final report consultancies trifinio(en)
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FINAL REPORT
Inventory of Information and Identification of Gaps for Characterization
and Assessment of the Esquipulas-Ocotepeque-Citalá Aquifer
(Trifinio Aquifer)
PROJECT
GOVERNANCE OF GROUNDWATER IN TRANSBOUNDARY AQUIFERS
Livelihoods and Climate Change Unit-IUCN
Guatemala
March 2013
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PREPARED BY:
Ana Patricia Alvarado Cruz
REVIEWED BY:
Carlos Rosal del Cid
Regional Officer
Livelihoods and Climate Change Unit
IUCN
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ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS
ANDA Administración Nacional de Acueductos y Alcantarillados
CEL
Comisión Ejecutiva Hidroeléctrica del Río Lempa
CTPT
Comisión Trinacional Plan Trifinio
ENEE
Empresa Nacional de Energía Eléctrica
GIZ
German Agency for International Cooperation
IAEA
International Atomic Energy Agency
INSIVUMEH
Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología
ISARM Internationally Shared Aquifer Resources Management
IUCN
International Union for the Conservation of Nature
MAG
Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería de El Salvador
MARN
Ministerio de Ambiente y Recursos Naturales de El Salvador
MARN
Ministerio de Ambienta y Recursos Naturales de Guatemala
SANAA
Servicio Autónomo Nacional de Acueductos y Alcantarillados
SSC
South-south cooperation
SNET
Servicio Nacional de Estudios Territoriales
UES
Universidad de El Salvador
UNDP
United Nations Development Program
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
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CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................... 7
II. BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................... 7
III. OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................... 11
3.1. GENERAL ................................................................................................................................. 11
3.2. SPECIFIC .................................................................................................................................. 11
IV. METHODOLOGY ........................................................................................................................... 11
V. PLANNING ACTIVITIES ................................................................................................................... 13
5.1. START-UP ACTIVITIES ............................................................................................................. 13
5.2. WORKSHOPS AND MEETINGS WITH KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN THE TRIFINIO REGION FOR
FEEDBACK ON THE PROJECT PROPOSAL ....................................................................................... 14
5.3. TRIPS TO THE FIELD ................................................................................................................ 21
VI. RESULTS ........................................................................................................................................ 24
6.1. BIOPHYSICAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE AREA OF THE ESQUIPULAS- OCOTEPEQUE-
CITALÁ AQUIFER (TRIFINIO AQUIFER) ........................................................................................... 25
6.2. HYDROGEOLOGICAL INFORMATION FOR THE ESQUIPULAS- OCOTEPEQUE-CITALÁ AQUIFER
AREA (TRIFINIO AQUIFER) ............................................................................................................. 34
6.3. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION .......................................................................................... 39
6.4. SOCIOECONOMIC INFORMATION VAILABLE .......................................................................... 45
6.5. GENDER INFORMATION ....................................................................................................... 56
6.6. POLITICAL ANALYSIS OF INTEGRATED WATERSHED AND AQUIFER MANAGEMENT
STRATEGIES IN THE TRIFINIO REGION ........................................................................................... 67
6.7. IDENTIFICATION OF INFORMATION GAPS ACCORDING TO INDICATORS ......................... 77
VII. CONCLUSIONS ............................................................................................................................. 83
VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................................................................ 84
IX. BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................................................. 86
X. ATTACHMENTS ............................................................................................................................ 90
ATTACHMENT 1. Lists of participants in coordination and informational workshops with other
stakeholders .................................................................................................................................. 91
ATTACHMENT 2. Documents Reviewed to Identify Information Gaps ......................................... 95
ATTACHMENT 3. Lithological Profile of a Well Located in the Esquipulas Valley ....................... 119
ATTACHMENT 4. Lithological Profile of a Well Located in La Palma, El Salvador ....................... 122
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TABLES
Table 1 Programs and Projects of the Trifinio Plan ............................................................................. 9
Table 2 Description of Dissemination Activities for the Groundwater Governance in Transboundary
Aquifers Project and Coordination .................................................................................................... 14
Table 3 Observations and Suggestions for the Project Preparation Phase ....................................... 18
Table 4 Observations and Suggestions on the Project Implementation Phase ................................ 19
Table 5 Average Monthly Precipitation in the Trifinio Region by Station ......................................... 27
Table 6 Description of Soil Groups in the Trifinio Region ................................................................. 29
Table 7 Official Protected Areas in the Trifinio Region ..................................................................... 39
Table 8 Potable Water Coverage by Country in the Area of Influence of Trifinio Plan, Upper Lempa
River Basin ......................................................................................................................................... 42
Table 9 Expected Population by 2015 ............................................................................................... 45
Table 10 Population Data for the Trifinio Zone ................................................................................. 46
Table 11 Stakeholders Identified in the Trifinio Aquifer Zone for Guatemala .................................. 48
Table 12 Stakeholders Identified in the Trifinio Aquifer Zone for Ocotepeque Honduras ............... 49
Table 13 Stakeholders Identified in the Trifinio Aquifer Zone, El Salvador ...................................... 51
Table 14 Programs and Projects Executed or Underway in the Trifinio Region ............................... 56
Table 15 Information Gaps Identified for the Zone of the Trifinio Aquifer Trifinio in Reference to
Project Indicators .............................................................................................................................. 77
Table 16 Documents reviewed to Identify Gaps in Biophysical and Hydrogeological Information .. 95
FIGURES
Figure 1 Location of the Trifinio region in the north Central American triangle .............................. 25
Figure 2 Climate Classification according to Thornthwaite .............................................................. 26
Figure 3 Annual Precipitation in the Trifinio Region ......................................................................... 27
Figure 4 Average Annual Temperatures (°C) for the Trifinio Region ................................................ 28
Figure 5 Relative Humidity in the Trifinio Region ............................................................................. 29
Figure 6 Soil Groupings in the Trifinio Region ................................................................................... 30
Figure 7 Relief in the Trifinio Region ................................................................................................. 31
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Figure 8 Watersheds located in the Trifinio Region .......................................................................... 32
Figure 9 Subwatersheds located in the Trifinio Region .................................................................... 32
Figure 10 Potential Water Recharge Zones....................................................................................... 33
Figure 11 Geology Upper Basin of the Lempa River ......................................................................... 34
Figure 12 Hydrogeology of the Upper Part of the Watershed of the Lempa River .......................... 35
Figure 13 First Approximation of the Delimitation of the Esquipulas-Ocotepeque-Citalá Aquifer .. 36
Figure 14 Protected Areas Located in the Trifinio Zone.................................................................... 40
Figure 15 Strategic Transboundary Environmental Problems .......................................................... 41
Figure 16 Organizational Chart of the Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan ......................... 63
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I. INTRODUCTION Every day greater quantities of groundwater are used to meet the needs of rural and urban
communities all over the planet in supplying this vital liquid for different uses (domestic,
agricultural, commercial, industrial, tourism, etc.). Despite the increased use, there is still little
study of groundwater dynamics and basic information remains unavailable for local or national
management or planning and implementation of activities to restore, conserve and protect water
recharge zones.
UNESCO’s International Hydrological Program has made efforts to improve understanding of
groundwater resources worldwide, providing guidelines on transboundary groundwater
management. Within this programme, the “Internationally Shared Aquifers Resources
Management Programme” (ISARM) stands out as a global programme that, in collaboration with
its partners in the national, regional and international spheres, has prepared an inventory of
hydrogeological characteristics, environmental and socioeconomic aspects and legal and
institutional frameworks of transboundary aquifers at the global scale.
In May 2012, within its Strategic Framework 2010-2015 and as part of the initiatives of a global
water program, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) issued an invitation to
present projects for funding with transboundary aquifers as the central theme. The invitation was
accepted by the UNESCO International Hydrological program and IUCN, which presented a joint
proposal on activities in three pilot sites, one being the Trifinio Aquifer (Esquipulas-Ocotepeque-
Citalá). This was accepted by the cooperation agency, thereby initiating preparatory activities of
the project with the objective of conducting an inventory of existing information on the Trifinio
zone and identifying information gaps with respect to a group of indicators enabling a first
characterization of the aquifer, and which would serve as foundation for preparing a final project
proposal on “Groundwater Governance in Transboundary Aquifers”.
To carry out this preliminary phase, a consultant team was contracted, formed of one specialist
each in hydrogeology, integrated watershed management, environmental management and
gender, along with a team coordinator. These specialists have carried out various activities to
achieve the objectives of the preliminary phase. This document presents the results obtained from
compiling information on climate, hydrogeology, environment, socioeconomic aspects and
application of gender perspective in the programs and projects already finalized or currently
underway, along with a preliminary stakeholder mapping for the aquifer zone.
II. BACKGROUND For more than 25 years, the Central American nations of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras have joined together in the Trifinio region in a transboundary cooperation effort1 geared toward
1 Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities. 2012, Tercer Informe Plan Estratégico de Desarrollo
Estratégico territorial Trinacional.
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managing the environment and territory as a means of making improved living conditions possible for border communities. For this reason, the country governments have tried to drive “integration of the region, formalized in the Treaty for Execution of the Trifinio Plan, aimed at cooperation in the solution of common problems and promotion of sustainable development.”
The region is made up of 45 municipalities—8 in El Salvador, 22 in Honduras and 15 in Guatemala—located around the cloud forest of the Montecristo massif, whose peak is found in the so-called “Trifinio” where the borders of these three Central American countries converge.
The interventions of the Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan (Comisión Trinacional del Plan Trifinio-CTPT) are upheld in the framework of the Trinational Treaty signed in 1997. This agreement recognizes the Trinational Commission, formed of the Vice-Presidents of El Salvador and Guatemala and a designate of the President of Honduras, as the entity responsible for overseeing execution of the Trifinio Plan and its continuous updating. The commission has administrative, financial and technical autonomy and its own legal identity.
Another initiative in the zone is the creation of the Lempa River Trinational Association of Municipalities2 which arose in Guatemala and carried out a process of strategic trinational territorial planning (1998-2003), setting out first steps for linkage of local stakeholders in a multi-country, multi-level and multi-stakeholder agenda. As time passed a strategic alliance was formed with other associations of municipalities in the region, thus generating South-South cooperation between one municipality and another. The basis for this alliance was a broader and more comprehensive agenda than the one established by the CTPT, with objectives in accordance with local assessment and strategic guidelines.
In addition to sustainable human development, one of the goals to be achieved through international work is the creation of public policies through the strategy of inter-municipal, south-south cooperation to transform trinational public policy projects in which managers, technicians, mayors, nongovernmental organizations, chambers of commerce and services all participate, seeking out international partners to adhere to the alliance.
This is an interesting experience in Central America, wherein three countries with the help of international donors invest in the sustainable development of an international shared watershed. In this context, the shared challenges have to do with environmental (water and biodiversity) management of a strategic zone for the region and achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, given that the Trifinio region has Central America’s highest rates of poverty, illiteracy and deficiency in access to basic services.
Several exercises in south-south cooperation exist both in the projects set up by the Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan (CTPT) at a macro level, and decentralized cooperation initiatives by the Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities in the local arena. The former is based on institutionality generated by the Trifinio Plan, while the latter arose from local sustainable development initiatives supported through international cooperation3. It is important to emphasize the dual nature of cooperation in two spheres of action: intergovernmental cooperation in the CTPT and municipal cooperation through both associated and individual municipalities. Both fields of action in the three countries generate local
2 Ayala C., Ambrosio K., 2011. Cooperación en la Región del Trifinio: Un caso de cooperación Transfronteriza de Sur-Sur.
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development activities through differing dynamics—more expeditious and practical in the case of associated municipalities in the three countries in comparison with top-level governmental action. During these years, objectives for the region have been furthered by projects and programs that have been and continue to be implemented. The table below lists projects and programs in recent years.
Table 1 Programs and Projects of the Trifinio Plan
PROGRAM OR PROJECT
STATUS
FINANCER
EXECUTOR
AMOUNT USD
Program for Planning and Development of Sustainable Tourism in the Trifinio Region
underway IDB-FOMIN CTPT 3,542,000
Watershed Management in the Trifinio Region
underway KwF CTPT 19,198.000
Forests and Water Program underway GIZ/BMZ GOPA/CTPT 5,000,000
Innovations in Sustainable Value Chains of Specialty Vegetables in the Trifinio Region
underway CATIE CATIE/CTPT 700,000
Trinational Sustainable Coffee Project
underway (ICP/ Tim Hortons ICP 1,290,236
Synchronizing Information for Local- National Participatory Natural Resources Management
finalized EU CTPT 441,000
Project for Integrated Management of the Montecristo Trinational Protected Area
finalized IDB CTPT 4,607,000
Promotion of the Administration of Water as Regional Public Good in the Upper Watershed of the Lempa River in the Trifinio Region
finalized IDB CTPT 940,100
Rapid Ecological Assessment in the Montecristo Trinational Protected Area finalized IDB CTPT 60,000
Project for Sustainable Development of Environment and Water in the Upper Watershed of the Lempa River Phase II
underway IAEA SNET/INSIVU MEH/ENEE
634,380
Management of the Montecristo Trinational Protected Area finalized IDB NORPLAN 280,000
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Strengthening of Five Salvadoran Municipal Governments in the Upper Watershed of the Lempa River
finalized EU CTPT 213,300
Operational Plan of Japan in support to the Trinational Sustainable Development Program of the Upper Watershed of the Lempa River
finalized Japanese Fund CTPT
840,000 Regional Program of Participatory Implementation of Integrated Pest Management and Agroforestry in the Trifinio Area
finalized NORAD CATIE
N.D. Program of Institutional Strengthening for Citizen Participation Entities of the Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan
finalized CARE CTPT
171,000 Program for Trinational Development of the Upper Watershed of the Lempa River
finalized IDB/NORAD/ GTZ/ CTPT 19,000,000
Support for Preparation of the Program for Sustainable Development of the Lempa River Basin
finalized IDB EUROESTUDIO S 216,000
Project for Sustainable Development of Ecologically Fragile Zones in the Trifinio Region
finalized BCIE PTCARL 43,340,000
Master Plan of La Fraternidad Biosphere Reserve finalized EU
Maya Ecosystems Mayas
630,000
Project for Rationalization of Energy Use and Environmental Protection
finalized Government of
Finland OAS 2,000,000
Source: Charchalac, S. 2013, Informe Final Consultoría “Gobernanza de Aguas Subterráneas en Acuíferos Transfronterizos. IUCN
Implemented from 2006 to 2012, the project “Sustainable Development of the Environment and Natural Resources in the Upper Watershed of the Lempa River” was funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), through Project RLA 8/ 038. The following activities were carried out3:
Preparation of a geological map of the upper watershed of the Lempa River, harmonized among the three countries
Inventory of wells, springs, rivers and lakes
Physico-chemical analysis of wells, springs, rivers and lakes
3 International Atomic Energy Agency. 2009 Desarrollo Sostenible del Medio Ambiente y los Recursos Hídricos en la
Cuenca Alta del Río Lempa informe final (primer borrador)
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Capacity of rivers and springs
Isotopic analysis of oxygen 18, deuterium and tritium
Geophysical testing
Preparation of a hydrogeological map
Preparation of the preliminary conceptual hydrogeological mode
Integration of data generated by the geographic information system This project generated highly important information for the Trifinio zone in terms of groundwater. However, at present there is only a draft report since a final document bringing together all of the information is still being prepared.
III. OBJECTIVES 3.1. GENERAL
Conduct an inventory of information available on the Esquipulas-Ocotepeque-Citalá aquifer and identify information gaps for applying the matrix of indicators so that steps can be defined for designing the “Groundwater Governance in Transboundary Aquifers” project.
3.2. SPECIFIC
Integrate a report with all of the information available on biophysical, socioeconomic, hydrogeological, environmental, institutional and legal characteristics of the Esquipulas-Ocotepeque-Citalá aquifer (Trifinio) zone in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador and determine the current state of the aquifer.
IV. METHODOLOGY The following activities were carried out for this consultancy:
4.1. COORDINATION OF THE CONSULTANT TEAM: preparation of work plans and scheduling of
activities, face-to-face meetings, field visits, presentations to local stakeholders, induction of consultant team members, review and correction of progress and final reports, virtual meetings on Skype and group and individual communication by e-mail as needed.
4.2. COORDINATION OF WORK WITH THE LIVELIHOODS AND CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION UNIT: During the consultancy, the IUCN Regional Office acted as direct liaison responsible for the work of the entire consultant team, maintaining open, fluid and continuous communication through face-to-face meetings, virtual meetings through Skype and e-mail, accompaniment on field visits, support and participation in different presentations to local stakeholders, presentation of consultancy reports and addressing pertinent concerns,
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difficulties or constraints and channeling requests of the consultant team, as well as coordinating field visits and face-to-face meetings with the consultants.
4.3. FIELD TRIPS: Two trips were made to the field with the consultant team to become acquainted with the area of the Esquipulas-Ocotepeque-Citalá aquifer, integrate opinions about its current situation, gather primary information from government agencies, nongovernmental organizations and other key stakeholders in the zone and meet with the technical team of the Trifinio Plan.
4.4. WORKSHJOPS AND MEETINGS TO PUBLICIZE THE PROJECT AND COORDINATE FUTURE ACTIVITIES: Various meetings and workshops were held with key stakeholders to disseminate the project proposal, elicit feedback on activities to be carried out and coordinate possible future actions.
4.5. COMPILATION, REVIEW AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE INFORMATION GENERATED IN THE TRIFINIO ZONE THROUGH DIFFERENT PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS EXECUTED OR UNDERWAY: The consultant team complied information generated in Trifinio through the management of the Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan, Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities, GIZ, CATIE, INSIVUMEH, MAG, MARN of El Salvador, CEL, and related web pages.
