Triangular Cooperation Argentina, Bolivia and Germany: Capacity building for sustainable management of water and energy resources in the wine sector
Project description
Title: Triangular Cooperation “Capacity building for sustainable management of water and energy resources in the wine sector”
Commissioned by: Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Bolivia (beneficiary country), Argentina (South provider country)
Overall term: 2016 to 2018, completed
Context
The province of Tarija in Bolivia makes a significant contribution to the economic development of the country through its agricultural production, especially viticulture. However, the water resources being used are not managed efficiently. Given that Tarija is the most affected province by the effects of climate change, this situation could severely affect the environment in the province in the long term. Moreover, climate forecasts indicate that temperature and precipitation will change to the detriment of agriculture in Tarija.
In this context, it is essential to redesign the use of water to optimise the management of resources for the province.
Objective
The water and energy management of the wine sector in Tarija are improved. Availability of resources in the province is optimised. The use of new irrigation techniques facilitates the production of small farmers and has enhanced their quality of life.
Approach
The project will provide technical advisory services and knowledge transfer to institutionalise the management of water and energy resources in the Bolivian province of Tarija and develop a strategy for sustainable use. The provincial government of Tarija, together with other national and local actors, is working with the General Department of Irrigation of Mendoza (DGI) in Argentina. Through its years of experience in the integral management of water, the DGI serves as a model for the creation of a comparable institution in Bolivia.
Likewise, the winemakers of the National Wine Industry Association (ANIV), as well as the small winemakers of Tarija, will be trained in the efficient management of water and in the application of new irrigation techniques. The DGI, as well as the Argentine wine producer Santa Rita Estates, provide their specialised knowledge for this purpose.
The project has German support through the Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Bolivia and Argentina benefit from the exchange of experiences with German wineries and developers of the latest technologies for the efficient management of energy and water.
Results
Training on the sustainable use of water resources for winemakers has been carried out successfully. Technical staff of the provincial government of Tarija participated in institutional water management trainings.
At the institutional level, a contribution was made for the creation of the Office for Integral Water Management (SEDEGIA) in Tarija, following the Argentine example of the DGI. This office will be responsible for managing the water resources of the province.
In addition, based on the knowledge provided by the Argentine partners, a Viticulture Strategy Plan 2040 for an efficient water management will be elaborated for the stakeholders of the Bolivian wine sector.