(HEMA) Initiative. - OAS

PREVIOUS DOCUMENTS Base Document for the Meeting of HEMA
llenge for the Region. Admittedly, however, the efforts involved are great; socio-economic conditions
have generally deteriorated in the countries; and there are strong disparities between Region
countries. Different types of external financing will be needed for the necessary investments
which, in some particular cases, represent 12% of the country's GDP.
Although Millennium Development Objectives do not include a specific objective on wastewater
treatment, as they do for water and sanitation services, there is no doubt the strategy all countries
for this sector includes the fulfillment of these objectives, mainly in regard to environmental
issues, i.e., to revert the loss and degradation of natural resources; to improve access to safe water
sources and to improve living conditions of those living in marginal urban areas. Moreover, in
connection with the links between poverty and environment, it is recognized that environmental
degradation imposes a heavier load on lower income population and long-term economic growth
is only possible through the achievement of environmental sustainability.
At present, only 14% of the wasterwater collected in the Region as a whole receives treatment
prior to its discharge. In Central America, only 4% of effluentes are treated.
The efforts required to achieve Millennium Development Objectives favor the promotion of private
capital participation based on the experience gained by some of the Region countries in
accompanying this process.
The Americas, as a regional group -and beyond the different situations of member countries- has
safe water and sanitation systems to service their population, considering the high urbanization
level in the Region. Notwithstanding, achieving the Millennium Development Objectives will force
to focus coverage expansion efforts on rural and peri-urban and/or marginal urban areas where
the Region´s poorer and vulnerable population groups live.
Access to safe water and adequate sanitation will favor and accelerate the achievement of all Millennium
Development Objectives. The link between water and human health is out of discussion;
water will bring health and dignity to many millions of the poorer people in the Region and will
transform their lives. The resulting benefits will exceed by far the amount of the investments made.
STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES AND NEEDS
The following Chart summarizes the prevailing situation at Region countries, identifying their
weaknesses and strengths on institutional issues, resource policies, capacities, experiences and
achievements in regard to the Mandates and Commitments undertaken at different World
Summits. It tries to identify the main lines of efforts required to achieve the desired results.
28 | June 16 - 17, 2005 - Mar del Plata - Argentina