4.6. REPORT PREPARATION: Each consultant prepared a work plan, mid-term progress report and final report containing the relevant products.
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V. PLANNING ACTIVITIES
5.1. START-UP ACTIVITIES
These activities were carried out by the technical team of the IUCN Livelihoods and Climate Change Adaptation Unit:
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Preliminary timetable of activities and approach strategy
Definition of the consultant technical team needed to conduct the inventory of available information
Preparation of ToRs for selecting the consultant team
Call for candidates to the consultant team
Selection of professionals in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador to form the team
Consultant team made up of:
o Coordinator (Groundwater Use and Management specialist)
o Hydrogeologist (civil engineer with 20 years of experience in the area)
o Watershed Management specialist (agricultural engineer)
o Environmental Management specialist (agricultural engineer)
o Gender specialist (biologist)
5.2. WORKSHOPS AND MEETINGS WITH KEY STAKEHOLDERS IN THE TRIFINIO REGION
FOR FEEDBACK ON THE PROJECT PROPOSAL
5.2.1. ACTIVITIES
Various meetings and workshops were held with stakeholders to publicize the project, present advances in the preliminary phase, receive feedback on the project and coordinate future meetings. Table 2 summarizes these activities.
Table 2 Description of Dissemination Activities for the Groundwater Governance in Transboundary Aquifers Project and Coordination
ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS BRIEF DESCRIPTION PRODUCTS
Meeting with INSIVUMEH director and staff in Guatemala (focal point of UNESCO-ISARM)
Eddy Sánchez INSIVUMEH)
Fulgencio Garavito
(INSIVUMEH)
Carlos Rosal (IUCN)
Two meetings with
INSIVUMEH officials to present the project and identify activities for coordination between the two institutions to further project implementation.
Presentation of the project and draft memo of understanding between
INSIVUMEH and IUCN to coordinate activities; signature
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ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS BRIEF DESCRIPTION PRODUCTS
Patricia Alvarado
(consultant)
Sebastián
Charchalac (consultant)
of the memo is in process.
Meeting with the Trifinio Plan Technical Manager
Juan Carlos Montufar (Trifinio Manager)
Carlos Rosal (IUCN) Consultant Team (IUCN)
Meeting with the Trifinio Management to make an official presentation of the project and introduce the consultant team in charge of the first phase; obtain suggestions regarding coordination activities
Follow-up activities coordinated for dissemination of the project, and guidelines on obtaining information generated in the zone by different projects executed or underway
Meeting with El Salvador Environmental Observatory
Deysi López (MARN) Carlos Rosal (IUCN) Patricia Alvarado
(consultant) Manuel Escamilla
(consultant)
Official presentation of the project and first-phase consultant team to the Environmental Observatory; agreement on some follow-up activities.
Agreement on a workshop to present the project to the technical team working in the Trifinio zone
Information generated by the Observatory in the El Salvador section obtained
Coordination workshop with the Trifinio Plan technical team
Representatives of the Trifinio Plan, GIZ, El Salvador Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and IUCN (17 people, see attachment 2)
Presentation of the project and consultant team. The Trifinio Plan
gave a presentation on projects underway and recently finalized.
Communication channel established between Trifinio Plan technical team, representatives of other projects underway in the zone and IUCN consultant team Preliminary identification of
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ACTIVITY PARTICIPANTS BRIEF DESCRIPTION PRODUCTS
information available at Trifinio Plan headquarters and preliminary gaps concerning application of the matrix of indicators for the IUCN –UNESCO proposal
Identified the need for a specific work meeting with the Trifinio Plan Technical Research Team to learn about results obtained from the research project of the International Atomic Energy Agency
Coordination workshop with the Trifinio Plan technical research team
Representatives of MARN, CEL, ANDA, MAG and University of El Salvador, Trifinio Plan, INSIVUMEH and IUCN (14 people, see attachment 2)
Presentation of the Groundwater Governance project and the consultant team. The research team presented the IAEA project on study of groundwater in the upper part of the Lempa River basin.
Information generated and gaps identified by the research team
Draft project document received
(there is still no final
document). Communication channels set up between trinational research team and IUCN consultant team
Technical inputs and feedback obtained on the project proposal, second phase.
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Coordination workshop with
the Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities
Representatives of
the Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities
Representatives of the Association of Border Associated Municipalities
Representatives of IUCN (17 people, see attachment 2)
Dissemination of the Groundwater Governance in Transboundary Aquifers Project by the IUCN
The Association gave a presentation on its work in the zone, projects executed and underway and possible lines of coordination with the project.
Lines of coordination identified between
the project and the Association for carrying out complementary activities
Important information identified for development of the project’s phase 1 and lines of communication to obtain it
Those present provided suggestions and observations to be taken into account in
the project proposal,
second phase.
UNESCO-IUCN work meeting
Andrea Merla UNESCO
Laura del Vaal IGRAC Rocío Córdoba IUCN Carlos Rosal IUCN Sebastián Charchalac IUCN consultant Manuel Escamilla IUCN consultant
Melany Machado IUCN consultant Fernando Samayoa IUCN consultant
Patricia Alvarado IUCN Consultant
Presentation by Andrea Merla on the Transboundary Water Program (TWAP) study and how the Groundwater Governance Project is inserted in this project
Presentation by Laura del Val on IGRAC and the information management system to be used during project implementation
Presentation by Carlos Rosal on the process followed during the project’s preliminary phase
Observations and suggestions by UNESCO and IGRAC officers for the work of the consultant team
Follow-up agreements on preparation of the final proposal document
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Presentation by the consultant team on progress in the preliminary phase
Observations, suggestions and recommendations were then made on the work carried out, concluding with agreements and coordination of work to prepare the final proposal document.
These activities provided broader criteria about institutional dynamics in the Trifinio zone and the state of its communication channels, and preliminary detection of local installed capacity to strengthen project implementation in the zone.
5.2.2. RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS OF LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS ON THE PROJECT PROPOSAL
5.2.2.1. SUGGESTIONS FOR THE PROJECT PREPARATION PHASE
Table 3 Observations and Suggestions for the Project Preparation Phase
STAKEHOLDERS OBSERVATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
Trifinio Plan Technical Team and organizations working in the area
Hold a meeting with the Trinational Technical Research Team to find out about their work on the Esquipulas-Ocotepeque-Citalá aquifer since this is the most recent hydrogeological study made but the information is not yet available to the general public.
Make a list of information gaps detected thus far and send it to the Trifinio Plan Technical Manager to confirm with the technical team whether or not the information exists and if so, how it can be accessed.
Eight wells have recently been drilled on the Honduras side; they are being monitored and this is very valuable information. The Honduras Trifinio Plan TO Coordinator needs to be contacted for this information.
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STAKEHOLDERS OBSERVACITIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
Trinational Technical Research Team
Coordinate with MAG in El Salvador to obtain the draft of the final document on the first phase of the IAEA project
Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities Mancomunidad
Río Lempa
Coordinate with their technical team to obtain documents generated in the zone.
UNESCO and IGRAC
Consultants should link the inventory of information generated in the aquifer zone with the intermediate list of indicators
It is feasible to generate other indicators can be applied specifically to this aquifer.
Concerning the gender indicators, a special team (United Nations
Development Program and UNESCO) will be responsible for a process
to generate them.
5.2.2.2. SUGGESTIONS FOR THE PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION PHASE
Table 4 Observations and Suggestions on the Project Implementation Phase
STAKEHOLDERS OBSERVATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
Trifinio Plan Technical
Team and organizations working in the zone
Recommended thorough knowledge of the results of the research project carried out by the International Atomic Energy Agency and to follow up since the two projects could be complementary.
In-depth local work with key stakeholders (private owners of areas of interest, ranchers, coffee growers, municipalities, associations of
municipalities and others) is important. Based on experience in other area projects, unless their awareness is raised and these stakeholders are fully involved in the work for conservation and sustainable development of water and associated resources, achievement of the project’s objectives will be limited.
If Payment for Environmental Services activities are contemplated, be careful that the model chosen is locally acceptable and all participants obtain benefits.
It is important to contemplate working with the social capital of the region so that people are empowered about their resources through the creation of good water governance capacities.
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While there has been work on the gender theme in the zone in some projects, it is still very weak so needs to be made visible at local, institutional and governmental levels.
Promote the establishment of agreements with local governments to regulate use of water resources.
Trinational Technical
Research Team
Take advantage of the technical research platform already created to work with it, the only thing needed is to have a full-time coordinator who can organize the teamwork and coordinate all of the logistics for collecting data in field studies.
Prepare a map of aquifer recharge zones so that a management plan for these zones can be jointly developed for the aquifer’s maintenance.
Do a study on the aquifer’s vulnerability to contamination and identify the major pollution points.
Evaluate aquifer availability and yield in the face of climate change effects and climate variability.
Conduct or update the inventory of wells in the aquifer zone, both artisanal and mechanical (as far as possible, this inventory should include data on piezometric levels, use type, yield, amount used, storage coverage and geographic location). It is important to involve the health sector in each country through the community promoters.
Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities
Country legislation and will could be a large constraint to achieving the project objective about transboundary dialogue.
The Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission and Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities play an important role in influencing governments and generating changes in local policy.
It is important that the project include a training component so that local stakeholders with advocacy and financial management capacity
are part of the process, and also to create local capacities in transboundary groundwater governance.
Strengthen territorial platforms making it possible for everyone to access information generated; and also to make a joint effort towards their sustainability
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Coordinate with and support the Trinational Association of Municipalities to promote the public policies of “Shared Waters” and “Forests Forever,” as well as preparation of the Steering Plan for Integrated Water Resource Management regulating both surface and ground water
Promote activities for developing sustainable agriculture in the area and reducing water pollution from this productive activity
Promote interinstitutional and multi-sector coordination to forge strategic alliances
UNESCO and IGRAC
The ISARM methodology will be used in carrying out aquifer characterization activities and generation of information for application to the indicators, in which work is done by local experts and UNESCO intervention will focus on work supervision and harmonization issues.
It would be good to have letters of endorsements for the project from the three countries, as well as letters of cooperation with their national institutions in order to define coordination and cooperation commitments.
Define the parameters that will be used for generating geographic information (scale, rasters, nomenclatures and others); that way the same parameters are used.
5.3. TRIPS TO THE FIELD
The consultant team made three field visits during the consultancy.
5.3.1. RECONNAISSANCE OF THE ESQUIPULAS-OCOTEPEQUE-CITALÁ AQUIFER AREA
A field visit was made at the start of the consultancy to tour the aquifer zone under study for a preliminary determination of biophysical, hydrological and social characteristics of the zone.
During the tour main rivers and their tributaries were located preliminarily and geomorphology was identified, along with some of the stratigraphic characteristics and a panorama of current land use, possible limits of the aquifer and characteristics of the main recharge zones. It was also possible to determine that prevailing soils are shallow and highly susceptible to erosion, mainly on hillsides. The valley is very different since soil is Field visit for reconnaissance of the Trifinio Aquifer
area.
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Top: Runoff parcels for monitoring Bottom: Meeting of a group of project beneficiarie
very deep and of better quality. Due to their geological characteristics, certain zones appear to have little water permeability, representing a low water recharge zone.
The aquifer area also has zones where forest cover is still maintained, enabling infiltration of water. Change in land use is very common and much of the land is used for coffee growing, one of the major sources of income. Due to the zone’s conditions, it appears that most of the groundwater used comes from an unconfined or shallow aquifer highly susceptible to contamination.
5.3.2. FIELD TRIP TO ACTIVITIES EXECUTED BY THE GIZ WATER AND FOREST PROJECT
This trip, in which the GIZ technical team participated, included visits to two experiences carried out by the GIZ Water and Forest project in the Balanzas and San Juan Buena Vista microwatersheds located in the upper watershed of the Lempa River in Honduras. The purpose was to learn about the activities of the communities and identify level of capacities as product of the project currently being executed. Importantly, women have active participation in both the agroforestry project and in monitoring water and runoff parcels. They take pluviometer measurements and on the capacities of some streams. This information is used for their farming activities. There is a striking change of attitude in the inhabitants in terms of valuation of water resources and carrying out water conservation activities. It is evident that the project has created capacities to negotiate and solve conflicts over inadequate use of water and contamination actions. This trip was highly important to learn about aspects described previously and to realize that it is not a matter of starting from zero with the communities, since there is already a certain local capacity to do fieldwork and facilitate implementation of new project activities in the zone.
5.3.3. FIELD TRIP WITH UNESCO AND IGRAC OFFICERS
The consultant team and UNESCO and IGRAC members made a visit to the Trifinio area on March 4 and 5, providing opportunity to interview the Manager of the Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission and technical staff of the Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities to inform about the project’s objectives and ascertain their willingness to coordinate activities as local partners in the zone.
23
Visit to a lookout of the Esquipulas Valley
UNESCO-IUCN- Trifinio Plan meeting
A reconnaissance trip was also made to the area where the Esquipulas- Ocotepeque-Citalá aquifer is located, so that the UNESCO mission could get a clearer vision of surface geology, possible water recharge zones, productive activities and possible groundwater uses.
5.4. REVIEW OF INFORMATION GENERATED IN TRIFINIO
All available information was collected through the Technical Management of the Trifinio Plan
Trinational Commission on projects executed in the zone, websites and government institutions in
each of the countries, and then reviewed and catalogued by the consultant team.
Visit to the Lempa River
UNESCO-IUCN-Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities
24
VI. RESULTS
BIOPHYSICAL AND HYDROGEOLOGICAL INFORMATION
25
6.1. BIOPHYSICAL INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE AREA OF THE ESQUIPULAS-
OCOTEPEQUE-CITALÁ AQUIFER (TRIFINIO AQUIFER)
While there is almost no biophysical or hydrogeological information specifically for the aquifer,
information on the Trifinio zone in general can be used for the Esquipulas-Ocotepeque-Citalá
aquifer. The main and most up-to-date document on the situation of the Trifinio region is one
prepared by the Forests and Water Project, executed with support from GIZ (Estado de la Región
Trifinio), source of the description provided below.
6.1.1. CHARACTERISTICS OF THE STUDY ZONE 6.1.1.1. OVERVIEW OF THE TRIFINIO ZONE Comprised of the El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala border areas, the Trifinio region spans a
total of 7,541 km2, 44.7% corresponding to Guatemala, 15.3% to El Salvador, a n d 40% to
Honduras, representing approximately 13% of
the three countries’ total extension and 3% of
their population. In 2010 there were 802,919
inhabitants4.
The region is strategically located within Central
America’s northern triangle. There is land
communication with the most important cities in
the three countries. It is located approximately
140 km from Guatemala City, some 15 km from
Santa Ana (El Salvador), 66 km from San Salvador
and 159 km from San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
As for the Trifinio aquifer, a study by Garavito, F. and Guevara, M. generated the following
information.
The Esquipulas-Ocotepeque-Citalá Transboundary Aquifer System extends approximately along
600 km corresponding to the municipalities of Metapán, Citalá, San Ignacio and La Palma, in El
Salvador; Esquipulas, Olopa, and Quetzaltepeque, in Guatemala; and Nueva Ocotepeque, Santa Fe
and Concepción, Honduras. Dominant physiographic elements are represented by the Tertiary
volcanic chain with elevations up to 2700 MASL. Lahars occur.
In the aquifer zone shared by the countries there is a population of approximately 100,000 people
(UNESCO-IHP/OAS ISARM, 2007. Atlas of Transboundary Aquifers). In terms of climate, there is a
moist zone with annual pluviosity ranging from 1200 to 2000 mm, with rains from May to October
and average annual temperatures of 23º to 25º C.
4 Estado de la Región del Trifinio/GIZ 2010.
Source: Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza del Río Lempa
Figure 1 Location of the Trifinio region in the north Central American triangle
26
6.1.2. BIOPHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS 6.1.2.1. CLIMATE AND LIFE ZONES The most recurrent climate in the Trifinio region is semi-warm humid, including most of Honduran
Trifinio and the northeast region of Guatemalan Trifinio. Warm, humid climate is located in the
surroundings of Lake Guija and valleys in the zones of San Juan Ermita, Camotán and Copán
Ruinas.
The higher elevations of the territory, such as the Montecristo massif, El Pital, the Guisayote
mountain and Cerro Celaque have a wet climate, whether semi-warm or temperate. The driest
areas (classified as warm semi-arid or semi-warm semi-arid) are located in the Chiquimula
subregion and lower parts of the Ipala Volcano.
Source: SIG/GIZ 2010
Although there is no specific information on the Trifinio Aquifer, from this map we can deduce
that climate types are semi-warm humid on the plains of Esquipulas and Ocotepeque, semi-warm-
very humid on the high parts of Ocotepeque, in Monte Cristo and La Palma, and warm-humid in a
small area in Citalá and San Ignacio.
According to the Holdrige classification, the Trifinio region has the following life zones:
Tropical dry forest
Subtropical moist forest
Subtropical wet forest
Lower Montane wet forest
Montane wet forest
Information specific to the Trifinio Aquifer could not be found.
Figure 2 Climate Classification according to Thornthwaite
27
6.1.2.2. PRECIPITATION Average monthly and annual precipitation recorded for the last 20 years (1990 – 2010) is shown in
table 5. The lowest annual precipitation was measured in the stations of Nueva Ocotepeque
(909.1 mm) and La Ceibita (962.1 mm), and the highest in La Palma (2,369.2 mm) and Planes de
Montecristo (2,189.7 mm). There is a clear differentiation in monthly rainfall between the
November-April dry season and the rainy period from May to October. Precipitation declines for
20 to 30 days during July and August (Buch, Jiménez, 2009).
