Investment plan for Bolivia emphasizes water security and watershed management
Bolivia’s investment plan for the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) focuses on the need to increase the resilience of the country’s water supply to the impacts of climate change. The plan is consistent with the priorities of Bolivia’s National Development Plan and builds on guidelines outlined by the National Climate Change Adaptation Mechanism, which identify the most vulnerable sectors and systems in the country. The plan was endorsed by the PPCR in November 2011.
The plan focuses on reducing the vulnerability of two key watershed regions by carrying out three programs representing PPCR concessional financing totaling US$110 million. The programs are the following:
- Multipurpose Water Resources and Irrigation Project for the Municipalities of Batallas, Pucarani and El Alto (under preparation)
- Strengthening the national capacity for managing climate change.
- Strengthening resilience to climate change in the Rio Grande basin.
Bolivia’s National Mechanism for Adaptation to Climate Change (2007-2016) presents a comprehensive strategy for reducing vulnerability to climate change that includes adaptation measures for the most vulnerable sectors: water resources, food security, health, ecosystems, and settlements. Within these sectors, the strategy identified the need for scientific research, training, outreach and education; and incorporation of traditional knowledge.
The country’s geographical location and its high levels of poverty make it extremely vulnerable to climate change. Water resources are particularly at risk as a result of glacier melting, changes in the spatial and temporal distribution of precipitation, and increased evapotranspiration.
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