IWR Signs Memorandum of Understanding with CATHALAC

WASHINGTON, DC – August 22, 2007. Mr. Robert A. Pietrowsky, Director of IWR, and Mr. Emilio Sempris, Director of the Center for the Humid Tropics of Latin America and the Caribbean (CATHALAC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on water resources research, technology transfer and capacity building.

The MOU provides the framework for joint efforts regarding water resources and environmental management in order to accomplish common sustainable development goals.

IWR and CATHALAC share the common goals of promoting collaborative efforts to enhance the effective use of water resources; developing and using appropriate policies and practices for sustainable development; facilitating regional cooperation and networking of scientists; and fostering the exchange of information, knowledge and state of the art technology transfer.

The MOU with CATHALAC is part of IWR’s efforts to strengthen collaboration with Latin American countries on integrated water resources management.  The parties are especially interested in cooperative opportunities involving:

• Mutual cooperation in international and regional initiatives relating to integrated water resources management (IWRM) and sustainable development in the humid tropics zones
• Organization of and participation in water resources conferences, symposia, courses, workshops, exhibitions and other joint meetings of mutual interest
• Joint or cooperative water resources programs and projects of mutual benefit, including visits and exchange of scientists and other experts or technical personnel
• Water governance in relation to policy, institutional aspects, building consensus and conflict resolution
• Infrastructure development and related engineering design standards and procedures
• Groundwater, prediction of flash floods, mud flows and early warning systems;
• Hydrologic, risk, economic and systems analysis modeling tools
• Environmental restoration, eco-hydrologic analysis and water quality
• Operation of joint training/education to include educational methods and systems to enhance competency and develop capacity on all above mentioned themes, in the region

CATHALAC is a Regional Center of Excellence located in Panama that promotes sustainable development through water and environment knowledge management.  The Center strives to improve the quality of life in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Learn more:

• CATHALAC web site
• Memorandum of Understanding (pdf, 183 KB)