The Rio Bravo (Grande) Water Action Collaborative

The Rio Grande (known as Río Bravo in Mexico) is one of North America's most significant transboundary river systems, weaving together geography, ecology, and culture across two nations. It spans nearly 1,900 miles (~3,000 km) making it the 4th longest river in North America. Originating high in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado in the US, the river flows through the US states of Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas and continues through the Mexico states of Durango, Chihuahua, Coahuila,  Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas.

The Rio Bravo Rio Grande Water Action Collaborative aims to address the urgent water challenges facing the region by creating a multi-stakeholder collaborative platform for corporates, government, and civil society to engage in collective action through engagement and capacity building, research and innovation, benefit sharing and practical learning, and investments in nature-based solutions.

 

The basin is home to over 10 million people and it's more than a border - it's a lifeline. Yet the basin faces a multifaceted water crisis that affects ecosystems, agriculture, cities, and binational relations. Water quantity is in serious shortage in a number of places within this basin and areas have faced shortages in water supply multiple times over the past decade. Growth, development, and climate change are increasing pressure on the area's water resources, with impacts to water supply, demand, and quality. And access to clean drinking water and sanitation for residents is lacking in major portions of the basin, especially in areas on the Mexico side of the border.

 

Companies have a key role to play in supporting California’s transition to a water-resilient future. Through water stewardship, they can improve water management in their operations and value chains. Beyond that, many companies set goals to balance their water footprint by investing in replenishment projects in local communities and watersheds. As companies mature in their water stewardship journey, they engage in collective action, public policy, cross-sector partnerships, and innovation.