Outcomes of the Programmes

Results

The work of the FCAS has directly benefited a total of 4,658,999 people to date. Of these, 4,089,462 individuals have gained access to safe drinking water, while 1,572,694 now benefit from adequate sanitation services. In addition, 2,262 schools have been provided with access to water, and almost 1,000 have received improved sanitation facilities.

However, the Water Fund’s impact extends well beyond the delivery of basic services. Its work also supports the development of public policies that promote Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), alongside efforts in awareness-raising, training, and institutional strengthening. As a result, and with the support of the FCAS, partner countries have increased awareness of hygiene-related practices among 1.6 million people and engaged over 64,000 individuals on IWRM-related issues. Since 2008, more than 67,000 people have received training in water and sanitation management, while a further 64,000 have been trained specifically in Integrated Water Resources Management.

09 impacts of the cooperation fund for water and sanitation

Public Policy Impact

The Water Fund plays a key role in strengthening and supporting public policy frameworks across the countries in which it operates. This area of work is critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of programmes and securing results that endure over time. For the FCAS, this constitutes a strategic line of action, contributing directly to progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) across the region and advancing the effective realisation of the human rights to water and sanitation.

In this context, efforts focus on providing support to partner countries in the implementation of water governance reforms. This includes tailored technical assistance for the development of legal and institutional frameworks, underpinned by an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach. Support is delivered across several levels, from strategic design and hydrological planning to institutional capacity strengthening.

Some of the specific actions undertaken in 2024 include:

Support to the National Institute of Water Resources of the Dominican Republic
Through the DOM-017-B programme, work is underway to assist in the development of the National Plan for the Sustainable Use of Water Resources in the Dominican Republic. Stage 1. As part of this initiative, a diploma course on Hydrological Planning was delivered in partnership with the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM), among other activities.

Related News:

INDRHI highlights the importance of water planning for sustainable development

The Executive Director of the National Institute of Hydraulic Resources (INDRHI), Olmedo Caba Romano, reaffirmed the critical importance of water resources planning as a foundation for ensuring water availability across sectors and advancing sustainable and inclusive development, in alignment with the priorities set out by President Luis Abinader.

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Development of a technical guide for hydrological planning with an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) perspective, targeting the Ibero-American region
In this area, April saw the publication of the report “Analysis of the Legal and Institutional Framework of CODIA Countries in Relation to Water Resources”, a comprehensive review and compilation of the existing laws, regulations, and guidance documents governing water resources across Ibero-America. The report represents a significant step towards harmonising the water planning process in the region and is instrumental in promoting integrated water management. Planning in this context is conceived as a long-term, participatory, adaptive, and evolving process.
Support to the Ministry of Environment and Water of Bolivia
Throughout 2024, collaboration has continued with Bolivian authorities on the development of drought management plans in several cities across the country.
Support to and collaboration with the National Institute of Water Resources of Cuba (INRHI)
This year also saw continued support for Integrated Water Resources Management initiatives in Cuba, in coordination with the INRHI.
Support to the Salvadoran Water Authority (ASA) in drafting the Public Water Domain Regulations
Although not directly linked to any specific FCAS programme, this initiative forms part of the broader institutional strengthening efforts carried out in El Salvador’s water sector in recent years.