Nexus Regional Dialogues LAC // IIGE and GIZ developed the second edition of the Nexus Dialogue Water, Energy and Food in Ecuador
On April 11th, the second edition of the Nexus Dialogue was held in Ecuador. The main objective of the event was the contribution to the Nexus Regional Dialogue in Latin America and the Caribbean through the presentation of studies, initiatives and research projects in the water, energy and food sectors at national level.
This article is also available in spanish.
This article was first published on the website of the Government of Ecuador on April 12, 2023.
The second edition of the Nexus Dialogue Water, Energy and Food in Ecuador, jointly organised by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and the Institute for Geological and Energy Research (IIGE), was held on April 11th in Quito, in the Auditorium of the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MEM). The objective of the meeting was to contribute to the Nexus Dialogue in Latin America and the Caribbean through the presentation of studies, initiatives, technical assistance and research projects in the sectors involved at the national level.
Interrelation between water, energy and food sectors
In his opening remarks, Antonio Levy, Regional Coordinator of the Nexus Regional Dialogue Programme in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighted the objectives and achievements of the region, as well as the demonstration programmes in Peru, Dominican Republic and Ecuador. Marcelo Moya, Director of Technology Transfer and Incubation of the IIGE, welcomed the participants to this second edition of the Nexus Dialogue, highlighting the importance of the interrelationship between these factors (water, energy and food) in the development of the country. He also thanked the GIZ for its contribution to the projects where IIGE staff lend their contingent.
Implementation of the Nexus projects
Various topics related to the three sectors-water,energy,food- of the NRD Programme were presented in Ecuador. Esteban Urresta, IIGE technician, presented the experience gained in the "Efficient drying of agricultural products with solar energy, case study: Solar cocoa dryer implemented in the Kallari Association, Napo, Tena". This system is part of the initiatives implemented as part of the Nexus Dialogue, which is being executed in 33 countries in the region.
Application of the Nexus methodology
Leider Tinoco, research assistant at the National Institute of Agricultural Research of Ecuador (INIAP), commented on the benefits of agroforestry systems implemented in the Ecuadorian Amazon in order to protect water sources, save energy and reduce the use of fertilisers. Karina Barrera, Undersecretary for Climate Change Adaptation of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Ecological Transition (MAATE), highlighted the significant effects of climate change in the coming years and, based on this, explained how the National Adaptation Plan and the application of the Nexo methodology in the Machángara River in Azuay are being implemented.
Carlos Cali, irrigation consultant of the World Bank, presented technical land irrigation as a basis for the reactivation of agricultural production and recommended the management of reservoirs for new irrigation areas. In addition, Fabián Calero, Planning Director of CELEC, presented the current electricity infrastructure and projects to be implemented to cover the demand that will exist in 10 years.
Jorge Celi, coordinator of the Academic Committee of Water Sciences of the IKIAM University, presented the economic and social importance of freshwater fisheries in Ecuador, mentioned the conservation status of fish species and the threats to the country's aquatic ecosystems. Finally, Luis Pineda, professor at the Yachay University, spoke about the relationship between water, energy and food in the Mira river basin. He explained the characteristics of the basin, the supply-demand of the basin and the potential to generate energy.
Future actions
During the meeting, working tables were developed to allow the exchange of ideas and experiences between the different institutions. The event concluded with the signing of Letters of Intent between the IIGE, CELEC, IKIAM Regional University and the World Bank, with the aim of consolidating future lines of action for the implementation of projects and inter-institutional initiatives, together with the GIZ in the framework of the Water, Energy and Food Nexus programme.
The IIGE, as part of its institutional objectives, strengthens its capacities and contributes to the generation of actions for sustainable development in the country and the region, supporting the Nexus Regional Dialogues Programme with the challenge of developing proposals that promote universal access to food, drinking water and modern energy in accordance with the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
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