National Water Plan / Autonomous Bodies

National Water Plan. The federal government unveiled its National Water Plan, which addresses water scarcity and climate challenges, emphasizing water as a human right and prioritizing sustainable use and equitable access. President Claudia Sheinbaum underscored the importance of ensuring water supply in both the short and long term, while integrating environmental sustainability with productivity objectives.

Minister of Environment Alicia Bárcena emphasized prioritizing water for human consumption over technical applications. The plan includes initiatives for the natural recharge of aquifers, reforestation, wetland restoration, and efforts to restore the natural water cycle. River sanitation projects will focus on the Lerma-Santiago, Atoyac, and Tula rivers, she noted.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Julio Berdegué outlined innovations in irrigation systems that will enable producers to manage water distribution efficiently. This is expected to increase agricultural productivity on 225,000ha by 51%, boosting food security and reducing water waste.

Efraín Morales, Head, CONAGUA, outlined the National Water Plan seeks to address issues such as overexploitation and inequities in water distribution while adapting to climate change. He said the plan is to create the National Water Registry for Well-Being (RENAB), which will consolidate fragmented data systems into a single, more efficient database, ensuring better management and transparency. This measure is part of broader reforms, including the reorganization of water concessions, the introduction of a nationwide inspection program, and legislative changes to strengthen water governance.

The plan also prioritizes infrastructure investment, with MX$20 billion (US$980 million) allocated for 2025. This funding will support new and existing projects, as well as initiatives to improve irrigation technology, benefiting 225,000 agricultural producers. Additionally, 16 strategic water projects are planned for completion during President Sheinbaum’s administration.

Morales stated that efforts to restore the Atoyac, Lerma-Santiago, and Tula rivers, identified as the most polluted in the country, will prioritize eliminating pollutant discharges, reforesting surrounding areas, and constructing wetlands in coordination with local authorities.

Morales explained that a key component of the National Water Plan is the signing of a National Agreement for the Human Right to Water and the Environment, scheduled for Nov. 25, 2024. This agreement includes the voluntary, progressive return of unused concessioned water from industries and irrigation districts, with the government projecting returns exceeding 2.5 billion m³, equivalent to two years of Mexico City’s water supply. Additionally, the plan incorporates private sector investments to enhance water efficiency in industrial processes, with commitments totaling over MX$16.4 billion. Collaboration with academic institutions will focus on developing water treatment and reuse programs, as well as conducting assessments for the agreement. The plan also emphasizes public awareness campaigns and encourages active community participation in water use initiatives.

Proposal to Exclude Mexico from USMCA. President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed recent calls from Canadian premiers advocating for an individual trade agreement between Canada and the United States, excluding Mexico from USMCA. She attributed the proposal to political dynamics ahead of Canada's elections and stated that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed opposition to the initiative during their discussions at the G20 Summit in Brazil. She highlighted Mexico's role in advocating for Canada’s inclusion in the agreement during earlier negotiations.

Educational Fraud and Budget Reduction for Universities. President Sheinbaum addressed a budget error involving UNAM, explaining that after the issue was made public, she spoke with UNAM Dean Leonardo Lomelí. Both agreed on the need to review the allocation and use of public university resources. She clarified that the budget error would be corrected and reiterated the importance of public education as a right.

Sheinbaum also responded to criticism from former UNAM Dean José Narro, who had described the government’s support for the Universities of Well-Being as educational fraud. Sheinbaum dismissed this as ignorance of the new educational program, emphasizing the government’s focus on improving education with a humanist approach. Additionally, she announced that she will issue a decree to elevate the Rosario Castellanos University to the status of a national university.

Dissolution of Autonomous Bodies. President Sheinbaum addressed concerns over the disappearance of autonomous bodies, which some argue could lead to political instability. She explained that the decision was prompted by misconduct within the National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information, and Protection of Personal Data (INAI). She emphasized that INAI’s functions will now be carried out by the Ministry of Anticorruption and Good Governance (SABG) and that  transparency will be maintained, with personal data still protected. She also noted that new transparency requirements would be introduced across all public government agencies.