Human Rights to Water and Sanitation: from global to local.

Climate change scenarios in the Center of Mexico

Abstract

Fulfilling Human Rights to Water and Sanitation (HRWSS) and SDG 6 with access to safe drinking water and sanitation, defined in the 2030 Agenda, is threatened by climate change with higher temperatures and longer droughts in the metropolitan area of Cuernavaca, Morelos. It represents a characteristic challenge of a complex socio-ecosystem in the Global South. The article links SDG 6 with gender equality (SDG 5), climate change (SDG 13) and sustainable ecosystem management (SDG 15). It highlights the importance of the “Water Forest” as a key factor in the recharge of the aquifer on which the region depends and the role of women as key actors in adaptation, conflict negotiation, and peace management. Diagnostics, stakeholder mapping, interviews, and network analysis reveal political centralization, poor integration of social actors and severe ecosystem deterioration. It is crucial to include women, organized society, academics, businessmen, and government to develop sustainable public policies.