3 of water and a surface area of 1.2 million km2 [1] The transboundary aquifer is shared by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. The economic and social importance of the Guarani aquifer to the four riparians has spurred concern over the pollution and over-exploitation of its groundwater, especially in the context of growing demand for freshwater resources in all four states. While the level of pollution and use has not yet reached critical levels, the potential for future problems in these areas has led to immediate action and cooperation among the four states to develop an aquifer management strategy. Additionally, the hydrothermal character of certain areas of the aquifer represents a resource for tourism as well as "clean energy" production. In order to prevent conflict in the future over the Guarani aquifer, the four states have been involved in the GEF-funded Project for the Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development of the Guarani Aquifer System. All four states have signed on to the project and participated thus far in the design of the management and monitoring program for the Guarani aquifer. So far, initial surveys of the aquifer have given more detailed information relating to the quantity of water, and the geography, distribution and use of the water, giving stakeholders and policymakers a better understanding of how the aquifer will need to be managed. In fact, some "hot spots" of pollution or overuse have been identified, and new management practices have been initiated in these areas. Additionally, the project has succeeded in raising awareness about the aquifer, which has resulted in increased international interest, forums for dialogue and the engagement of universities and NGOs [2]
Natural, Historic, Economic, Regional, and Political Framework
Analysis, Synthesis, and Insight
Individuals may add their own Analysis, Synthesis, and Insight (ASI) to a case. ASI sub-articles are protected, so that each contributor retains authorship and control of their own content. Edit the case to add your own ASI.
Learn moreASI:Lessons learned regarding managing groundwater and other outcomes from the process
Contributed by: Aaron T. Wolf, Joshua T. Newton, Matthew Pritchard (last edit: 12 February 2013)
- ^ Organization of American States (2004). Moving Forward the Water Agenda: Issues to consider in Latin America, Unit for Sustainable Development and Environment, Policy Series May (2) 1.
- ^ Mejia, A., Lopez Zayas, L.A., Tafflesse S. and Amore, L. (2004). The Guarani Aquifer System: a key element for an integrated water resources management strategy in La Plata Basin , Powerpoint Presentation: Diving in to Implementation, Slides 8 and 14, World Bank, World Water Week.
