2024 Theses Master's

Water Governance In Colombia: The Case Of The Cauca River And The Pescadero - Ituango Dam

Botero Echeverri, Camila

“Water Governance in Colombia: The Case of the Cauca River and the Pescadero-Ituango Dam” explores the relationship between water governance, energy transition, and the well-being of communities in Colombia by examining the Pescadero-Ituango Dam on the Cauca River.

The primary goal is to identify opportunities for integrating local knowledge into governance frameworks, thereby ensuring equitable and sustainable water management in the midst of the energy transition. 

The Pescadero-Ituango hydroelectric project, which has the potential to supply 17% of Colombia's energy, has sparked extensive debates due to its socio-environmental implications. Opposition from local communities, NGOs, and stakeholders is rooted in concerns about the project's disruption of traditional practices and displacement of local communities.

For these reasons, this research proposes specific strategies for redesigning water governance frameworks to enhance community participation and ensure sustainability for people and nature. The study also addresses the challenge of balancing energy generation, economic growth, and environmental sustainability, as it underscores the importance of incorporating local knowledge and strengthening governance frameworks for sustainable water management and community well-being, particularly in large-scale infrastructure projects.

Keywords: Territorial Planning Tools, Participation Mechanisms, Water Governance Frameworks, Hydroelectric Projects, Hidroituango, Colombia