ECLAC’s Sustainable Approach to Water Management and Landscape Conservation 

In response to growing challenges of climate change and increasing water scarcity, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has implemented a comprehensive water management plan at its headquarters in Santiago, Chile. 
 
The plan focuses on water conservation strategies and preventing the discharge of untreated wastewater into the environment through its water management plan. These efforts are integral to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (A/RES/70/1). 

The plan specifically addresses the following SDGs: 
 

• SDG 6: It aims to significantly increase the efficiency in the use of water resources and reduce the percentage of untreated wastewater, while promoting recycling and reuse. 
• SDG 12: It encourages responsible water consumption and management. 
• SDG 13: It promotes climate action, strengthening resilience and adaptive capacity to the risks associated with climate change, which, in central Chile, are manifested through a decreasing availability of water.

Aligned with the Phase I of the United Nations’ 2020-2030 Strategy for Sustainability Management, the project sets specific objectives and indicators to measure the impact of water consumption reduction within the United Nations system (CEB 2019, p. 18). 

Key components of the plan include: 

• Sustainable landscape 
• Optimization of water wells 
• Waterproofing of water ponds 
• Improvement of restroom fixtures 
• Maintenance of rainwater systems 
• Drought response plans 
• Water treatment plant

Sustainable Landscape for Water Saving Project 

Since 2023, the Sustainable Landscape for Water Saving project has been underway to reduce water usage through optimized landscape management. The project area is divided into four zones related to vegetation, covering the central grassland beds, native square, and the gardens of the CLADES building. Zones 1 and 2 are expected to be completed by 2024, with the other areas still in progress. 

Before the project, annual water consumption for the landscape was approximately 15,230 m³. With the implementation of sustainable practices, water consumption is projected to decrease by 42.7% (to 8,731 m³). Irrigation and landscaping water use is expected to drop by 52.6%, with the most substantial reductions projected during peak water usage periods, such as the summer months of January and December.  

The project seeks to reduce water consumption associated with vegetation. Meanwhile, the Water Treatment Plant is expected to treat 7,000 m³ of water annually, a significant effort towards water recycling. Other initiatives include reducing water loss through pond waterproofing and improving infrastructure to optimize water delivery across the ECLAC compound in Santiago, Chile. 

Climate Change and Water Scarcity in Chile 

Chile faces severe water shortages due to climate change, marked by rising temperatures and declining precipitation. These conditions have triggered droughts, threatening food security and disproportionately impacting vulnerable populations, including women and children, who often bear the brunt of caregiving and food production responsibilities. 

In January 2022, Chile's Ministry of Public Works issued 21 decrees of water scarcity, impacting 184 neighborhoods, including Vitacura, where the ECLAC compound is located. These decrees aim to prioritize resources for human consumption and address the growing water crisis. 

The Drought Response Plan for Water Consumption is designed to ensure water availability for essential operations at ECLAC, enabling sustainable practices while maintaining critical functions. By providing a progressive decrease in water consumption, the plan ensures that the ECLAC Santiago facility can operate efficiently during periods of scarcity. 

This comprehensive plan by ECLAC is a critical step in addressing water management challenges through sustainable practices, not only helping to mitigate the effects of climate change but also ensuring responsible water use and conservation for the future.