Climate change affects water and sanitation access for people worldwide through more devastating weather events and associated floods, droughts, storms, and landslides. From too much, too little, or too polluted water, more people are experiencing crises, specifically the populations least responsible for climate change. Water For People is integrating climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene work so that communities can survive environmental events that are increasing in intensity and frequency.
One example of this work is the development of the Enchanted Forest, a new tree nursery in Arbieto, Bolivia. Climate change has increased flooding, erosion, and water source depletion in this area. Tree planting combats these risks by capturing rainfall and gradually releasing it, replenishing the groundwater levels.
Water For People helped plan and build this nursery, which can produce 60,000 native seedlings annually. Alongside the local government and communities, planting these water-enhancing tree species across 4,000 acres will generate 2.9 million gallons of water annually.
"We are in a time of water scarcity and we want to restore and preserve the environment and build sustainability into water sources so that there is lasting drinking water and sanitation in all communities," explains Julio César Martínez, Manager of Water Resources Management with Water For People in Bolivia.
Water resources management and climate-resilient activities like these equip communities with the resources and knowledge necessary to survive and thrive in the face of an environmentally uncertain future.