Table 5 Average Monthly Precipitation in the Trifinio Region by Station
Source: Estado de la Región Trifinio, GIZ 2010
Four of the stations shown in the table above (La Palma, Esquipulas, Planes de Montecristo and
Nueva Ocotepeque) are located in the Trifinio Aquifer zone, and the data reported indicates that
average annual precipitation ranges from 909.1 mm at the Nueva Ocotepeque station to 2369.2
mm in La Palma. Source: SIG/GIZ 2010
Figure 3 Annual Precipitation in the Trifinio Region
28
6.1.2.3. TEMPERATURE Trifinio is located in the tropical climate belt, recording average temperatures that are similar year
round with minimal monthly variations. The lowest temperatures are in January and December,
and the hottest in March and April.
In proportion to elevation, the hottest temperatures are recorded in the valleys and low parts of
Guatemala and depressions south of Ruinas de Copán in Honduras. Coldest temperatures are
recorded in the mountainous Montecristo and El Pital massifs.
Source: SIG/GIZ, 2010
It can be deduced from the temperature map that average annual temperatures are highly
variable, ranging from 16.5 – 16.9 C in zones such as La Palma and Montecristo, and 24 – 24.4 C in
the plains of Ocotepeque, Concepción and Esquipulas.
6.1.2.4. RELATIVE HUMIDITY Relative humidity measures the moisture content of air, useful for calculating evaporation and
transpiration and as indicator of the probability of convective rain. The map below shows three
areas with differing levels of relative humidity in the Trifinio region: low (63 to 70%) in the
lowlands of the south with complementing small areas around Camotán and Ocotepeque;
intermediate (70.5 a 81%) in most of the territory and high (81.5% or above) in the upper
elevations.
Figure 4 Average Annual Temperatures (°C) for the Trifinio Region
29
Source: SIG/GIZ, 2010
According to this map, relative humidity for the aquifer zone ranges from around 70% in
Ocotepeque, to 83% in Montecristo, approximately.
6.1.2.5. SOILS There is a high variability of parent material distributed in heterogeneous relief and subjected to
highly variable climate and biological conditions, leading to a diversity of soils: entisols, alfisols,
ultisols, mollisols and endosols in different groupings (see Table 6).
Table 6 Description of Soil Groups in the Trifinio Region
Soil Group Symbol Characteristics
Inceptisols, entisols and vertisols
Inc, Ent, Vert Heavy soils with management and productive problems, with little susceptibility to erosion
Entisols, andosols and alfisols
Ent, And, Alf Moderately-textured soils, thick, susceptible to erosion and of little-to-medium productivity
Andosols, alfisols and ultisols
And, Alf, Ult Deep, clay-rich soils highly susceptible to erosion and of low-to-moderate productivity, suited to perennial crops
Alfisols, entisols, inceptisols and andosols
Alf, Ent, Inc Recent soils, undeveloped, medium-textured and restricted drainage. Little susceptible to erosion, and of medium-to-high productivity with drainage and irrigation
Andosols, alfisols, and entisols
And, Alf, Ent Moderately deep soil of medium to fine texture, moderately susceptible to erosion, of moderate productivity, not suited for annual crops
Andosols, entisols, alfisols and mollisols
And, Ent, Alf Stony soils, not deep, susceptible to erosion and of low-to-medium productivity, suited to forest or livestock production
Source: Estado de la Región Trifinio, GIZ 2010
Figure 5 Relative Humidity in the Trifinio Region
30
Approximately 40% of the zone is highly susceptible to erosion due to a combination of
topographical, edaphic, and geological factors, significantly affecting loss of soil productivity,
increased vulnerability to natural disasters and sedimentation in main water bodies.
Source: SIG/GIZ, 2010
Based on the map it can be deduced that soil groups present in Trifinio are alfisols-entisolsi-
inceptisols-andosols, andosols-alfisols-entisols, andosols-alfisols-ultisols and entisols-alfisols-
ultisols.
6.1.2.6. TOPOGRAPHICAL CHARACTERISTICS: Trifinio is highly diverse in terms of topography and ecosystems. There are four major types of
relief: mountain areas (higher than 1750 MASL), foothills (1251 to 1750 MASL), intermediary plains
(750 to 1250 MASL) and valley plains (less than 750 MASL).
Mountain zones have shallow soils and rocky outcroppings. They are extremely important for the
hydric network since they constitute the elevated parts of the main watersheds. The highest
points are Cerro Montecristo (2,418 MASL), El Pital (2,730 MASL) and Montaña de Guisayote
(2,310 MASL). Relief at the base of the mountain is not as steep-sloped as in the mountains.
Figure 6 Soil Groupings in the Trifinio Region
31
Extending from mid-mountain to where the plains begin, this zone is formed of alluvia and colluvia
shaped by river currents and movements of soil from gravity. Soils are deeper and more
productive and have a less dense drainage system.
Intermediary plains are distributed throughout Trifinio at elevations under 800 MASL. The greatest
extension of valley plains lies in the southwestern part of the region around Lake Guija. There is
also a plains area in Chiquimula.
Source: SIG/GIZ 2010
The map shows three types of relief in Trifinio: intermediary plains, foothills and mountain areas.
6.1.2.7. DIVISION BY WATERSHEDS This region has three of the Central America’s most important watersheds, the Ulúa, Motagua and
Lempa river basins6. The Lempa River runs through the three countries until emptying into the
Pacific Ocean (one of the largest flows in Central America).
Figure 7 Relief in the Trifinio Region
32
Figure 8 Watersheds located in the Trifinio Region
Source: SIG/Plan Trifinio, 2010 These three large watersheds are divided into subwatersheds: seven in the Lempa River basin, two
subwatersheds that drain into the Motagua River and the subwatershed of the Higuito River that
forms part of the Ulúa River basin. The Trifinio Aquifer zone is located in the subwatershed of the
Upper Lempa River.
Figure 9 Subwatersheds located in the Trifinio Region
Source: SIG/GIZ 2010
33
6.1.2.8. RECHARGE ZONES A bibliographical review found that the GIZ Water and Forest Project prepared a map of water
recharge zones serving as a first approximation. This gives us an idea of the location of potential
areas of greatest infiltration which should be managed so that this is maintained. Due to their
physical, geological and topographical conditions, hydrogeological recharge areas permit
infiltration of rainwater (precipitation) toward zones within the subsoil where they can be stored.
These waters reach the surface via springs or are extracted through wells. Four types of
hydrogeological zones have been identified in the Trifinio region based on capacity to store and
transmit groundwater:
High infiltration zones or water recharge areas: These need to be protected to ensure both
quantity and quality of water supply. Here it is recommended that forest be maintained or
reestablished and that agricultural or industrial activity be restricted.
Medium infiltration zones where the water level is very deep-down: Human or agricultural
activities can be carried out as long as fertilizer and pesticide use is restricted. Human settlements
can be established using pit latrines as basic sanitation.
Medium infiltration zones where the water level is very close to the surface: Because of the
closeness they are medium vulnerable but apt for human settlements with piping system or
compost latrines. Agriculture and livestock activities should avoid use of highly toxic fertilizers and
agrochemicals.
Low infiltration zones which because of their low vulnerability to water pollution are apt for
human settlements, sites for solid waste disposal and agricultural and livestock activities with
minimal restrictions.
Source: SIG/GIZ 2010
Figure 10 Potential Water Recharge Zones
34
The map shows the four categories of potential water zone categories.
6.2. HYDROGEOLOGICAL INFORMATION FOR THE ESQUIPULAS- OCOTEPEQUE-CITALÁ
AQUIFER AREA (TRIFINIO AQUIFER)
Base documents used for the hydrogeological information appearing below were: Informe
borrador del Proyecto Desarrollo sostenible del medio ambiente y los recursos Hídricos de la
cuenca Alta del Rio Lempa, of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Plan estratégico de la
región trifinio 2010-2012, July 2011, GIZ-URBAL-IDB, and Plan de gestión para el desarrollo
sostenible de la región del trifinio. This information is specific to the Upper Basin of the Lempa
River where the Trifinio Aquifer is located.
6.2.1. GEOLOGY From a geological standpoint, the area corresponding to the Upper Basin of the Lempa River
(hereon abbreviated as UBLR) is one of the most complex5. The rocks in this study zone are of
Metamorphic type, meaning that they are made up of very dense materials with little or
practically no permeability, especially ignimbrites and rhyolite-dacite lava. Because the
ignimbrites are very compact and welded, they do not make up important aquifers unless altered
by fractures or geological faults. The same occurs with intrusive rocks, which are fractured and
highly meteorized. The watershed has sedimentary rock, including conglomerates, sandstone, red
lutite layers, limestone and marl. There are also sedimentary materials accumulated in the
depressions of the main valleys where the conjunction of fluvial, alluvial and lacustrine sediments
several meters thick can constitute reservoirs of groundwater.
5 CTPT, El Trifinio, Los recursos hídricos en la parte alta de la cuenca del Río Lempa.
Figure 11 Geology Upper Basin of the Lempa River
35
Descripción de las unidades Hidrogeológicas del mapa
Sedimentos aluvionales y coluviales que constituyen las unidades “Acuíferos porosos” (porosida
primaria, detrítico) de edad Cuaternaria
Rocas fracturadas intercaladas con material volcanoclástico de edades Plioceno superior
Holoceno que constituyen la unidad hidrogeológica “Acuíferos fracturados”
Rocas poco fracturadas que constituyen la unidad “Rocas fracturadas de baja porosidad”.
En relación al tema de la información disponible de carácter hidrogeológico, para el área de
acuífero Trifinio. Existe la demarcación preliminar del mismo, de acuerdo al MAPA realizado po
Fulgencio Garavito, INSIVUMEH, Guatemala. Mario Guevara Retana, SNET, El Salvador. Que podr
servir de punto de partida para profundizar en la caracterización del acuífero TRIFINIO.
Source: SIG/Plan Trifinio 2010
As shown on the geological map, the Trifinio aquifer area contains:
domes of lava and slag: andesitic and basaltic
Alluvium and exfoliation domes
Rhyolite obsidian domes
Felsic effusives composed of rhyolite dacite lava and acidic pyroclastic flows , ignimbrites and
deposits of fallen coignimbrites
6.2.2. HYDROGEOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION The hydrogeological characterization of the Upper Basin of the Lempa River has been based on
the integrated geological map (with its geological formations and members), the information
obtained in vertical electric soundings, information obtained from the inventories of water
sources (dug and perforated wells and springs) in the frame of the project and hydrochemical
information obtained from samplings.
d
a Source: SIG/Plan Trifinio 2010
The Trifinio Aquifer area mostly presents fractured rocks of low porosity and porous aquifers in a
part of the territory, along with a small extension of fractured and porous aquifers.
According to the first characterization done by Garavito F. INSIVUMEH and Guevara M. SNET, the
aquifer is a multi-layer, confined and unconfined system, predominantly the latter. It is of porous
and fractured type, made up of sedimentary deposits in Quaternary alluvial valleys and Tertiary
pyroclastics and intermediate-acid and acid lavas. Hydrothermal alteration can be observed in
many areas.
Figure 12 Hydrogeology of the Upper Part of the Watershed of the Lempa River
36
Figure 13 First Approximation of the Delimitation of the Esquipulas-Ocotepeque-Citalá Aquifer
Source: UNESCO-IHP-OEA ISARM, 2007
The shallow aquifer has an average depth of 20 m while the deep aquifer ranges from 100 to 150
m. There is a hydraulic connection between the rivers and aquifer system. Flow is predominantly
northwest to southeast toward Nueva Ocotepeque, where its direction changes. Dominant
physiographic elements are provided by the Tertiary volcanic chain, with elevations of up to 2700
MASL. Lahars occur. In terms of climate, this is a humid zone with a pluviosity variable of 1200 to
2000 mm a year, rains from May to October and average annual temperature of 23º to 25º C. 6.2.3. INFORMATION ABOUT WELLS Although wells are known to exist in the aquifer zone, information is difficult to access because
these are private boreholes. During the consultancy access was provided to the lithologic or
stratigraphic profiles of two wells, one in the valley of Esquipulas and the other in Los Pinos. (see
annexes 3 and 4)
37
Location of well and research piezometers Well-drilling machinery
on the Honduran side, El Poy. Trifinio
Some wells have been drilled on the Honduran side for different uses, but have served for
monitoring and obtaining information for groundwater investigations conducted in the area.
Pumping test and water sampling Tests with tracers
Geophysical tests Geoelectric sounding
38
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
39
6.3. ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
While there is almost no biophysical or hydrogeological information specifically for the aquifer,
information for the Trifinio zone in general can serve as the basis for generating the necessary
information.
6.3.1. PROTECTED AREAS A system of official protected natural areas has been implemented as part of the strategy for
conserving the richness of the ecosystems existing in the Trifinio region. Altogether, 15% of the
Trifinio area belongs to one of the following protected areas:
Table 7 Official Protected Areas in the Trifinio Region
Protected Area Management Category Trifinio Area
(km2)
Description / Observations
Montaña de Celaque national park 266.3
El Pital biosphere reserve 37.9 Binational area, no legal protection
Erapuca wildlife refuge 73.1
Guisayote biological reserve 140.9
Lago de Guija to be defined 13.9 No legal protection
Montecristo biosphere reserve 422.7
San Diego La Barra national park (state) 22.6 Largest extension of dry forest in El Salvador
Volcán Pacayita biological reserve 102.0 Home of the Lenca ethnic group
Volcán Ixtepeque definitive closed season zone 18.6
Volcán Suchitán regional municipal park 25.4
Volcán y Laguna de Ipala multiple-use area 22.8
Volcán Quezaltepeque regional municipal park 10.9
Cerro las Cebollas regional municipal park N/D
Volcán Las Víboras definitive closed season area 24.4
Source: Estado de la Región Trifinio, GIZ, 2010. The Montecristo and Guisayote protected areas have water recharge influence on the Trifinio
Aquifer, as can be seen on the following map.
40
Source: SIG/GIZ 2010
6.3.2. MAIN ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE TRIFINIO ZONE Deforestation at a regional rate of 1.7% per year in the last 24 years; the geomorphological unit
of Montaña de Quezaltepeque in Guatemala is the most affected
Siltation of streams, rivers and lakes with critical scenarios in the Lake Güija geomorphological
unit
Poor forest management at places like Esquipulas, where forest cover is barely 2%
Deficient management of protected areas in the Trifinio. Their limits are not well defined; of the
24 areas only eight are supported by technical aspects and some, like El Pital and Lake Güija, have
not been legalized.
Environmental contamination from high-impact solid residues: for example, open-air dumps in
Esquipulas affecting more than 21 thousand inhabitants, and a dump in Metapán that affects a
population of over 15 thousand people.
Environmental contamination from residential water, particularly severe in the municipal seats
of Metapán, Asunción Mita and Chiquimula; fecal coliforms average 92.59 NMP/100 ml
Environmental contamination from wastewater deriving from coffee processing with a high
Figure 14 Protected Areas Located in the Trifinio Zone
41
impact, especially in the buffer zone of Montaña Montecristo and Montaña de Quezaltepeque
Risk of flooding, with the most recurrent in Lake Güija and Metapán
Risk of forest fires, placing 100 thousand ha in jeopardy. In 1998 incidence of forest fires was
concentrated in the Montecristo Massif (south and east of Esquipulas, and northeast of
Metapán). Main environmental problems for the Trifinio Aquifer zone (see figure 15) are:
Loss of forest cover from poor management
Deficient management of protected areas
Contamination from solid residues
Risk of fires
Pollution from coffee-processing wastewater
Source: GIS/Trifinio
Figure 15 Strategic Transboundary Environmental Problems
42
6.3.3. WATER USES There is little information about use of the aquifer. The population of Trifinio is thought to
depend entirely on water generated in the region for human consumption, domestic use,
irrigation of pasturelands and agricultural zones, recreation, tourism, etc.
Outside the region the main use of water from the Lempa River is in El Salvador, since San
Salvador alone has 2,260,894 inhabitants (2006). In another part the document indicates that
800,000 inhabitants of San Salvador depend on the Lempa River for proximately 40% of their
water supply. In addition, there are four hydroelectric dams whose waters come from Trifinio
(Guajoyo, Cerrón Grande, 5 de Noviembre and 15 de Septiembre) and two irrigation districts
(Atiocoyo and Lempa – Acahuapa).
According to research conducted in 2002, SNET of El Salvador found that river behavior had
varied over the past 30 years due to several factors, including change in soil use, variations in rain
and evapotranspiration regimes and changes in demand , with more than 70% flow reduction
during the dry season in some cases.
Along with the trend toward reduction, supply of drinking water is deficient in terms of both
quantity and quality. The main cities of the zone (Metapán, La Palma and Esquipulas) report
supply irregularities: rationing, problems of quality and low coverage, and levels of needed
investment to close the gap between supply and demand are very low. This has a significant
impact on the population’s quality of life in terms of health, production and resources (time,
energy and money).
Various conflicts have arisen between communities over the use, availability and ownership of
water sources. While these are not documented, at least three such conflicts have been reported
between border communities in El Salvador and Honduras (personal communication from Héctor
Aguirre, 2008). Additionally, drinking water coverage for the rural area is less than for cities.
Guatemala is the country most affected by this problem, as shown in the table below.
Table 8 Potable Water Coverage by Country in the Area of Influence of Trifinio Plan, Upper Lempa River Basin
COUNTRY % COVERAGE OF POTABLE WATER
Guatemala 56
El Salvador 66
Honduras 71
Source: ICI, APESA, NORAGRIC (2000)
43
6.3.4. LOCAL ECONOMY’S DEPENDENCE ON ACCESS TO WATER RESOURCES According to studies by ISARM, in the dry season agricultural production is 100% dependent on
springs and wells, as is livestock production, small and medium industry, and above all, human
consumption. The dry season can last up to six months of the year.
