The SARAS Institute organized a round table discussion on “Management of Continental Aquatic Resources” within the framework of the symposium “Water is Life” organized by the Iniciar Foundation for Global action on October 25 and 26, 2016 in CURE headquarters, Maldonado. The round table counted on the participation of representatives of the public sector, users, journalists, civil societies, and members of the academic community.

The objective of the round table was to explore the main challenges, difficulties and opportunities which come with transformations in the management of this resource. The management of continental aquatic resources, similar to the management of other public resources, poses numerous difficulties and challenges in the management and sustainability of socio-ecological systems. For this reason, an analysis is key.

Two main obstacles to overcome are fragmentation and compartmentalization in the analysis and decision making processes, as well as uncertainty associated with this. In this scenario, Uruguay is moving towards an integrated management system enabling new opportunities for collaboration.

These opportunities exist at different government levels. They include multiple players linked directly or indirectly with management, as well as users and diverse civil society organizations. Bearing this in mind, the discussions included speakers from various sectors.

The panel was made up of Daniel Greif (Director of National Water Office, DINAGUA in Spanish), Miguel Corbo (Director of the Decentralized Unit, National Water Company, OSE-UGD Maldonado in Spanish), Hugo Trias (General Manager of OSE-UGD Maldonado), Javier Lojes, (representing civil society and the Neighbors of Punta Ballena), Gustavo Juñen, (Journalist for agriculture and livestock, radio station Frecuencia Abierta, Aspen FM Radio, Punta del Este and responsible for the Extension Program of the Communication Unit of the Plan Agropecuario, Radio Carve); and Nestor Mazzeo, Phd, representing the academic community (CURE, UdelaR -SARAS).

Paula Bianchi, head of Communications in SARAS and Manfred Steffen were moderators.

Access the audiovisual recording of the discussion table here.