The Aconcagua project is part of the bilateral water cooperation between Chile and the Netherlands, with sustainable river basin and water resource management as central cooperation themes. Climate change, persistent drought in Chile, and the problems this entails for agriculture and river  cosystems are the reason for this project.

The Netherlands and Chile are closely linked, partly because of the  fruit trade. 52% of the exported avocados from Chile currently go to the Netherlands and from there to Europe. Due to, among other things, the drought, production numbers in Chile are declining.

The European demand for sustainably produced agricultural products is increasing, as is the focus on preserving natural ecosystems and soil health. Avocado in this respect could reduce its water footprint. In achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SGD’s) by 2030 in Chile, sustainable water management and a transformation of global agricultural systems are essential. Many innovations are currently being developed in the Netherlands for circular agriculture. Chile has taken important steps in making agriculture more sustainable, by improving irrigation systems, introduce new varieties and water productivity.

With the large impact of the drought on water availability, the challenge is how river basin management can be organized that (sustainable) agriculture has a future and does not negatively affect the ecosystem of the river. One of the important catchment areas for fruit growing in Chile is the Aconcagua valley. The water availability in this catchment is under pressure, related to climate change and persistent drought as outlined above. This also puts the future of fruit growing itself under pressure.

Coalition between the Netherlands and Chile 

The Dutch Partners for Water program develops projects under the Chilean – Dutch water cooperation. Discussions with Chilean, Dutch, and European private and public parties committed to sustainable fruit cultivation and improved water consumption in the Aconcagua valley prompted to set up a coalition of national and international stakeholders, that are willing to work literally and figuratively across their borders. The starting point is the belief that transformation of water management and fruit cultivation in the Aconcagua valley can only come about if all parties involved work together towards a common long-term, and make an effort that goes beyond their direct responsibility. Jointly taken decisions and actions are key. Coalition parties contribute with their knowledge and network, and (the (partial) financing of) projects. Partners for water makes a great contribution to this project. 

Purpose and activities

The aim of the coalition is to contribute to the adaptation to drought and limited water availability in the Aconcagua valley, improving river basin management and making fruit cultivation more sustainable, with an eye for the broader ecosystem of the river.

Three action levels, sub-goals and projects are distinguished: 

1. Farm level, to strengthen the exchange of expertise and innovation in the field of sustainable agriculture and water use. We demonstrate Dutch innovation & technology for efficient water consumption and sustainable agriculture. We dos this by organizing webinars on topics such as the European demand for sustainable products, innovative technologies for irrigation & soil management, water availability and water re-use. The Dutch and Chilean contributors will share innovative solutions and good practices.

2. The catchment area, to gather factual information about the state of the river basin and, based on this, stimulate a dialogue about concrete opportunities towards water resilience. Several studies and reports are executed, like the Water accounting study by the TU Delft showing trends in water supply, demand and distribution visualized by satellite observation, to help to see the bigger picture of the catchment, and cross linkages in water management. Based upon existing data and studies a Catchment Passport© and roadmap is produced that contains the most important information about the area, to serve as the basis for multi-stakeholder dialogue about opportunities towards a more resilient catchment. 

3. The international value chain, specifically importers and retailers, to involve them to think about improvements at the river basin and farm level through discussion with their producers. For this, we have started a program for market transformation, financed by the Partners for Water program, and under the guidance of NewForesight towards "Collective Action for responsible water management - starting with Aconcagua".