6.3.5. WATER QUALITY According to ISARM, in general the natural quality of the aquifer system is good, although there is
pollution that originates in the three countries. El Salvador has the greatest contamination since
it is situated downstream of the aquifer. Contamination from coliform bacteria has been
identified in wells dug on the Guatemalan side. There are few perforated wells making use of
confined water, and there is no information on their water quality. As for chemical
contamination, natural iron predominates, along with high values of calcium, sodium and
nitrates.
In the case of surface water, we detected that availability for industrial and agricultural uses and
human consumption has been reduced due to high rates of contamination in most of the
watershed’s rivers, with a series of effects on human health: a rise in gastrointestinal, parasitic
and skin diseases, proliferation of epidemics and even cases of poisoning and intoxication.
Water quality studies made of the Lempa River and its tributaries show that quality is fair, due to
the presence of fecal coliforms (from 4 NMP/100 ml to 1, 000,000 NMP/100 ml), decline in
dissolved oxygen, high biochemical demand (3.3 mg/l) and heavy metals that at some control
points exceed internationally recommended standards for these parameters (CATIE, 2004;
SHN/SNET, 2003).
Water quality problems in most of the tributaries and in the main course of the Lempa River arise
because domestic, agroindustrial and industrial residual water are dumped completely untreated
into receiver flows. Coverage levels of latrines and rural basic sanitation are also deficient.
Due to this situation, there is greater risk of groundwater contamination from home and
industrial wastewater. Waters contain agrochemicals that accumulate in the soil and are then
carried to aquifers. The greatest problem for the aquifer system is therefore related to pollution
from domestic and industrial activity, especially near the border, and to over-use and loss of
recharge areas as urban development and deforestation proliferate. Coordinated local and
regional aquifer management is needed among the countries to make wiser use of groundwater
in the border region of Guatemala and El Salvador to mitigate current and future impacts.
44
SOCIOECONOMIC INFORMATION
45
6.4. SOCIOECONOMIC INFORMATION VAILABLE
This is the type of information that has been generated most in the zone. Different studies have
produced valuable information, albeit generalized for the entire Trifinio region as described
previously. Notwithstanding, it provides a basis for obtaining specific information about the
aquifer area.
Summarized below is socioeconomic information that will be useful for executing the
Groundwater Governance in Transboundary Aquifers project.
6.4.1. POPULATION DATA FOR THE TRIFINIO REGION In 1986, when the Trifinio Plan commenced, the region had a population of approximately
450,000 inhabitants. Twenty-five years later, the population is about to double; each year it
increases by 14,000 people on average.
Table 9 Expected Population by 2015
Source: Estado de la Región del Trifinio/GIZ 2010.
The population of the Trifinio Region is made up of a high percentage of youth and children:
25.8% are under 7 years of age and another 25% are between 7 and 17. Both groups (under 18
years of age) together make up 51.9% of the entire population. Those over 18 and under 59
represent 41.7% and just 6.5% are older than 60. 48.6% of the population are men and 51.4% are
women. The ratio of men to women changes according to age group. In those under 15, the ratio
is 1.05:1, and for the population as a whole is 0.94 to each woman. The variation in distribution
between age groups has to do with different rates of mortality and migration6.
6 Estado de la Región Trifinio 2010 Datos socioeconómicos y ambientales de los municipios. GIZ November 2011.
46
Table 10 Population Data for the Trifinio Zone
N° General Data Data Socioeconomic Characteristics Municipal Infrastructure 1 Communities with electric service 58 %
2 Drinking water service coverage 53 % 3 Piping services 30 % 4 Municipal markets 17 5 Kilometers of dirt roads 1,416 6 Kilometers of paved roads 417 Education Sector 1 Students at pre-school level 27,291 2 Students at primary level 122,090 3 Students at basic level 32,240 4 Students at secondary level 15,004 5 Students at higher level 1,000 6 Pre-primary-level education centers 812
7 Primary-level education centers 1,654 8 Basic-level education centers 516 9 Secondary-level education centers 102
10 Higher-level education centers 5 11 Illiteracy rate 40 Health Sector 1 Health centers 78 2 Hospitals 3 Economic and Productive Sector 1 Human Development Index 0.55 2 Percent in absolute poverty 68% 3 Percent in extreme poverty 42% 4 Number of banks 53 5 Number of cooperatives 23 Source: Plan Estratégico Territorial 2008-2023
6.4.2 ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES Main economic activities in the Trifinio region are agricultural production and artisanal and
tourism activities. The first is small-scale since most producers cultivate less than five hectares.
Throughout the region, including urban areas, are homes that participate in the agricultural
sector, mostly related to the production of basic grains and coffee. Vegetable growing is an
interesting option for some rural families because of the high prices and extensive markets, like
nearby San Salvador. Soils are apt and there is enough water for cultivating vegetables. (Estado de
la región Trifinio 2010).
Grown on approximately 24,000 ha at elevations from 900 t o 1600 MASL , coffee is an important
source of income for campesino families, and also contributes to the economy because of the
47
high demand for temporary labor that cannot be met in the zone, requiring that workers be
brought in from other parts of Central America.
There is a great deal of tourism potential in the Trifinio region, which at present is receiving an
estimated 1.7 million visitors. Each spends USD 31.50 on average, altogether generating USD
53.55 million a year (CATIE, 2005). The major center of attraction is La Basilica de Esquipulas in
Guatemala, drawing more than a million visitors a year. Other tourist attractions include the
Montecristo Trinational Protected Area, crafts in the Salvadoran towns of La Palma and San
Ignacio and Ruinas de Copán, in Honduras.
Of the sectors mentioned, tourism, coffee, vegetables and avocado especially offer potential for
economic development in the region and a way out of the current situation of poverty. However,
many residents decide to leave in search of a better life. It is estimated that 10% of those in the
three Guatemalan municipalities of Agua Blanca, Esquipulas and Ipala have migrated to the
United States. (CATIE, 2005)
On this theme, Alwang, Elias 20087 concluded that:
Secondary education has a very large positive effect on wellbeing. Income of homes where the
head of household has secondary schooling is over 60% higher than in the others.
The size of family parcels determines the type of life strategy and also has a very large impact
on family wellbeing. Elasticity of household income with respect to the size of the parcel is 0.9: if
a family increases its parcel by 1%, income will rise 0.9%.
The closer a household is to the market, the greater the wellbeing of homes in urban zones,
although this result is not statistically significant for households in rural areas. Location also has
an influence on wellbeing: it is more likely that a household in Guatemala and Honduras will be
less poor than in El Salvador.
Probability of finding a poor household declines as altitude rises, but only up to 1100 meters
above sea level; at that altitude the probability decreases.
6.4.3. MIGRATION Migration of the population to other national territories or to other countries (mainly the United
States and Spain) is a phenomenon that in recent years has impacted significantly on the
economy and structure of families in Central America’s northern triangle. 25% of the total
population of the three countries has family members who have migrated (Programa Estado de la
Nación 2011). In Trifinio municipalities the annual migration rate (per thousand inhabitants)
ranges from 0 to 4%. The municipalities with higher rates are Chiquimula, San José la Arada and
Concepción Las Minas. The rest maintain rates under 2%. For the specific case of the aquifer
zone, the migration rate ranges from 0.1-2.0.
7 Estado de la región Trifinio 2008
48
6.4.4. MAIN SOCIOECONOMIC PROBLEMS
According to the integrated appraisal made by Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza del Río
Lempa, the region’s primary socioeconomic problems are8:
Important migratory movements in the northwest and Corazón de Trifinio subsystem
High illiteracy rates in the subsystem of Copan Chortí and Erapuca
Sparse coverage of university centers in the trinational region of Honduras
Elevated malnutrition rates en los subsystem of Copan Chortí and Erapuca
Insufficiency of sanitation infrastructure in the Honduran trinational region
Scarce drinking water coverage in rural areas
High poverty rates in the Copan Chortí and Erapuca subsystems
Lack of technical, productive and financial assistance in the trinational region
Use of inadequate cultivation technologies in the Copan Chortí subsystem and throughout the
trinational region
Low use of technified practices in the trinational region
Scarce industrial coverage in the trinational region
High cost of commercial transactions in the trinational region
6.4.5. PRELIMINARY STAKEHOLDER MAP IN THE TRINFINIO AQUIFER ZONE
Table 11 Stakeholders Identified in the Trifinio Aquifer Zone for Guatemala
CENTRAL
GOVERNMENT
LOCAL GOVERN-MENT
CIVIL SOCIETY
PRIVATE SECTOR
PROGRAM PROJECT
Departmental Government of Chiquimula
Municipal Mayoralty of Esquipulas
Cooperativa Integral Trifinio
Esquipulas Chamber of Commerce
PREVES
MAGA Municipal Mayoralty of Concepción Las Minas
Cooperativa COOSAJO
ANACAFE DDM
MARN Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río Lempa
Cooperativa Chiquimuljá
Asociación de Ganaderos de Esquipulas
PRODERT
8 Tercer informe integral de desarrollo estratégico territorial Trinacional, Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza de Río
Lempa.
49
MINEDUC Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan
ATRIDEST Asociación de Ganaderos de Concepción Las Minas
OIRSA
MSPAS ADEMI
FONAPAZ ADIPE
ADISO
INAB ADEGO
CONRED ASIAPACTRI
Source: Informe final consultoría Acuífero Trifinio/Charchalac S. IUCN 2013
Table 12 Stakeholders Identified in the Trifinio Aquifer Zone for Ocotepeque Honduras
CENTRAL
GOVERNMENT
LOCAL GOVERN-MENT
CIVIL SOCIETY
PRIVATE SECTOR
PROGRAM PROJECT
Government of Ocotepeque
Municipal Mayoralty of Ocotepeque
Club de Leones Micro Empresa de Mujeres (OMM)
Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río Lempa
Secretariat of Health
Municipality of Sinuapa
Colegio de Abogados de Ocotepeque
BANADES Forests and Watersheds Project TCTP
ATRIDEST ADESCOS de Ocotepeque (45)
Colegio de Peritos de Ocotepeque
Banco de Occidente
AMVAS Trinational Commission Trifinio Plan Trifinio
Colegio de Médicos de Ocotepeque
Banco Atlántida
Ocotepeque Transparency Commission
Sociedad Civil Plan del Rancho
Chamber of Commerce
PRONADEL Jóvenes sin fronteras
Centro Empresarial de Negocios de Ocotepeque
Human Rights Tourism Committee COPAOL
50
District Education Department
Women’s Commission
Cooperativa de Transportes San José Ltda.
Departmental Education Department
Women’s Organization
Radio
Etnia Chortí San Andrés
Television channel 10
Etnia Nuevo Renacer Chortí Sinuapa
Television channel 50
Grupo de Mujeres Chortí un nuevo Amanecer
COPEM
PRICMAH
Cooperativa Mixta Ocotepeque Ltda.
SIMPRODOH
ASONOG
ASOMYPE
AGAO
Catholic Church
Evangelical churches
Source: Informe final Consultoría Acuífero Trifinio/Escamilla M. UICN 2013
51
Table 13 Stakeholders Identified in the Trifinio Aquifer Zone, El Salvador
CENTRAL
GOVERNMENT
LOCAL GOVERN-MENT
CIVIL SOCIETY
PRIVATE SECTOR
PROGRAM PROJECT
San Ignacio Local Risk Roundtable
Association of Municipalities of Cayaguanca
Asociación Agropecuaria de Citalá ASAGROCITALA
Parque Ecológico el Manzano
Riego Sostenible para la producción de hortalizas CATIE
La Palma Local Risk Roundtable
Municipal Mayoralty of Citalá
ACOPASI Cooperativa la Semilla de Dios
Centro de Atención turístico La Palma CAT-LA PALMA
CLUSA El Salvador
General Bureau of the Forest Planning, Watersheds and Irrigation Agency
Municipal Mayoralty of San Fernando
Asociación Agropecuaria Apícola Monte Tabor Caballero,
Colegio Cristiano Lic. Arturo Cabrera
La Palma ASAMOTAC
General Bureau of Forest Planning, Watersheds and Irrigation
Dulce María Agency
Municipal Mayoralty of La
Palma
Asociación
Cooperativa de
producción de
servicios múltiples y
productores
orgánicos ACOPO RL
Colegio
Evangélico
Amigos
National Agricultural Technology Center
La Palma
Municipal
Mayoralty of Dulce
Nombre de María
Asociación
Agropecuaria de la
Palma
ASAGROLAPALMA
Tienda Carolina
National Agricultural Technology Center
San Ignacio
Municipal Mayoralty of San
Ignacio
Cooperativa De
Cafetaleros
COOPALMA
Farmacia Larisa
52
Women’s Multisectoral Roundtable
San Ignacio, Sexual
Exploitation
Lempa River
Trinational
Association
(associated
municipalities)
Asociación
Agropecuaria El
Zarzal. ASAEZLAPA
Hotel y
Restaurante El
Roble
Basic Education
School Center Dr.
Salvador Mendieta
Trinational Commission Trifinio
Asociación de
Ganaderos San José
Sacare
ASAGROSACARE
Hotel y
Restaurante La
Palma
National Institute of Citalá
ADESCONLO Asociación de
Productores de
Palillos de San
Ignacio APROPASI
Caja de Crédito
La Palma
ACASIPAC, R.L.
National Institute of San Fernando
ADESCOPLAN Asociación de
Regante El Carmen
Caja de Crédito
Dulce Nombre de María
San Fernando School Center
Citalá Intersectoral Committee
Asociación
Agropecuaria
Nueva visión
Empresarios de
la ruta 119
School Center Canton of Los Planes
ADESACOS de
San Fernando
Asociación de
Regantes Las
Aradas
Cada de Crédito
San Ignacio
San Ignacio School centers (11)
ADESCOS La
Palma (5)
Asociación de
Ganaderos El
Pinar AGAPIR
National Institute of San
Ignacio
ADESCO San
Ignacio (10)
Asociación de
Regantes de El
Rosario
National Institute
of the Canton of
Las Pilas
ADESCOS Dulce
Nombre de
María (5)
Asociación de
Cooperativas
Agropecuarias de
Hortaliceros El
Rosario
53
National Civil Police Force
Los Llanitos Water Board
Asociación
Comunal de
agromercadeo,
servicios turísticos y
ambientales
ACANCERTA
Armed Forces
4th Infantry Brigade Los Llanitos Water Committee
Asociación de
Mujeres Unidas por
la Paz
Peace Tribunal of
San Fernando
Asociación de desarrollo integral de la zona alta de Chalatenango y grupo de acción
territorial ADIZAL-
CAT
Peace Tribunal of La Palma
Comité
Sociocultural de
La Palma
National Civil Police Force
Dulce Nombre de
María subdelegation
Parroquia
Inmaculada
Concepción Citalá
Court of First Instance Dulce Nombre de María
Iglesia Asambleas
de Dios
Tourism police
POLITUR-CAT San
Ignacio Río Chiquito
Iglesia Filadelfia
Asambleas
National Civil Police, Environment
Parroquia La
Palma
54
Health units of
Citalá, San
Fernando, La
Palma, Dulce
Nombre de María,
San Ignacio, Cantón
Las Pilas
Iglesias
Evangélicas
Asambleas de Dios
Dulce Nombre de
María
Cultural Centers of
La
Palma, Dulce
Parroquia Dulce
Nombre de María
Nombre de María
and San Ignacio
El Salvador Postal Service
La Palma branch
San Ignacio de
Loyola Catholic Church
Source: Informe final Consultoría Acuífero Trifinio/Escamilla M. IUCN 2013 .
55
GENDER INFORMATION
56
6.5. GENDER INFORMATION
6.5.1. GENDER PERSPECTIVE IN PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS IN THE TRIFINIO ZONE To analyze the incorporation of gender perspective in the different projects and programs
implemented and those underway in the aquifer zone, a review was made of the information
provided by the Trinational Technical Unit of the Trifinio Plan, institutions and organizations
working in the zone and documentation on the website of the Trinational Commission of the
Trifinio Plan.
In 72% of the project documents or summaries analyzed (16 of 22), no qualitative or quantitative
information was reported to indicating any sign that gender perspective had been incorporated
in the components and activities of the projects and programs. Some documents include
numbers on beneficiaries, but data are not disaggregated by sex.
These projects were related to biodiversity conservation, institutional strengthening for citizen
participation entities, and sustainable development of the upper watershed of the Lempa River,
among other themes.
Table 14 Programs and Projects Executed or Underway in the Trifinio Region
No. Name of the Project Incorporation of Gender Perspective
1 Master Plan of the
La Fraternidad Biosphere Reserve (1987)
European Union
No gender information found
2 Program for Institutional Strengthening of Citizen Participation Entities of the Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan
(2002-2005)
CARE El Salvador, Guatemala and
Honduras
No gender information found
3 Operations Plan of Japan in support to the Trinational Program of Sustainable Development of the Upper Watershed of the Lempa River (2002-2005)
IDB Japanese Fund
No gender information found
57
No. Name of the Project Incorporation of Gender Perspective
4 Management of the Montecristo Trinational Protected Area
(2004-2005) Norwegian Funds- IDB
No gender information found. Total population is
20,000 but there are no details on number of
men and women.
5 Project Sustainable development of the Environment and Water Resources in the Upper Watershed of the Lempa River
(2005-2007)
International Atomic Energy Agency
No gender information found
6 Rapid Ecological Assessment in the parts that would form the Montecristo Trinational Protected Area in Guatemala and Honduran Territory
(2005) GEF
/ IDB
No gender information found
7 Promotion of Water Administration as Regional Public Good in the Upper Watershed of the Lempa River (ABPR) (2006-2009)
IDB
Revision of the logical framework showed no gender indicators. It mentions only that project beneficiaries are the 305,000 inhabitants of the Trifinio region composed of 20 municipalities, 8 in El Salvador, 7 in Guatemala, and 5 in Honduras.
