Bárcena Visits Zacatecas Amid Water Stress Concerns

Mexico is strengthening water governance in the state of Zacatecas as federal authorities and private sector partners advance aquifer restoration projects and formalize agricultural water concessions to address groundwater depletion. The initiatives, led by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, aims to balance industrial and agricultural growth with stricter environmental oversight. The measures directly affect mining operators, irrigation-dependent agricultural producers and manufacturers in the state whose operations rely heavily on groundwater.

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Mexico’s Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, Alicia Bárcena, visited the state of Zacatecas on March 11 to promote new initiatives aimed at improving water security, environmental management and sustainable economic development in one of Mexico’s most water-stressed regions. Her visit included a meeting with Governor David Monreal Ávila, during which they discussed strategies for sustainable water management, ecosystem conservation, and responsible mining.

“Water is a fundamental issue for the development of Zacatecas,” Bárcena said. “It is essential to advance projects that strengthen its preservation and sustainable management, while incorporating nature-based solutions to protect aquifers and guarantee availability for communities.”

A central element of Bárcena’s visit was a tour of projects focused on watershed restoration and sustainable land management. The minister and state authorities visited the community of El Maguey to review the Aguas Firmes project, an initiative led by Grupo Modelo that aims to strengthen aquifer recharge through environmental restoration and improved agricultural practices.

The project targets three major aquifers: Apan in Hidalgo, Calera in Zacatecas, and the Valley of Mexico basin. Activities include soil restoration, reforestation, and sustainable farming practices designed to improve water infiltration and recharge groundwater reserves. Local restoration efforts include the construction of gabion dams, contour bunds, stone barriers, and gully restoration works, implemented in collaboration with local communities.

“The water security of Mexico requires joint efforts between governments, communities, and the private sector,” Bárcena said during the visit. “Initiatives like Aguas Firmes show that, when nature-based solutions, soil restoration, and sustainable agricultural practices are combined, it is possible to strengthen aquifers and build resilience to climate change.”

Authorities also visited agricultural plots in the community of Cieneguillas, where producers and specialists from the National Institute for Forestry, Agricultural and Livestock Research (INIFAP) presented sustainable agriculture practices designed to improve soil moisture retention and water infiltration. These techniques include crop rotation, soil analysis, and residue management.

Bárcena also toured Grupo Modelo’s brewery in Zacatecas to review ongoing sustainability initiatives within its industrial operations. Company representatives presented measures aimed at improving water-use efficiency, expanding renewable energy use, and strengthening circular economy practices through packaging reuse and recycling.

Officials from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) noted that industrial projects in water-stressed regions are evaluated under strict environmental criteria, including water management plans, land-use compensation, and environmental remediation after operations conclude. “Mining and industry are strategic activities for states like Zacatecas,” Bárcena said. “However, they must move forward under clear sustainability criteria that guarantee water protection, territorial conservation, and remediation once operations end.”

Water Concessions Reform

Bárcena’s visit comes amid broader efforts by SEMARNAT to improve water governance across Mexico. In December 2025, the ministry granted 43 agricultural water concession titles to producers in Zacatecas through the National Water Commission (CONAGUA). The measure aimed to provide legal certainty over water use, strengthen oversight of national water resources and reduce the historical overexploitation of aquifers. Officials said the concessions are part of a broader policy aligned with the administration of Claudia Sheinbaum, which seeks to guarantee the human right to water while addressing the concentration of water rights among large users. 

Mauricio Rodríguez Alonso, CONAGUA’s deputy director general for water administration, said regularizing water concessions allows farmers to access federal support programs and improve resource management. “This is just the first of many events that will be held to deliver water concession titles,” Rodríguez said. “The mission is very clear: to establish comprehensive, transparent and public order in the use of national waters.”

One incentive for farmers to formalize their water rights is the Special Energy Program for the Countryside for Agricultural Electricity Use, which subsidizes more than 90% of electricity costs for irrigation pumping systems. Authorities say clearer water rights and stronger regulation are necessary to prevent overextraction while ensuring that agricultural production remains viable in water-stressed regions.

Industrial Pressure on Water Resources

Zacatecas plays an important role in Mexico’s industrial economy, particularly in mining and agriculture. At the same time, growth across these sectors is putting additional pressure on water resources in the state.

Mining is the dominant industrial sector in Zacatecas, with  31.7% of the state’s total territory concessioned for the mining of silver and other metals. Between 2021-2023, mining exports generated US$4.57 billion, representing 43.3% of the state’s total exports during that period. Major operators include companies such as Fresnillo plc, Newmont and Pan American Silver, all of which operate large-scale extraction projects in the region. Mining operations require significant volumes of water for mineral processing, ore separation and dust control, placing additional pressure on local aquifers.

Agriculture also represents a major component of Zacatecas’ economy, with the sector comprising roughly 10% of its GDP and employing a fifth of the state’s workforce. Major exports include beans, chili peppers, guava and nopal. The sector relies heavily on groundwater for irrigation, particularly in semi-arid areas where rainfall is limited. Over time, intensive irrigation has contributed to the depletion of several aquifers, including the Calera basin, which is considered one of the most stressed water systems in the region.