From June 20 to 30, members of SEE-URBAN-WATER had the opportunity to visit 6 different Citizen Water Observatories located in the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) of Costa Rica. The 6 Observatories: Jaboncillal, Tiribí, Cañas, Turú, Poás, and Barreal were selected in collaboration with the Alianza Nacional Ríos y Cuencas of Costa Rica.
The Alianza Nacional Ríos y Cuencas of Costa Rica has been a key partner in understanding how the Citizen Water Observatories work in the urban areas of the GAM. These observatories are considered as stimulating places, in which citizens voluntarily come together in order to discuss about concrete actions to face the challenges presented by the poor water management practices in their communities. The collaboration and continuous support of the Alianza Nacional Ríos y Cuencas to the SEE-URBAN-WATER group allowed us to have a true experience of the work of each Observatory, especially about the activities of their local leaders, communities, and other organizations, that are committed to the sustainable management of their rivers. This fruitful exchanges has led to the development of several Guías Verdes – guides to promote and implement Nature-based Solutions in urban areas.
The different efforts and practices employed by these Observatories were the key point to study during each visit, in which the members of the SUW group were able to engage with local members, and to discuss on potential sustainable solutions in the long-run. Overall, the visits to the 6 Observatories and to the Alianza Nacional Ríos y Cuencas of Costa Rica have been a success for the different research areas of the SUW group.
We hope to visit more of these Observatories in the future and continue the exchange!!!”
