Colombia
In Colombia, the ScaleWat project supports efforts to strengthen water tenure governance in response to growing water scarcity, climate change and increasing competition for water. By contributing to the , the project raises awareness and promotes inclusive conversations around how water rights are defined, recognized, and shared – particularly among vulnerable water users.
At the national level, the project supports a review of Colombia’s water governance frameworks and facilitates dialogue among key stakeholders – including government institutions, civil society, and rural communities. These national conversations are informed by local-level assessments that provide a clearer picture of how water is accessed, managed and distributed in practice. In selected pilot areas, the project supports water tenure assessments and water accounting evaluations, using tools such as FAO’s WaPOR to monitor how productively water is used, based on satellite data.
Capacity development is another central pillar of the project. Through targeted training and technical support, ScaleWat equips public officials, community organizations, and water user groups with the skills to assess water tenure and contribute to stronger, more inclusive governance. These efforts ensure that decision-making is based on reliable data – and that everyone, especially marginalized groups, has a voice in how water access and use are governed.
Pilot area
The pilot area for the project is located in the Sierra Nevada and Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta Ecoregion, in the Colombian Caribbean. This territory was selected in coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, in line with Colombia’s National Development Plan 2022–2026 and its environmental strategy to protect strategic ecosystems. Within this ecoregion, activities focus on the Frío and Sevilla river basins, where biodiversity is high and water governance challenges are critical.
Key publications
Country updates
The Water Tenure Assessment Guide is now available in Spanish
25/03/2025
The increasing demand for water, coupled with the effects of climate change, represents a global challenge in the distribution of this essential resource for food security. To achieve more efficient and equitable water management, it is essential to understand in detail the rules and agreement...
World Water Day: Governance for Equitable Access
22/03/2025
Water is a vital resource for life, development and food security. However, in Colombia, approximately 12 million people, representing 25 per cent of the population, have inadequate access to drinking water, and 3.2 million lack this service altogether. In the department of Magdalena, the situ...
