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 Global Dialogue on Water Tenure, 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.

Key publications

Country updates