Implementation of the Guarani Aquifer Strategic Action Program: Enabling Regional Actions

The Guarani Aquifer System (GAS) is a transboundary body of groundwater-containing rocks present in large portions of the subsurface of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Formed by predominantly sandy sedimentary rocks, it represents one of the largest freshwater reserves in the world. The Guarani Aquifer is an integral component of the regional socioeconomic context, in which it fulfills essential functions and by which it is directly affected. The GAS has specific and complex physical, geological, chemical and hydraulic characteristics that were defined as part of the GEF International Waters foundational project “Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development of the Guarani Aquifer System” (PGAS). The project led to the formulation and adoption by the aquifer countries of a Strategic Action Program (SAP) aimed at the long-term sustainability of this huge freshwater resource. Following the adoption of the SAP, the aquifer countries negotiated and signed the “Guarani Aquifer Agreement” - the first shared- management agreement for a transboundary aquifer in Latin America - soon to enter into force. The present project will propose technical coordination frameworks and regional management tools foreseen in the SAP that will enable the coordinated and harmonized implementation of the national-level priority actions that will ensure the long-term sustainability of this precious resource.

Waterbodies Guaraní

Regions South America

General information
GEF ID	10139
Project type	Medium-Size Project
Status	active (Project Approved)
Start Date	13 Dec 2019

GEF characteristic:
Focal Area	International Waters
GEF Allocation to project	2,000,000 USD
Total Cost of the project:	6,800,000.00 USD

Partners
Countries Argentina , Brazil , Paraguay , Uruguay , Regional Lead implementing agency Global Environment Facility (GEF) Executing agencies Development Bank of Latin America (CAF)

Project contacts
Rene Gomez Green Business Coordinator Cecilia Guerra Chief Executive of Environment and Climate Change