8 Integrated Management of the
Montecristo Trinational Protected Area IDB
No gender information found
9 Project on Creating Local Capacities for the Promotion of Local Economic Development in Central American Zones (2010 – 2011)
Austrian Cooperation
No gender information found
10 Program of Planning and Development of Sustainable Tourism in the Trifinio Region Shared by El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras
No gender information found, only data on number of beneficiaries; direct: tourism MSMEs and indirectly 2000 MSMEs carrying out their activities in the Trifinio region
58
No. Name of the Project Incorporation of Gender Perspective
(PROTUR_TRIFINIO) (2010-2013) IDB - FOMIN
Distributed in 6 associated municipal groups that bring together at least 25 governments in the region
11 Project rla/8/045. Pilot Area:
Olopa – Ocotepeque Subwatershed
No gender information found
12 Characterization of Water Resource Contamination in the Upper Watershed of the Lempa River/8/045).
Pilot Area: aquifers in the Güija –
Metapán area
No gender information found
Only six of the 22 project and program documents consulted (27%) refer to the theme of gender,
whether mainstreamed or through sex-disaggregated data. In other cases they include indicators
on the participation of men and women in the activities and benefits generated by the program.
It should be emphasized that some projects took youth participation into account as part of the
process of men’s and women’s empowerment . Data indicate that no specific gender strategies or
budget existed for this theme in the contexts of the different groups or communities worked
with.
It is worth noting that in the Forest and Water program a situation analysis was prepared on
gender in the eight communities of program intervention, resulting in a profile of activities,
control and access to resources for each to achieve genuine integration of gender perspective in
program activities. The need for more detailed description and analysis of gender relations in
each community was also recognized. Activities focus on the productive, reproductive and
community area. Some activities showing incorporation of gender perspective in projects where
information was found are described below.
6.5.1.1. Synchronizing Information for Local-National Participatory Natural Resources Management –SINREM (2006-2008)
The project’s objectives were to form a permanent network between public Central American
and European universities and research centers and prepare a strategic plan to administer
natural resource use and contribute to sustainable development in remote transboundary areas
of Central America, including target groups that are local stakeholders and public sector
organizations at several levels.
59
Information for the gender situation analysis done by the project was obtained through
workshops with focus groups in each of the eight communities. Generic profiles were generated
of productive, reproductive and community activities, along with generic profiles on access and
control of goods and resources.
6.5.1.2. Trinational Project on Sustainable Specialty Coffee (PROTCAFES)
The objective was to strengthen sustainable coffee production through socio-environmental and
economic improvement in the Lempa River trinational region, promoting environmentally
responsible coffee production and helping improve producers’ quality of life.
The project has two components, business and productive, with crosscutting actions in the areas
of rural tourism, gender, youth education and community relations. Four hundred fifty coffee-
grower families were directly benefitted and 400,000 people indirectly, with no details on gender
disaggregation.
Small and medium coffee growers involved in this experience were organized and legally
constituted—while groups already legalized were strengthened—in first and second-degree
business figures which are now commercializing specialty coffees as a block in market niches of
North America, Europe and Asia through Neumann export companies in each country or other
important exporters. Some have optional certification seals such as Rainforest Alliance or organic,
differentiated according to quality or attitudes of social-environmental responsibility, but most
with more profitable productive operations than before the project and interesting signs of
sustainability.
6.5.1.3. Rural Sustainable Development in Ecologically Fragile Zones in the Trifinio Region (PRODERT)
Gender perspective was incorporated in one of
the program’s five objectives, which was to
“Promote, diversify and rationalize the
economic and social participation of women and
youth” to ensure the project would incorporate
the goal of gender equity in strategic planning,
expected outcomes, project activities and
monitoring and evaluation indicators. For
example, credit to support entrepreneurship
was mainly awarded to women, inducing that
the benefits of these activities improve food
patterns and those of their family.
Preparation of pickled vegetables as part of project activities (PRODERT).
60
In addition, incorporation of equity and gender aspects was considered, not only disaggregating
information by sex but also encouraging gender analysis as feedback for planning, and linking
mechanisms for monitoring and evaluation of effects and impacts on men and women.
Monitoring and evaluation also contemplated prior definition of differences and inequalities
between men and women in relation to:
a. domestic, agricultural and rural tasks
b. workload
c. Access to resources and development opportunities Other aspects incorporated were changes in gender differences, self-esteem, personal
development opportunities and other qualitative changes in the conditions of men and women,
which helped determined whether the project has contributed to increasing or reducing gender
inequalities.
The program made it possible to attend more than 20,000 families in the three countries,
through sustained and sustainable use of renewable natural resources and income-generating
activities and support infrastructure for populations located in vulnerable areas to minimize
desertification of the Trifinio.
6.5.1.4. Program of Sustainable Development for the Watershed of the Lempa River
Gender perspective was used with this program through training workshops specifically for
women to build their capacities and foster their active participation in relevant stakeholder
groups. It had a participatory approach stressing community and local organizations, integrating
communities and women in the selection and execution of projects. Gender and equity
perspective was also integrated in all activities.
For example, goals of the promotion of economic diversification component included facilitating
women’s incorporation in economic activities to raise family income through women’s business
groups. The institutional strengthening component included strengthening of existing social
organizations maintaining a gender perspective to foster citizen participation, especially of
women and youth, as well as their empowerment in decision-making on prioritization and
solution of their problems in the near, medium and long term.
6.5.1.5. Forests and Water Program Although gender equity is mainstreamed in all of the program’s activities, during the AOP 2011
planning process it was recognized that conceptual guidelines needed to be established to help
staff make incorporation of gender perspective in their activities viable. In practice, they were
61
finding it difficult to achieve genuine implementation of gender perspective in field actions since
each of the communities has its own specific socio-
cultural construction, which had not been taken
into account until that time.
he program’s area of action covers eight
communities with great cultural, social and
economic diversity in the Trifinio region, to help
them achieve real integration of gender perspective
in their activities. The need to describe and analyze
each community’s gender relations in greater depth
was recognized, resulting in a profile of activities,
control and access to resources for each. Activities
focus on the productive, reproductive and
community area.
6.5.1.6. Innovations in Sustainable Value Chains of Specialty Vegetables in the Trifinio Region (MAP)
This project is currently underway as part
of the Mesoamerican Agro-Environmental
Program. In keeping with the program’s
governance principle, all activities must
ensure that gender equity problems are
integrated in all decisions on action
promoted and supported by the project,
and strategies and actions in turn must
promote and reinforce integration of
gender equity perspective.
In order to tackle this approach, the
expected outcomes of the project take the following aspects into account:
Outcome 1. Strengthening of innovation capacity in producer organizations. Proposes to
include agricultural households and their members in this process. Rather than being limited to
heads of families, the participation of rural women is promoted to strengthen their leadership
and the economic benefits of productive activities such as worm composting, development of
biological control agents and/or local sale of products. Spaces of discussion with equitable
representation of men and women are also being promoted inside producer organizations,
especially for decision-making.
Figure 17. Group of men and women in
work to protect soil as part of the actions
of the Forests and Water Program.
Figure 18. Women cleaning vegetables for local sale.
62
Outcome 2. Promotion of multi-sectoral platforms of innovation. This outcomes aims at
assuring gender balance in project participants who also make an effort to create an environment
of discussion sensitive to gender equity.
Outcome 3. National programs and policies. Work is being done on opening opportunities to
improve gender equity through balanced participation in national political policies and forums.
Processes of curricular design are also being fostered so that training and human development of
national professionals is creative, critical and comprehensive in the approach to themes related
to gender equity.
Outcome 4. Promotion of information systems and learning, Wherein producers, field
technicians and specialists are not seen as passive recipients of learning, but active members,
providing feedback on the content of information with gender equity perspective.
Furthermore, analysis of sustainable livelihoods of households participating in the program will
enable a detailed evaluation of the participation of the different family members in the costs and
benefits of the changes promoted by project actions. This will in turn provide feedback for the
decision-making process of the producer organizations and their service suppliers on how to
orient project interventions to achieve gender equity.
6.5.1.7. Program on Watershed Management in the Trifinio Region (Forests and Watersheds)
The “Forest and Watershed” program is currently underway. According to the logical framework,
one of the ends proposed is that by 2026, women will constitute 30% of participating
beneficiaries that develop technologies or initiatives supported by the program. Indicators
include the women’s integration in management of agroforestry and sylvipastoral systems, and
6000 families in a situation of poverty will be benefitted in 90 rural communities, 20
municipalities and seven state institutions.
A preliminary training plan has been formulated to strengthen environmental management by
municipal governments, local organizations, producers, associated municipalities, and leaders in
themes related to the program objective, such as integrated water resource management and
risk management. It should be noted that in this training plan, the participation of women
producers and leaders has been made visible.
In this sense, the most significant on-the-ground actions up to 2012 have been the collection of
1,316 investment application forms by the producer families for a coverage area of 2,204 ha.
Division by gender of those presenting investment application forms in the 63 communities and
cantons of the three countries show that 79% are men and 21% women.
63
The program’s annual operating plans
mention that they are based on fundamental
principles governing all parts of their
implementation. These are horizontal
cooperation, co-investment, facilitator
program, environmental awareness, gender
equity, respect for the customs and beliefs of
social groups, solidarity and accompaniment,
and quality and prudence of expenditure.
6.5.2. GENDER PERSPECTIVE AT THE INSTITUTIONAL LEVEL Currently at the level of the Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan (TCTP) there is no gender
equity policy to orient its work with respect to women’s needs and problems. Nor does its
organic structure contain any entity representing gender in the institution, or a budget line for
specific activities on gender equity such as promotion, awareness-raising, gender training,
production activities or strengthening of organizations with gender work.
Because gender perspective has not been internalized within the commission’s institutionality,
most of its programs and projects likewise have not integrated gender in their actions. In most it
has only been approached as “crosscutting theme,” but with no qualitative or qualitative
visualization of the actual benefits to which women have had access. In other cases there is no
mention of whether gender perspective has been considered in project formulation and
implementation, so women’s participation and role in the different spheres of social and
economic life are totally invisible.
Source: www.sica.int/trifinio
Figure 19. Training for women and men in the frame of the Forest and Watershed program
Figure 16 Organizational Chart of the Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan
64
To date, cooperation agencies and executing institutions are carrying out gender work at their
own initiative, but not in response to a commission policy or intervention strategy as there is no
institutional promotion and convocatory strategy to promote joint work with the different
institutions and stakeholders contemplating rural women’s and men’s participation in relation to
gender equity perspective.
6.5.3. GENDER PERSPECTIVE AT LOCAL LEVEL Efforts have been made in municipalities to incorporate gender equity perspective in their policies,
considering it a strategic crosscutting theme of human development. This has been mainstreamed
at all levels of the Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza del Río Lempa and in local planning
processes for all its project actions and coordination. This initiative arose from the population’s
identification of priorities, coordinated by local institutions that have facilitated the theme’s
incorporation among the different stakeholders.
As example, the General Ordinary Assembly of Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río Lempa,
held in December 2012, in Ocotepeque, Honduras, included signature of the “Declaration on
Gender Policy” as part of the interinstitutional commitment to incorporate gender perspective in
all current and future activities of Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río Lempa and the
municipalities comprising it.
The activity was carried out with the participation of the mayors and members of councils and
municipal corporations and delegates from the three countries, who lent their endorsement
through validation and signature of the declaration promoting the following:
Establishment of institutional gender policy in both Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río
Lempa and the municipalities comprising it
Incorporate gender perspective in strategic plans, programs, projects, work units, annual
operating plans and institutional budgets
Design an institutional strategy for implementation of this declaration of indefinite duration,
which includes training in gender equity themes for the board of directors, local authorities and
staff of the individual municipalities and the associated municipal entity
Design a system for monitoring and evaluating actions with gender perspective deriving from this
declaration on gender policy
Strengthen and forge strategic alliances with specialized entities to drive formal and horizontal
cooperation to help put this declaration into practice
Spread information and knowledge resulting from this declaration
Raise the declaration to national governments in order to inform about efforts undertaken and
secure their support for different initiatives
This commitment assumed by Mancomunidad Trinacional will make it possible to promote gender
equity and equality as fundamental element for improving the quality of livelihoods of the
65
transboundary population in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, in an atmosphere of peace
and social, economic and environmental harmony.
As concrete actions of the commitment assumed, municipal women’s offices have been created in
the municipalities making up the associated municipal entity (El Salvador, Guatemala and
Honduras) and the Trinational Network of Women’s offices in the Trifinio Region has been
created. Among others, its aims include sharing experiences; cooperation for carrying out joint
action and sharing work instruments; formulating bi- or tri-national proposals or projects as a
network, having training spaces and coordinating food security and nutrition matters.
The network is operating through links, at least one per country, and one through the
Mancomunidad Trinacional. These are coordinating to carry out the network plan in the
municipalities and at the level of the associated municipal entity. Activities will also include
promoting the theme of food and nutritional security.
Municipalities of Guatemala and Honduras in Trifinio all have women’s offices, enabling a space
for work and coordination to tackle gender equity in an ongoing and sustainable manner with the
different programs and projects of the Trifinio Plan. In El Salvador not all of the Trifinio
municipalities have women’s offices.
Some local organizations are implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening gender equity
perspective in Trifinio. Several organizations in Guatemala (ASORECH, APRORECH, AMCO,
CHORTIFRESCA and CUNORI), Honduras (COPRAUL, CENOC, AGROINLAES and Mancomunidad
Trinacional Fronteriza Rio Lempa) and El Salvador (ADIZAL, ACOPO and Mancomunidad
Cayaguanca) are carrying out actions with gender equity perspective. These include training
sessions and field visits concerning organic agriculture, dairy processing, preparation of substrates
and bulking/commercialization relations where women and youth are protagonists.
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POLITICAL-INSTITUTIONAL INFORMATION
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6.6. POLITICAL ANALYSIS OF INTEGRATED WATERSHED AND AQUIFER MANAGEMENT
STRATEGIES IN THE TRIFINIO REGION9 6.6.1. REGIONAL STRATEGIES 6.6.1.1. Trifinio Plan On November 12, 1986, the Governments of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, with the
support of the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States and the Inter-American
Institute on Cooperation in Agriculture (IICA), signed a technical cooperation agreement to
formulate a comprehensive development plan for the border region between the countries called
the “Trifinio Plan,” updated in 1992.
In November 1987, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras signed the “Declaration of the
International Biosphere Reserve of La Fraternidad” to protect the zone, with a core area of cloud
forest represented by the high parts, a buffer zone located below 1800 MASL that can be found in
parts of the foothills, and a multiple-use area.
According to the declaration, each of the States declared the corresponding part of the Trifinio
under its national jurisdiction as protected nature areas in order to develop and protect their
natural resources.
Later on in 1997, the three States signed the Treaty for Execution of the Trifinio Plan, in which the
region is described as “area of special interest to the three countries, which represents an
indivisible unit in which only joint and coordinated action by the three countries can provide a
satisfactory solution to the problem of populations and sustainable management of their natural
resources” (article 3).
Also created was the Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan through which the States have
jointly promoted and executed different programs and projects, including (among others):
Promotion of water administration as regional public good in the Upper Watershed of the
Lempa River1012 (development and promotion of trinational mechanisms for integrated and
sustainable management of water as “regional public good”)
Forest and Water program (transboundary promotion and support for sustainable natural
resource management)
Watershed management in the Trifinio region (management of subwatersheds , strengthening
municipalities’ environmental management)
Integrated management of the Trinational Montecristo Protected Area
9 Compiled and prepared by the IUCN Environmental Law Centre (Dr. A. O. Iza; Juan Carlos Sánchez).
10 The Upper Watershed of the Lempa River, comprising the program area, has an extension of 3587 km2, 54%
corresponding to Guatemala, 32% to El Salvador and 14% to Honduras. It represents almost 50% of the territory known as the Trifinio region.
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Sustainable management of the environment and water resources in the Upper Watershed of
the Lempa River (including hydrogeological studies of the area)
6.6.1.2. Central American Alliance for Sustainable Development This initiative is carried out in the frame of the Central American Integration System made up of
Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. Its objectives include “decrease in
deforestation, reduction in levels of water and soil contamination, and adequate management of
watersheds to ensure quality and quantity in diverse uses of water resources.”
6.6.1.3. Central American Strategy for Integrated Water Resource Management In 2009 this Strategy was formalized with the participation of the Central American Commission on
Environment and Development (CCAD), the Regional Water Resources Committee and the
Coordination Center for Disaster Prevention in Central America (CEPREDENAC). The objective is to
foster integrated water resource management in sector programs and projects that affect use of
the resource, as well as use of the watershed as management unit.
Central American Plan for Integrated Water Resource Management (2010-2012)
Also promoted by Central American Integration System, the plan establishes as its strategic
objective that the Governments of the region adopt integrated water resource management,
applying its principles in management and development planning instruments, with participation
of local governments, associations and associated municipal entities, as well as social and private
sector organizations.
6.6.1.4. Alliance for Conservation of the Trifinio Region Unlike the aforementioned strategies promoted by States, this is an alliance of NGOs with
experience in socio-environmental development, participatory and inclusive management of
protected natural areas and other conservation models such as municipal, private and communal
natural areas. The aim is to drive biological connectivity and socio-environmental development in
communities.
6.6.2. NATIONAL STRATEGIES 6.6.2.1. El Salvador A. National Policy on Water Resources The National Policy on Water Resources (2012) contains public policy guidelines and strategic
proposals for their implementation through the execution of specific plans and policies related to
planning, conservation and protection of water resources at the level of watersheds and
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subwatersheds, including studies on availability, quality, uses and demand for surface and
groundwater.
The national policy is guided by principles: water as a common, finite and vulnerable good;
comprehensive approach to managing water, whether watersheds or aquifers; citizen
participation; the approach of watershed as management unit; water sustainability and efficiency.
6.6.2.2. Honduras A. Country Vision and Nation Plan: According to the Law on Establishment of a Country Vision and Adoption of the National Plan
(2010), the national development process has as central element geographic regions defined
around the principal watersheds (art. 2, Regionalization). This regionalization, however, does not
replace political division nor exempt municipalities and associated municipal entities from their
responsibilities and jurisdictions.
Said law declares water a “strategic resource of national priority,” considering access to be a
“human right” (art. 3). It also creates the Regional Development Councils as mechanisms of
dialogue and convergence between the national government, civil society, local governments and
cooperation agencies, for the formulation of proposals on the process of planning activities in the
region, for which public negotiation should be facilitated (art. 25). B. National Water Policy The general objective of the National Water Policy, formulated by the Secretariat of Natural
Resources and Environment (SERNA), is integrated management of water resources, aiming for
their sustainable use and improvement of the population’s quality of life.
The policy’s guidelines include, among others: consideration of watersheds as basic units for their
comprehensive management, integrated management of national and shared watersheds, and
special and differentiated management of surface and groundwater.
6.6.2.3. Guatemala A. National Policy on Integrated Water Resource Management and National Integrated Water Resource Strategy
Both instrument proposals follow these principles: (i) social equity in access to water; (ii) economic
efficiency in assigning rights and in provision of goods and services; (iii) environmental
sustainability in the context of the hydrological cycle; (iv) comprehensive administration and (v)
administration in solidarity.
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The proposed strategic lines are distributed in four sectors: (i) drinking water and sanitation; (ii)
conservation, protection and improvement of water sources, forests, soils and riversides in
watersheds; (iii) hydrological planning and hydraulic works for water regulation and governance;
and (iv) public policy and legal and institutional regimen of international watercourses11. 6.6.3. LEGAL REGIMEN IN RELATION TO MANAGEMENT OF WATERSHEDS AND AQUIFERS 6.6.3.1. International Instruments The main agreement in relation to the Trifinio region is the 1997 Treaty for the Execution of the
Trifinio Plan signed by El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala, which delimits the geographic
sphere of action in the trinational territory (described as “indivisible unit” for coordinated and
sustainable management of its natural resources) and the three governments’ commitments to
transboundary cooperation and sustainable management of shared natural resources as the
foundation for executing trinational projects, programs and initiatives.
In the Central American arena, the Central American Water Convention Project in the frame of the
Central American Integrated System aims to expedite coordination mechanisms among the
countries for integrated management of transboundary watersheds, developing joint actions for
their use and sustainable management with the participation of the populations, local authorities
and associated municipal entities.
Also of importance are the United Nations Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of
International Watercourses, adopted by the General Assembly on May 21, 1997; and Resolution
No. 63/124 on the law of transboundary aquifers, adopted by the General Assembly in December
2008. While these international instruments are non-binding, they incorporate generally accepted
principles of international custom, thereby recognized as binding in that sense. Both instruments
also serve as framework of reference for negotiating bilateral or multilateral treaties or
conventions in this area.
According to the aforementioned convention, general principles for management of
transboundary water resources are: (i) States’ right to equitable and reasonable use of an
international watercourse in their respective territories and participation, also equitable and
reasonable, in their conservation and protection (art. 5); (ii) States’ obligation not to cause
significant harm to another watercourse State resulting from the use of shared waters (art. 7); (iii)
general obligation to cooperate in order to attain equitable and reasonable protection of the
international watercourse (art. 8); (iv) regular exchange of data and information among
watercourse States, in particular that of hydrological, meteorological, hydrogeological, and
ecological nature and related to the water quality as well as related forecasts (art. 9); (v) obligation
to notify regarding planned activities that could have a significant adverse effect upon other
watercourse States and consultations and negotiations if necessary (art. 11-19); (vi) prevention,
11
Aragón, Gloria; “Informe Final; Diagnóstico Político-Legal para Guatemala”; p. 33; “Fortalecimiento del marco jurídico en materia de gestión de los recursos hídricos en El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras y Nicaragua”; FAO, Guatemala; November, 2011.
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reduction and control of pollution, individually by each State or jointly, and consultations for said
purposes (art. 21).
On transboundary aquifers, specifically, United Nations Resolution No. 63/124 incorporates similar
principles (arts. 4-8), also including adoption by the States of appropriate measures for protecting
and conserving associated ecosystems, as well as identifying recharge or discharge zones in their
respective territories and the obligation to protect them (arts. 10 and 11).
6.6.3.2. National Regimens A. El Salvador The Constitution of El Salvador states that the State has the obligation to protect natural resources
as well as the diversity and integrity of the environment “to ensure sustainable development” (art.
117). The Constitution links economic and social development through the increase of production,
productivity and “wise use of resources” (art. 101).
Until now, water resources in El Salvador have been administered from a sectoral perspective,
addressing the different uses or exploitation of water12. The General Water Act presented to the
Legislative Assembly in 2012 is oriented by the principle of management unit, attributing authority
in this sense to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, including oversight and
comprehensive management of water resources (articles. 16 and 17).
Concerning groundwater, all hydraulic resources are national goods (art. 2, Regulations of the Lay
on Irrigation and Drainage 1973); to the extent that their use belongs to all inhabitants this deals
with “goods of public use” or “public goods” (art. 571, Civil Code). It recognizes, however, the right
of owners to open up ordinary wells freely on their own land (art. 92, Regulations quoted above).
The most recent legislation includes different regulations related to administrative intervention in
groundwater management with, however, lack of more specific developments. The General Law
Act project describes surface water as belongings of public domain (articles 4 and 5).
Water recharge zones located in the upper parts of watersheds are considered “restricted use
areas” (art. 23.d, Forest Law).Identification and the promotion of actions for their recovery and
protection correspond to the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (art. 71, Law on
Environment).
Use of aquifer water is subject to planning, assessment of its quality and availability (art. 69.a,
General Regulations of the law in Environment). In addition, rates for pumping groundwater must
12
See Ramos, Nadia; “Diagnóstico Político-Legal para El Salvador. Informe Final”; Proyecto “Fortalecimiento del marco jurídico en materia de gestión de los recursos hídricos en El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras y Nicaragua”; page 31 and following. FAO, San Salvador, November 2011.11
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be calculated based on natural recharge of the aquifer, aiming to maintain the water table level
(art. 69, Regulations quoted above).
Use of groundwater for agricultural purposes requires exploration permits and permit or
concession for its use (article 92 and continued, Regulations of the Law on Irrigation and
Drainage).
Finally, industrial or commercial use of water resources (understood as including groundwater)
requires an environmental impact study and permit from the Ministry of Environment and Natural
Resources (articles 20 and 21.i, Law on Environment).
While current legislation in El Salvador does not regulate aspects of transboundary water,
according to the General Water Act bill, the State may negotiate and sign bilateral and multilateral
treaties and conventions on water in a basin with international drainage or shared waters in
transboundary watersheds, subject to principles of international law on water resources, natural
resources or environment (articles 26 and 27).
B. Honduras: According to the Constitution of Honduras, domestic waters belong to the State, with their
dominion being inalienable and imprescriptible (articles 10 and 13).
Unlike Guatemala and El Salvador, Honduras has a General Water Act stipulating that groundwater
aquifers are goods of public domain “in perpetuity and inalienable”. While not affecting law on
ownership of the surface of the site, this statement does impact on the execution of works for
groundwater use and carrying out any activity that may pollute or degrade the aquifer is subject to
pertinent legal provisions (art. 26, General Water Act), including the need for use permits or
concessions granted by the competent authority.
On this basis, in the frame of a FAO project13 a regulatory project has been formulated on
groundwater use, pending official approval. Among other regulations, this proposal includes the
need for use permits or concessions, as well as protection of aquifers and recharge zones from
point and non-point sources of pollution.
These regulations mark a substantial departure from previous regulations (Law on Use of national
Waters; 1927) wherein groundwater was considered accessory to soil ownership.
Honduran legislation makes no specific reference to transboundary waters. In general, the General
Water Act recognizes the possibility of watershed councils on border or transboundary rivers (of
13
“Fortalecimiento del marco jurídico en materia de gestión de los recursos hídricos en El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras y Nicaragua”; 2011.
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shared management), in which case the representation of national government in these entities
must include a representative of the Secretariat of Foreign Relations (art. 22). There is a rather
murky reference as well to possible water transfers in “border and transboundary territories” (art.
83.4).
C. Guatemala: According to the Political Constitution of Guatemala (1985), all waters are goods of public domain,
inalienable and imprescriptible (art. 127). This statement includes groundwater as well as surface
waters (art. 121). Their use and enjoyment is regulated by a special law (art. 127) pending
approval. In addition, reforestation and forest conservation is declared of “national urgency and of
social interest,” with forests and vegetation in the “vicinity of water sources” enjoying “special
protection” (art. 126).
Notwithstanding, the Civil Code (Law Decree No. 106; 1963) states that property owners may dig
wells on their farms to obtain and bring up groundwater, and realize any work with the object of
“seeking” their extraction (except when this affects pre-existing public services or private use of
groundwater), in which case the extracted waters will belong to them even if they leave the
property (arts. 581 and 584).
Consequently, groundwater is considered accessory to ownership of the soil from which it is
extracted. In practice, regulations of the Civil Code (prior to the current Constitution) continue
operative.
Concerning regulation of transboundary groundwater in the Trifinio region, specifically, in the case
of Guatemala, draft legislation on Use and Sustainable Management of Water Resources (2007) in
general proposes that groundwater adjacent to other countries be governed by the treaties,
conventions and international legislation it has ratified (art. 2).
6.6.4. TRINATIONAL INSTITUTIONALITY For the execution of programs or activities related to management of the shared aquifer in Trifinio
region, the Treaty for the Execution of the Trifinio Plan creates the following institutional
structure.
6.6.4.1.Trinational Commission Comprised of the Vice-Presidents of Guatemala and El Salvador and a person designated by the
Presidency of Honduras15; the commission is “the entity in charge of ensuring execution of the
Trifinio Plan and its continuous updating”. It has its own legal identity and administrative, financial
and technical autonomy (art. 5) and enjoys internationally and in each of the countries part of
legal capacity for the exercise of its functions (art. 9). Basic functions (art. 7) are the following:
Act as permanent body of coordination and consultation for the definition of policies and
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orientation of programs and projects;
Serve as high-level forum to analyze problems of sustainable development in the region and
propose solutions through joint actions of competent authorities in the three countries;
Approve policies and annual plans and programs;
Examine and approve adjustments and updates of the Trifinio Plan;
Promote technical and financial cooperation for the execution of planned projects;
Accept donations and receive technical and non-reimbursable financial cooperation for the
purposes of its creation;
Gather the opinion of the Consultative Committee of the Trifinio Plan in all matters of interest to
associations, trade unions and local entities that make it up and address their initiatives through
the Trinational Executive Secretariat, arranging required actions with competent national
authorities;
Approve the annual operating plans of the Trinational Executive Secretariat, as well as its activities
reports and financial statements; and
Approve its operating regulations and the operational rules of the Executive Secretariat and
Consultative Committee
6.6.4.2. Trinational Executive Secretariat Acts as permanent executive body of the Trinational Commission. It is made up of the Trinational
Executive Secretariat, with coordination functions, and a National Executive Director for each one
of the State parties (art. 10).
The Trinational Executive Secretariat has the following basic functions:
Execute the mandates of the Trinational Commission
Propose annual work policies, plans and programs to the Trinational Commission, in consultation
with the National Executive Directors
Coordinate participation of the national institutions in relation to the programs, projects and
actions of the Trifinio Plan, with the participation of the National Executive Directors
Arrange, through delegation of the Trinational Commission, technical and financial cooperation
required for executing projects
Formulate partial and annual reports for presentation to the Trinational Commission
Channel demands for actions from national entities, local bodies and civil associations connected
with the Plan and submit them to the Trinational Commission
Prepare the Annual Operating Plan in consultation with the National Executive Directors
Administratively direct the Trinational Executive Secretariat and do the necessary contracting for its functioning
Participate in and follow up on meetings of the Consultative Committee
Prepare and coordinate meetings of the Trinational Commission (art. 14)
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The Trinational Executive Secretariat, headquartered in San Salvador, is also charged with periodic
evaluation and updating of the Trifinio Plan, delivering progress reports to the Trinational
Commission (art. 11).
The National Executive Directors, in turn, report to their respective Vice-President or person
designated by the presidency, serving as liaison and coordination with national entities and
associations connected with the Trifinio Plan (art. 16).
6.6.4.3. Consultative Committee Formed as mechanism for participation, the consultative committee is made up of the governors
of the departments (provinces) and municipal mayors of the Trifinio region in each country, and
representatives of the Asociaciones del Trifinio para el Desarrollo Sostenible in El Salvador,
Guatemala and Honduras, cooperatives, nongovernmental organizations and other civil
associations of any nature interested in the execution of the Trifinio Plan (art. 18).
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INFORMATION GAPS
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6.7. IDENTIFICATION OF INFORMATION GAPS ACCORDING TO INDICATORS
After reviewing information generated on the Trifinio region, the following gaps were identified with respect to applying indicators;
the missing information must be generated as part of project execution.
Table 15 Information Gaps Identified for the Zone of the Trifinio Aquifer Trifinio in Reference to Project Indicators
INDICATOR
DEFINITION OF THE INDICATOR
INFORMATION GATHERED INFORMATION GAPS IDENTIFIED
1. Defining or limiting the value of aquifers and their potential functions
1.1 Average annual depth of groundwater recharge (average annual recharge volume by unit of area)
Medium to long term groundwater recharge, including components of human origin (return flows, induced recharge, artificial recharge), divided by area
Guatemala: 80-90 mm/year
Honduras: 60-70 mm/year
El Salvador: 110-120 mm/year
Data needs to be checked and updated
1.2 Annual amount of renewable groundwater resources per capita
Medium to long term groundwater recharge, including components of human origin, divided by number of inhabitants in the area occupied by the aquifer
Guatemala: 30-50 m³/yr/per capita(low)
El Salvador: 63-85 m³/year/per capita(low)
This information is not available for Honduras and must be generated, and that of Guatemala and El Salvador must be verified and updated.
1.3 Natural quality of aquifer water
Percent of area occupied by the aquifer where natural groundwater quality meets local drinking water standards
Low in the three countries (20-40%)
Data must be checked and updated.
1.4 Aquifer storage capacity
Ratio between volume stored and medium-to-long term groundwater recharge (equivalent to average dwell time)
Information not identified Information not available on recharge times from the limit of the watershed to the center of the aquifer
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INDICATOR
DEFINITION OF THE INDICATOR
INFORMATION GATHERED INFORMATION GAPS IDENTIFIED
1.5 Aquifer’s vulnerability to climate change
Expected degree of change in the regimen of the hydric balance of groundwater in response to changes in climate conditions
High Most of these aquifers are uncontained and renewable yearly since they are in alluvial zones
A study is needed to determine variations in availability of aquifer water vis-à-vis climate change effects
1.6 Aquifer’s vulnerability to contamination
Percent of its horizontal area where aquifer is considered moderately to highly vulnerable to contamination
Artificial contamination could be considered very low since the water filters through layers that are normally of clayish texture and silty clay or very fine-grained, able to trap most of the contaminants
This type of investigation should be strengthened. At certain specific sites some type of natural contamination of geochemical origin can be found, such as carbonates, iron, pH, hot water and others.
2 Role and importance of groundwater for humans and the environment
2.1 Human dependence on groundwater
Percent of total groundwater extracted for human uses
No information identified
There is no exact data for these indicators for the aquifer zone because a complete inventory of wells has not been made in each of the countries. There is no precise data on water extracted for each of the main uses of groundwater extraction.
2.2 Human dependence on groundwater for supply of domestic water
Percent of groundwater extracted for domestic use
Includes routine domestic use and to meet demands caused by religious tourism ,and perforated or artisanal wells only a few meters deep are used.
2.3 Human dependence on groundwater as supply for agricultural purposes
Percent of groundwater extracted for agricultural use (mainly irrigation)
In this sense the main uses are for production of beef cattle (watering trough, irrigation for pasture). In some cases, in addition to irrigation groundwater is also used in coffee processing.
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INDICATOR
DEFINITION OF THE INDICATOR
INFORMATION GATHERED INFORMATION GAPS IDENTIFIED
2.4 Human dependence on groundwater as supply for industrial purposes
Percent of total groundwater extracted for industrial use
No information identified
2.5 Dependence of ecosystems on groundwater
Percent of aquifer area with shallow water table 5 m below the surface
Water tables for artisanal wells in the Esquipulas Valley can be found at depths of 1-35 m. Some wells are found In Honduras and depths can be 5-20 m.
2.5 Prevalence of springs
Total annual discharge of groundwater through springs, divided by average annual recharge
No information identified
As in the case of wells, there is no complete inventory of springs or data on use, flows, prevalence during the year and others of importance
3. Changes in the state of groundwater
3.1 Depletion of groundwater
Current observed rate of progressive long-term decrease of stored groundwater (constant decline in groundwater levels), expressed as a depth equivalent to average water in the aquifer
There is practically no appreciable depletion of the shallow aquifer in the Esquipulas Valley because wells are located in alluvial zones, while springs are in mountainous areas with higher average rainfall. Something similar appears to occur in Ocotepeque, while in Citalá wells are located in the alluvial zone of the Lempa River.
It is important to set up a well monitoring network to determine groundwater behavior over time.
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INDICATOR
DEFINITION OF THE INDICATOR
INFORMATION GATHERED INFORMATION GAPS IDENTIFIED
3.2 Contamination of groundwater
Contaminated areas observed as percentage of total aquifer area (contamination caused surpasses drinking water quality standards)
In general terms, from a physicochemical standpoint the quality of groundwater is good. Wells without a lid show microbiological contamination. In dug or mechanical wells there tend to be greater concentrations of minerals; layers with sedimentary rocks are found especially.
There is no specific study on groundwater contamination, just some data on wells that have been monitored for different reasons, so it is important to conduct a study on this theme that includes pollution points, types of contaminants, level of contamination and other aspects.
4. Change drivers and pressure 4.1 Population density
Number of people per unit of area above the aquifer
Population density in the Esquipulas Valley
is 85 inhabitants per km².
There is no specific data for the aquifer area, but there are base data that can be used to obtain the information; it can be inferred by having the delimitation of the aquifer.
4.2 Pressure on groundwater
Total annual extraction of groundwater divided by average annual long-term recharge
No information identified
Data not available since there is no exact information on number of wells (artisanal and mechanical) and extraction from them.
INDICATOR
DEFINITION OF THE INDICATOR
INFORMATION GATHERED INFORMATION GAPS IDENTIFIED
5. Favorable environment for transboundary management of aquifers / groundwater management of the SIDS
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5.1 Transboundary legal frameworks / legal framework of groundwater management of the SIDS
Existence, status, and exhaustivity of a binding agreement on the transboundary aquifer or groundwater of the del SIDS under consideration
Until now water management has been oriented by sector criteria; however, steps are being taken toward adoption of integrated watershed management. Honduras has advanced toward integrated management with the new General Water Act (2009) and the Law for Establishment of a Country Vision and Adoption of the Nation Plan (2010).
An important gap is noted in aquifer regulation, both national and transboundary , concerning comprehensive management of the specific aquifer shared by El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras in the Trifinio region in the frame of the treaty signed by the three countries for execution of the Trifinio Plan. It is recommended that a complementary agreement be adopted incorporating the principles in Resolution No. 63/124 on transboundary aquifer law, adopted by the U.N. General Assembly in December 2008. It is also recommended that legislation on exploration, use and control of groundwater be harmonized in the three countries. Establishing a legal-institutional framework that goes from the local to the trinational level is essential to ensure good governance of the aquifer with the participation and empowerment of all stakeholders.
.2 Transboundary institutional framework / institutional frame on groundwater of the SIDS
Existence, mandate and capacities of institutions or institutional arrangements for transboundary management of the aquifer or groundwater of the SIDS under consideration (all types of interventions)
INDICATOR
DEFINITION OF THE INDICATOR
INFORMATION GATHERED INFORMATION GAPS IDENTIFIED
6. Implementation of management measures for groundwater resources (In TBA or SIDS)
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6.1 Control of groundwater extraction
Current practices in the implementation of control measures for groundwater extraction
No information identified
None of the countries have practices that regulate extraction, nor are there measures to control excavation of wells.
6.2 Protection of groundwater quality
Current practices in the protection of groundwater quality
Some organic coffee-processing businesses have taken the initiative by installing treatment plants because importer companies recommend it.
For most stakeholders in the zone, the behavior of groundwater is unknown so no type of practice has been defined that can be applied to protect groundwater quality.
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VII. CONCLUSIONS Information on the Trifinio aquifer is sparse, scattered and not classified. Nor is there a center of
information where this information could be unified, so few of the proposed indicators in the
evaluation matrix can be applied. There is, however, good information for the Trifinio region from
which to extrapolate.
There are several international and national efforts underway to study the Trifinio aquifer, but
the information requires validation since some studies and appraisals have been done mainly on
the upper or shallow aquifer, not the lower aquifer that can be confined or semi-confined.
Delimitation of the Trifinio aquifer is preliminary and was done using superficial criteria,
specifically, the dividing line of the watersheds determining three hydrogeological units: porous
and fractured aquifers, porous aquifers, and low-yielding fractured rocks.
Project RLA/8/038 Sustainable Development of the Environment and Water Resources in the
Upper Watershed of the Lempa River, funded by the IAEA and carried out by organizations such as
INSIVUMEH in Guatemala; CEL, ANDA, UES, SNET (today the Environmental Observatory), in El
Salvador and by EENE and SANAA in Honduras, is the study containing the most
hydrometeorological, hydrochemical and isotopic information on groundwater, and has generated
very useful information on characterization of the Trifinio aquifer.
Another project that generated information on groundwater in the region was that of Water
Conservation through Transboundary Management of Natural Resources (CAMARENA, for its
name in Spanish), which includes hydrogeological and hydrological data on the area.
The Forests and Water Project conducted the study Estado de la Región del Trifinio en el 2010,
which contains valuable information that can be used to generate biophysical and socioeconomic
information on the Trifinio aquifer.
The spirit of the Trifinio Plan is coordination between communities, organizations, authorities
and institutions of the municipalities in the three countries comprising it. However, it is necessary
to strengthen actions enabling closer interinstitutional coordination in order to improve
effectiveness in resource use and obtain more sustainable outcomes in time and space.
In the Trifinio region conditions are coming into place to foster local development, so that
women and men can create an environment permitting equitable participation, thus enabling
them to overcome challenges and promote development.
The Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan, as governing entity of the official initiatives for
the Trifinio area, does not have a strategy for applying gender perspective in area initiatives or in
the Esquipulas- Ocotepeque-Citalá zone (Trifinio aquifer) so that this theme can be visualized.
Some parts of the Trifinio Plan display an information gap regarding the actual role women play
in water management, as well as weaknesses, lacks, potentialities and strengths in their
participation in decision-making on the resource.
Gender perspective should be mainstreamed, or considered in all actions of the project, and
should contemplate specific resources for implementing strategies. In the case of transboundary
projects, it is important to contextualize the theme and adapt strategy to each country’s situation.
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Until now water management has been geared toward sectoral criteria. However, steps are
being taken toward adoption of integrated management of watersheds. Honduras has advanced
toward integrated management with the new General Water Act (2009) and the Law for the
Establishment of a Country Vision and Adoption of the Nation Plan (2010).
VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS Support the documentation center of the Trifinio Plan to improve the process of compiling,
classifying, cataloguing, harmonizing and making available information generated. This needs to be
concentrated in a single system serving as platform in future studies and evaluations, in order to
support decision-making and make useful, timely and reliable information available to local and
national users.
One of the first steps that must be taken is to define the limits of the Trifinio aquifer so that a
good characterization can be made, and especially to conduct a study on surface geological
formations to identify and describe the shallow aquifer on which most of the local population
depends for supply of water for domestic use.
Maintain and support the trinational platform of researchers created with the IAEA project for
the Trifinio aquifer and thereby continue specific research and studies on the region. Form a
technical committee to monitor groundwater initiatives in the zone, and especially to generate the
information that is missing in order to respond to the proposed matrix indicators for evaluating
current and future conditions of the aquifer.
Conduct in-depth studies and information with respect to the geological and hydrogeological
maps generated thus far so that a more detailed map can be generated enabling better
characterization and assessment of the Trifinio aquifer.
Establish a program for building local technical capacity in the identification and delimitation of
water recharge zones, and particularly groundwater use and management. This is essential to raise
awareness of the different local stakeholders in the three countries, facilitating understanding of
aquifer dynamics and the urgent need for actions to decrease its vulnerability and effects of
climate change on its hydrological yield or water production, primarily for human use.
It is important to promote, strengthen and support interinstitutional and multisectoral
coordination in the Trifinio region in order to integrate efforts in a single direction, achieve greater
synergies and show that working in a unified manner with common objectives can yield better
results and greater effectiveness in the use of physical, human and financial resources.
It is recommended that all stakeholders be involved when the Trifinio aquifer management plan
is carried out so that this is participatory and everyone feels part of the process and committed to
activities.
A complete inventory needs to be made of surface water sources (including their
characterization), as well as an inventory of wells, to generate valuable information about supply
and demand of both types of water.
It is important that women’s important role in the use, access and administration of water
85
resources in the different communities be recognized. In this sense, it is recommended that the
Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan and the official representatives of the Vice-Presidencies
of the three countries (Honduras – El Salvador – Guatemala) internalize gender perspective in their
institutional activities through the construction of gender policy and strategy.
It is important to have a person in charge of gender within the Trifinio Plan who advises and
coordinates all aspects in this theme in the different programs, projects and components in the
zone and supports construction of annual operating plans in which gender equity is always well
visualized.
It is recommended that all projects executed in the area of influence of the Trifinio aquifer have
indicators that show impact on the transformation of inequalities between men and women in the
components of those projects.
Specifically for comprehensive management of the aquifer shared by El Salvador, Guatemala and
Honduras in the Trifinio region in the frame of the treaty signed by the three countries for
execution of the Trifinio Plan, it is recommended that a complementary agreement be adopted
incorporating the principles of Resolution No. 63/124 on transboundary aquifer law, adopted by
the United Nations General Assembly in December 2008.
86
IX. BIBLIOGRAPHY 1. Ahti, k. 2007. Presentación – Devastación de la Ciudad Ocotepeque en 1934. 20 p. 2. Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral Sostenible (ASODIS). s/a. Agenda de los sujetos sociales que son compatibles con los objetivos y condicionantes del programa. 189 p. 3. Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral Sostenible (ASODIS). s/a. Diagnostico sobre las organizaciones existentes y que no forman parte de los CNI y se consideran importantes para el logro de los objetivos del programa y las actividades de los componentes. 23 p. 4. Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral Sostenible (ASODIS). s/a. Metodología para etapas posteriores a la consulta y participación comunitaria. 96 p. 5. Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral Sostenible (ASODIS). s/a. Propuesta de organización y funcionamiento del comité nacional de involucrados. 36 p. 6. Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral Sostenible (ASODIS). s/a. Reglamento de funcionamiento Comité nacional de involucrados. 15 p. 7. Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral Sostenible (ASODIS). s/a Propuesta de organización y funcionamiento del comité nacional de involucrados. 15 p. 8. Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral Sostenible (ASODIS). s/a Sujetos sociales identificados en el área de la cuenca. 236 p. 9. AMVAS. s/a. Mapa de Actores, municipios: Ocotepeque, Sinuapa, Concepción y Santa Fe- Honduras. 4p. 10. BID, Vicepresidencia de Sectores y Conocimiento, Sector de Integración y Conocimiento, Programa de Bienes Públicos Regionales: L Bocalandro – R Villa. 2009. Publicación Bienes Públicos Regionales. 58 p. 11. Centro Agronómico Tropical De Investigación y Enseñanza. CATIE, Escuela de Posgrado 2009. Caracterización de la capacidad de innovación de los actores involucrados en los sistemas de producción de hortalizas bajo ambiente controlado, en la Región Trifinio (Honduras, Guatemala y El Salvador, 128 p. 12. Comisión Trinacional del Plan Trifinio, Programa para la Promoción de la Administración del Agua Como Bien Público Regional en la Cuenca Alta del Río Lempa en la Región del Trifinio: Mario Samuel Buch. 2009. Informe Final – Agenda Hídrica Trinacional: Una Propuesta Participativa Para la Gestión Integrada de los Recursos Hídricos en la Parte Alta de la Cuenca del Río Lempa. – El Trifinio: Los Recursos Hídricos en la Parte Alta del Río Lempa. 57 p
87
13. Comisión Trinacional del Plan Trifinio, Secretaría Ejecutiva Trinacional, Programa Para la Promoción de la Administración del Agua como Bien Público Regional en la Cuenca Alta del Río Lempa. Plan de Monitoreo de la Calidad de Agua de la Cuenca Alta del Río Lempa (CARL). 13 p. 14. Comisión Trinacional del Plan Trifinio, Secretaría Ejecutiva Trinacional, Curso: “Prevención de Conflictos y Cooperación en la Gestión de los Recursos Hídricos”: Mario Samuel Buch. 2008. Aspectos legales e institucionales de la gestión de los Recursos Hídricos en el Trifinio. 14 p. 15. Comisión Trinacional del Plan Trifinio. 2012. Informe del Secretario Ejecutivo Trinacional del Plan Trifinio Miguel Alberto Pineda Valle. 15 p. 16. Comisión Trinacional del Plan Trifinio, El Salvador- Guatemala-Honduras. 2011. Plan de Gestión Para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Región del Trifinio 2010-2020, El Salvador-Guatemala- Honduras. Plan de Gestión Para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Región del Trifinio 2010-2020, El Salvador-Guatemala-Honduras. 23 p. 17. Comisión Trinacional del Plan Trifinio, El Salvador- Guatemala-Honduras. 2011. Plan de Gestión Para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Región del Trifinio 2010-2020, El Salvador-Guatemala- Honduras. 23 p. 18. Comisión Trinacional del Plan Trifinio- Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo. 2005. Plan de Manejo Integrado del Área Protegida Trinacional Montecristo. 200 p. 19. Dirección Ejecutiva Nacional del Plan Trifinio El Salvador – Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río Lempa – Agencia de Cooperación Técnica Alemana (GIZ) – Proyecto APTM del Fondo Mundial del Ambiente (FMAM) – BID. 2011. El Salvador Plan Estratégico de la Región del Trifinio 2010-2020. 101 p. 20. Duarte Saldaña, J.R. 2009. Consultoría en Hidrología/Hidrogeología Programa Camarena/GTZ Bosques y Agua “Conservación del Agua a Través del Manejo Transfronterizo de los Recursos Naturales (CAMARENA)”. 90 p. 21. Fulgencio Garavito - Instituto Nacional de Sismología, Vulcanología, Meteorología e Hidrología (INSIVUMEH) - Guatemala. Servicio Nacional de Estudios Territoriales (SNET)-El Salvador. s/a. Sistema Acuífero Transfronterizo Esquipulas-Ocotepeque-Citalá, Guatemala-Honduras-El Salvador. 4 p. 22. GOPA Consultants: José Roberto Duarte Saldaña, Iván Guerrero, Edwin Rivera, Carlos Roberto Melgar, Carlos Álvarez, Edwar Ismael Álvarez, Reginaldo Ramírez. 2010. Informe Final – Honduras Análisis Hidrogeológico y Sistematización de la Información Geológica e Hidrogeológica de las Zonas Copán Chortí y Lempa Ulúa (Área Honduras) de la Región Trifinio. 62 p. 23. GIZ – Ministerio Federal de Cooperación Económica y Desarrollo – Plan Trifinio. 2010. Estado de la Región Trifinio 2010, Anexo: Variables e indicadores por municipio. 53 p.
88
24. GIZ – Ministerio Federal de Cooperación Económica y Desarrollo – Plan Trifinio. 2011. Estado de la Región Trifinio 2010, Datos socioeconómicos y ambientales de los municipios. 83 p. 25. International Conference “Transboundary Aquifers: Challenges and New Directions”(ISARM2010): Mario Samuel Buch; José Mario Guevara. TRIFINIO: Transboundary Aquifer Systems in the Upper Lempa River Basin, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, in Central América. 4 p. 26. Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río Lempa (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras) – URBAL – INYPSA. s/a. Tercer Informe Plan Integral de Desarrollo Estratégico Territorial Trinacional. Desarrollo Territorial Trifinio. 572 p. 27. Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río Lempa (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras) – URBAL – INYPSA. 2010. Proceso Participativo Tercer Informe Plan Integral de Desarrollo Estratégico Territorial Trinacional. Desarrollo Territorial Trifinio. 269 p. 28. Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río Lempa, El Salvador-Guatemala-Honduras – URBAL. s/a. Mapa de Actores Claves Asociación Cayaguanca-El Salvador. 10 p. 29. Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río Lempa, El Salvador-Guatemala-Honduras – Asociación de Municipios Trifinio – URBAL. 2009. Mapa de Actores Claves Asociación Trifinio El Salvador. 112 p. 30. Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río Lempa, El Salvador-Guatemala-Honduras – Mancomunidad de Nor-oriente – URBAL. 2009. Mapa de Actores Claves Mancomunidad Nor- oriente. 12 p. 31. Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río Lempa, El Salvador-Guatemala-Honduras – URBAL. 2010. Política Pública Trinacional “Ciudad Limpia” Para La Gestión Integral De Desechos Solidos Urbanos de la Región Trinacional. 2 p. 32. Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río Lempa, El Salvador-Guatemala-Honduras. 2008. Planificación Estratégica Territorial Trinacional 2008-2023. 56 p. 33. Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río Lempa, El Salvador-Guatemala-Honduras – URBAL. 2010. Política pública Trinacional “Ciudad Limpia” para la Gestión Integral de Desechos sólidos urbanos de la Región trinacional. 10 p. 34. Ministerio del Medioambiente y Recursos Naturales de El Salvador (MARN). 2010. Reserva de la Biósfera Trifinio Fraternidad. 69 p. 35. Plan Trifinio El Salvador 2011. El Salvador Plan Estratégico de la Región Trifinio 2010-2020, Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río Lempa, la Agencia de Cooperación Técnica Alemana GIZ y El proyecto APTM\del Fondo Mundial del Ambiente (FMAM) a través del Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID), El Salvador 110 p.
89
36. Plan Trifinio El Salvador-Guatemala-Honduras. s/a. Plan Trifinio: Sus Programas y Proyectos. 21 p. 37. Plan Trifinio – URBAL – BID – Diputación de Huelva – CATIE – Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río Lempa, El Salvador-Guatemala-Honduras. 2010. Política Pública Local Transfronteriza “Bosques Para Siempre” El Salvador-Guatemala-Honduras. 2 p . 38. Proyecto PNUD CAM/94/001 Ejecutado por El Banco Mundial, con Ministerios de Agricultura, BID, FAO, FIDA, IICA, GOBIERNO DE GRAN BRETAÑA DFID. 2004. El Trifinio: Una Experiencia en busca de Medios de Vida Sostenible, EL Salvador 43 p. 39. Proyecto: “Conservación del Agua y de los Recursos Naturales en la Región Trifinio” (CAMARENA) en Guatemala, Honduras y El Salvador. 2010. Cartillas municipales de zonas importantes de manejo del agua en los municipios de la región Trifinio. 29 p. 40. Red de Acción en Plaguicidas y sus Alternativas en América Central (RAPAC) - Centro Agronómico Tropical De Investigación Y Enseñanza (CATIE). 2003. Estudio sobre Políticas para la Reducción del Uso de Plaguicidas en la zona del Trifinio: Honduras, Guatemala y El Salvador. 31 p. 41. Organización de las Naciones Unidas Para La Educación, La Ciencia y La Cultura (UNESCO) - De la Cooperación Potencial al Conflicto Potencial (PCCP): Hernán Romero – El Salvador y César Reyes – Guatemala; Estudio de caso del sistema acuífero Ostua-Metapán, 73 p. 42. Organización de las Naciones Unidas Para La Educación, La Ciencia y La Cultura (UNESCO) – Programa Hidrológico Internacional – Organización de los Estados Americanos; Evaluación Preliminar - Sistemas Acuíferos Transfronterizos En las Américas. (evaluación preliminar); 188 p. 43. Organización de las Naciones Unidas Para La Educación, La Ciencia y La Cultura (UNESCO) – Programa Hidrológico Internacional – Organización de los Estados Americanos; Marco Legal e Institucional en la Gestión de los Sistemas Acuíferos Transfronterizos en las Américas. 120 p. 44. Organización de las Naciones Unidas Para La Educación, La Ciencia y La Cultura (UNESCO) – Oficina Regional de Ciencia Para América Latina y El Caribe, Programa Hidrológico Internacional – Organización de los Estados Americanos; Aspectos Socioeconómicos Ambientales y Climáticos de los Sistemas Acuíferos Transfronterizos de las Américas. 559 p. 45. Organismo Internacional de Energía Atómica, Proyecto Manejo Sostenible del Ambiente y de los Recursos Hídricos en la Cuenca Alta del Río Lempa RLA |8|038. 2006. Informe Final de Misión – Segunda Reunión de Coordinación de los Proyectos Regionales RLA |8|038 Y RLA|8|040. 32 p. 46. Petra Albütz – Liliana Parra – Héctor Aguirre – Sebastien Longhurst – Andrea Matarrita. 2011. 4 foro de alto nivel sobre la efectividad de la ayuda BUSAN, Noviembre-Diciembre 2011. 6 p. 47. Sistema de Información Territorial Trinacional (SINTET) Región Trifinio - Mancomunidad Trinacional Fronteriza Río Lempa – U CUNORI USAC. 2012. Informe Campaña de Recolección 2010. 89 p.
90
48. Vice ministerio de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano (VMVDU) – FISDL: Estudios, Proyectos Y Planificación S.A. (EPYPSA). 2008. Plan de Desarrollo Territorial Para La Región Del Trifinio. 231 p. 49. Unidad De Asistencia Técnica Regional /Banco Mundial - Ministerio Británico Para El Desarrollo Internacional RUTA - DFID: Corina Mejía. 2004. Estudio de Caso Documento Final – El Trifinio: Una Experiencia en Busca de Medios de Vida Sostenible. 43 p. 50. USAID Improved Management and Conservation of Critical Watersheds Project. Juan Pablo Dominguez; Craig Mc Farland. 2009. Plan de Manejo del Área Natural Protegida Parque Nacional de Montecristo. 205 p. 51. USAID Improved Management and Conservation of Critical Watersheds Project. Manuel Antonio Escamilla Jurado; Remberto Antonio Erazo Ramos. Propuesta de Plan de Manejo Integral de Desechos Sólidos y Vertidos Líquidos Generados en el Parque Nacional de Montecristo. 85 p. 52. USAID Improved Management and Conservation of Critical Watersheds Project. Manuel Antonio Escamilla Jurado; Remberto Antonio Erazo Ramos; José Roberto Duarte Saldaña. 2009. Balance Hídrico de las cuencas: Ange, San José, Laguna de Metapan y Tahuilapa. 93 p.
X. ATTACHMENTS
91
ATTACHMENT 1. Lists of participants in coordination and informational workshops with
other stakeholders
92
93
94
95
ATTACHMENT 2. Documents Reviewed to Identify Information Gaps
Table 16 Documents reviewed to Identify Gaps in Biophysical and Hydrogeological Information
TITLE AUTHOR BRIEF SUMMARY OF CONTENT
CORRESPONDING INDICATOR
“Desarrollo Sostenible del Medio Ambiente y lo Recurso Hídricos en la Cuenca Alta del Río Lempa”
INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY TRIFINIO PLAN TRINATIONAL COMMISSION
Hydrometeorological, geological, hydrogeological, hydrochemical information
1. Defining and limiting the value of the aquifers and their potential functions 2. Role and importance of groundwater for humans and the environment 3. Changes in the state of groundwater 4. Drivers of change and pressures 5. Beneficial environment for transboundary management of aquifers / Groundwater Management
El Salvador. Plan estratégico de la región trifinio 2010- 2012, July 2011. GIZ- URBAL-IDB
FUSADES Hydrogeological information
Referential for the indicators above
Plan de gestión para el desarrollo sostenible de la región del trifinio
Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission El Salvador-Guatemala- Honduras
Hydrogeological information
Referential for the indicators above
Estado de la Región del Trifinio 2010
GIZ Socioeconomic and environmental information
Referential for previous indicators
96
El Trifinio: Los recursos hídricos en la parte alta de la Cuenca del Río Lempa
Trifinio Plan/IDB Hydrological information on the upper watershed of the Lempa River
Referential for previous indicators
Table 17. Documents Reviewed to Identify Gaps in the Environmental Theme
TITLE AUTHOR
BRIEF SUMMARY OF CONTENT
CORRESPONDING INDICATOR
Plan de Gestión para el desarrollo sostenible de la región Trifinio 2010-2020
GIZ Analysis of development problems in Trifinio and proposals for their solution through programs and projects
Human dependence on groundwater for supply of domestic water
Estado de la Región
Trifinio 2010 Datos socioeconómicos y ambientales de los municipios.
GIZ Information on the state of natural resources and the socioeconomic situation of the population in the Trifinio region Also provides a vision of development levels and challenges facing the region.
Human dependence on groundwater for supply of agricultural water
97
Plan de manejo
integrado del área protegida trinacional Montecristo. Formulación participativa plan de manejo integrado y Programa de acción regional
IDB The management plan of the Montecristo protected area and its buffer zone provides general lines for initiating protection.
Dependence of ecosystems on groundwater
Aspectos
Socioeconómicos, ambientales y climáticos de los sistemas acuíferos transfronterizos de las Américas
UNESCO Case studies on aquifers in the Americas, including the
Esquipulas- Ocotepeque-Citalá aquifer
Referential information for the indicators
Plan de Gestión Ambiental, Documento No.3
CATIE Identification of potentialities and problems
Serie de documentos base para Formulación del Plan Estratégico Trinacional del PTCARL
Environmental information on the upper watershed of the Lempa River and management guide
Tercer Informe Plan Integral de desarrollo estratégico territorial trinacional
Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities
Information on integration of territorial visions and the region’s problems in different aspects
Base information for the indicator on “aquifer vvulnerability to contamination”
98
Table 18. Documents Reviewed to Identify Gaps in Socioeconomic Information
No
Document Title
Author
Year
Description Information Missing for the Indicators
1
Estudio de caso del sistema acuífero Ostua- Metapán
UNESCO - De la Cooperación Potencial al Conflicto Potencial (PCCP): Hernán Romero – El Salvador and César Reyes – Guatemala
2008
Socioeconomic characterization, institutional legal framework in effect on the transboundary aquifer; biophysical description, geological and hydraulic characteristics, hydric balance and degree of vulnerability; main stakeholders, conflicts over water and existing policies on information among the parties
Not related to any of the indicators in the database provided by IUCN
2
Evaluación Preliminar - Sistemas Acuíferos Transfronteri zos En las Américas. (evaluación preliminar
UNESCO – International Hydrological Program– Organization of American States
2007
A regional evaluation of the geographic interactions between water and environment in the theme of underground water resources sharing borders in the Americas; on one page there is a brief description of the Esquipulas- Ocotepeque-Cítala aquifer.
Not related to any of the indicators
99
3
Marco Legal e Institucional en la Gestión de los Sistemas Acuíferos Transfronteri zos en las Américas
(UNESCO – International Hydrological Program– Organization of American States
2008
Document on a program aimed at promoting knowledge of transboundary water resources and collaboration of countries sharing that resource, in order to reach consensus in the legal, institutional, socioeconomic, scientific and environmental sphere; there is also a chapter with a legal analysis on countries located in the Esquipulas-Ocotepeque-Cítala aquifer
Not related to any of the indicators
4
Aspectos Socioeconómicos Ambientales y Climáticos de los Sistemas Acuíferos Transfronteri zos de las Américas
UNESCO – Regional Science Office for Latin America and the Caribbean -OAS
2010
This document provides data for each transboundary aquifer on extension, population and groundwater use; availability and quality and current and predicted climate variations for each aquifer. Also indicates protected and conservation areas and aspects of groundwater planning and use, economic benefits from its use and forecasted use trends as transboundary resources; social and environmental analysis of the different aquifers in the region.
Not related to any of the indicators
5
TRIFINIO: Transbounda ry Aquifer Systems in the Upper Lempa River Basin, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, in Central América
International Conference “Transboundary Aquifers: Challenges and New Directions”(ISARM 2010): Mario Samuel Buch; José Mario Guevara
2010
Document summarizes how the biophysical information of the three countries was harmonized in the northern Lempa River watershed; identifies studies made on water quality in the entire aquifer zone in the different strata, with chemical data on the water found
Not related to any of the indicators
100
6
Consultoría en Hidrología/Hi drogeología Programa Camarena/G TZ Bosques y
José Roberto Duarte Saldaña
2009
This consultant report is a technical document on the upper area of the Lempa River watershed in the Trifinio region: biophysical description of the region; systematization and integration of geological, hydrogeological and hydrological data; and inventory
Some of the information in the attachments can relate to indicator 2.6; which mentions
Agua “Conservació n del Agua a Través del Manejo Transfronteri zo de los Recursos Naturales (CAMARENA) ”
of wells and springs in the study zone; makes a water quality analysis; proposal on a plan for additional hydrological and hydrogeological studies
prevalence of springs. According to this information there is an inventory of springs and wells with flows.
7
Informe Final – Honduras Análisis Hidrogeológic o y Sistematizaci ón de la Información Geológica e Hidrogeológic a de las Zonas Copán Chortí y Lempa Ulúa (Área Honduras) de la Región Trifinio
GOPA Consultants: José Roberto Duarte Saldaña, Iván Guerrero, Edwin Rivera, Carlos Roberto Melgar, Carlos Álvarez, Edwar Ismael Álvarez, Reginaldo Ramírez
2010
Makes a technical analysis of the upper watershed of the Lempa River in the Honduran Trifinio region. Contains biophysical information, identifies recharge areas with existing geological structures and sources of inventoried waters; makes an analysis of the geological frame found, analysis of the hydrogeological context using satellite images; and inventory of water sources in the Honduras zone.
Relates to indicator 2.6, which mentions prevalence of springs. According to this report there is an inventory of springs and wells with flows, and identifying their location.
101
8
Mapa Hidrogeológic o de la Región Trifinio
Project: “Conservation of Water and Natural Resources in the Trifinio Region” (CAMARENA) in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador
2010
Hydrogeological map of the Trifinio region with the location of water sources, location and differentiation of aquifers, direction of flow, location of geological faults, location of bodies of water and main road networks
Relates to indicator 2.6; has location of water sources, location of main bodies of water
9
Cartillas municipales de zonas importantes de manejo del agua en los municipios de la región Trifinio
Project: “Water and Natural Resource Conservation in the
Trifinio Region” (CAMARENA) in Guatemala, Honduras y El Salvador
2010
According to the GIZ Water and Forests program, in the Trifinio region municipal charts were generated with the location of water sources, location and differentiation of aquifers, direction of flow, location of geological faults, locations of bodies of water and main road networks; locating the different infiltration zones for each municipality.
Not related to any of the indicators
10
Shapes files de la información técnica generadas para la construcción de mapas
Project: “Water and Natural Resource Conservation in the
Trifinio Region” (CAMARENA) in Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador
2010
GIZ provided the information of the Shapes files utilized for making thematic maps and municipal charts for zones important to water management in the municipalities comprising the Trifinio region.
Not related to any of the indicators
11
Modelación SWAT de Procesos Hidrológicos en San Ignacio
Dr. Jeffrey R. Jones
2009
Technical analysis of the area of the Sumpul River in El Salvador, in which a modeling of technical parameters was done to support sustainable development in this zone.
Not related to any of the indicators
102
12
Informe Final – Agenda Hídrica Trinacional: Una Propuesta Participativa Para la Gestión Integrada de los Recursos Hídricos en la Parte Alta de la Cuenca del Río Lempa. – El Trifinio: Los Recursos Hídricos en la Parte Alta del Río Lempa
Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan, Program for Promotion of the Administration of Water as Regional Public Good in the upper watershed of the Lempa River in the Trifinio region: Mario Samuel Buch
2009
Analysis of the final document of the project executed in the upper watershed of the Lempa River in the Trifinio region. Includes the trinational water agenda and water resources in the upper watershed area; evaluation of the results obtained in the goals proposed in each of the components of these projects that have been executed in a program of the Trifinio Commission.
Not related to any of the indicators
13
Presentación – Devastación de la Ciudad Ocotepeque en 1934
Kari Ahti
2007
Explains why an early warning system is important and how a hurricane in 1934 devastated the city of Ocotepeque in Honduras
Not related to any of the indicators
14
Tercer Informe Plan Integral de Desarrollo Estratégico Territorial Trinacional. Desarrollo
Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras) – URBAL - INYPSA
s/a
Explains the development of the trinational strategic plan which includes prospective territorial proposals; summarizes existing problems and potentialities, makes a current model of territory and identifies current territorial problems
Not related to any of the indicators
Territorial Trifinio.
103
15
Participatory Process Tercer Informe Plan Integral de Desarrollo Estratégico Territorial Trinacional. Desarrollo Territorial Trifinio.
Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras) – URBAL – INYPSA
2010
Explains: 1) action/coordination and consultation in the territory of the Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities: 2) channels of communication and accompaniment for the proposal on construction of the Strategic Plan of Trinational Territorial Development; workshops held with each of the associations of municipalities in order to be able to implement the territorial development plan
Not related to any of the indicators
16
Estado de la Región Trifinio 2010, Anexo: Variables e indicadores por municipio
GIZ – Federal Ministry of Economic and Development Cooperation– Plan Trifinio
2011
This document has information for each municipality; there is a page with the variables and indicators obtained. This data summary could serve as a base for municipalities to update their situation profile in the future. Information is gender- disaggregated.
Not related to any of the indicators
17
Estado de la Región Trifinio 2010, Datos socioeconómi cos y ambientales de los municipios
GIZ –Trifinio Plan
2011
Information on the state of natural resources and the socioeconomic situation of the population in the Trifinio region. Provides a vision of development levels and challenges the region faces, along with a biophysical analysis of current conditions, an analysis of risks facing the population, ecosystem and biodiversity analysis, analysis of demographic and socioeconomic indicators of the population of the Trifinio region
Not related to any of the indicators
104
18
Informe Final de Misión – Segunda Reunión de Coordinación de los Proyectos Regionales RLA |8|038 Y RLA|8|040
IAEA, Project on Sustainable Management of Environment and and Water Resources in the Upper Watershed of the Lempa River
2006
Evaluation of the work plan of project RLA|8|038; assessment of two regional projects. The report stresses planned activities in the upper watershed of the Lempa River (Trifinio sector of El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala). Verified degree
of progress in collecting technical
information, geometry of aquifers, progress in geographic information system, logistical strengthening for participating organizations, training of human resources, and others.
Not related to any of the indicators
19
Informe del Secretario Ejecutivo Trinacional del Plan Trifinio Miguel Alberto Pineda Valle
Trunational Commission of the Trifinio Plan
2012
Study on work carried out in the Trifinio region, consisting of strategic lines of work: Social development in transboundary communities; Sustainable Economy, integrated natural resource management, regional integration and transboundary cooperation. Mentions progress and results according to strategic line and accounts for the amounts invested.
Not related to any of the indicators
20
Presentación: Mapa Elaborado en el Marco del Desarrollo del Sistema de Información Trinacional de la Cuenca Alta del Río Lempa (SIT – CARL.
Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan, Trinational Executive Secretariat, Program for the promotion of Administration of Water as Regional Public Good in the Upper Watershed of the Lempa River
Explains how the trinational information system of the upper watershed of the Lempa River is being formed; importance of this region as the origin of the three countries’ main watershed. Mentions all of the social and biophysical maps created for the Trifinio region, especially the upper watershed of the Lempa River.
Not related to any of the indicators
105
21
Una experiencia trinacional de gestión compartida del agua.
Muñoz Jiménez, Julián
2008
Presentation given in Zaragoza on an analysis of transboundary water use, which mentions Trifinio Plan contributions in Governability and Governance; work in policies, strategies, search for solutions, actions implemented and lessons learned
Not related to any of the indicators
22
Plan de Monitoreo de la Calidad de Agua de la Cuenca Alta del Río Lempa (CARL).
Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission, Trinational Executive Secretariat, Program for the Promotion of Water Administration as Regional Public Good in the Upper Watershed of the Lempa River
2008
This document explains the water monitoring plan to be implemented in the upper watershed of the Lempa River; objectives of the monitoring plan; entities that will participate, participating associations of municipalities; monitoring parameters; sampling sites; sampling
procedures; analysis methodology,
Interpretation of findings; integration and dissemination of iinformation in the CARL
Not related to any of the indicators
23
Aspectos legales e institucionale s de la gestión de los Recursos Hídricos en el Trifinio.
Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission Trinational Executive Secretariat, