The Aguas Firmes Program aims to increase the water sustainability of the aquifers of Apan, Hidalgo, and Calera, Zacatecas

What are aquifers and why is it important to take care of them?

Aquifers are natural water deposits found beneath the Earth's surface. These underground sources are replenished mainly by rainwater that naturally infiltrates into the subsoil.

Every day, millions of us benefit from them, using water on a daily basis at home, in industry, and in agriculture.

In Mexico we are privileged to have 635 aquifers across the country. However, 115 of them are overexploited, since we are extracting more water than can be recharged naturally, which puts the present and future supply of this vital liquid at risk. There is still time.

How can we reverse our Water Footprint?

This effect can be countered by increasing the natural recharge of aquifers through reforestation and green infrastructure, reducing water consumption in the field through modernized irrigation, implementing conservation agriculture, and using water responsibly in industry, in the field, and at home. We are all part of the solution.

This is how Grupo Modelo and the German Cooperation for Sustainable Development (GIZ) are joining forces to create the Aguas Firmes Program, with the aim of increasing the water sustainability of the aquifers of Apan, Hidalgo, and Calera, Zacatecas, with an investment of almost 10 million dollars starting in 2021.

Through this partnership, the Aguas Firmes Program seeks to:

• Increase aquifer recharge with nature-based solutions, mainly through reforestation, green infrastructure, and conservation works such as contour bunds, gabion dams, gully head control, stone barriers, and cleanup and sanitation.

• Support farmers with easy, accessible loans so that they can equip their fields with modern irrigation systems and implement sustainable agricultural practices such as conservation agriculture, which, in addition to reducing water consumption and increasing productivity, has a direct impact on lowering greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

• Promote Collective Governance projects and agreements with the community, to ensure long-term success.

• Have an aquifer Monitoring and Evaluation system at almost 200 stations to measure water regeneration and savings.

By 2025, Grupo Modelo is committed to achieving a measurable improvement in water quality and quantity for both communities. That is why improving water security and environmental conditions for farmers, industry, and the general population is one of its main objectives.

With the Aguas Firmes Program, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting water.

We invite you to follow our blog to learn more about conservation agriculture, sustainable techniques, and other topics of interest on caring for water. Join this initiative so that together we can build a sustainable future.

A future with water is a future with life.

About Grupo Modelo

https://www.grupomodelo.com

Grupo Modelo, founded in 1925, is the leader in the brewing, distribution, and sale of beer in Mexico. It has 46 national brands, including Corona Extra, Corona Cero, Negra Modelo, Modelo Especial, Pacífico, and Victoria. It exports seven brands to much of the world.

About GIZ – German Cooperation for Sustainable Development

https://www.giz.de/en/worldwide/33041.html

GIZ is a non-profit federal enterprise that operates in 120 countries and advises the governments of those countries, on behalf of the German Federal Government, on international cooperation for sustainable development and international education. GIZ supports people and societies in shaping their own future and improving their living conditions. It also works together with the private sector to join efforts in fulfilling the agendas on sustainability, good governance, and climate change.

Source:

• Aguas Firmes video – IG, April 22, 2021

• Conagua

Tags: Life, Aquifers, Natural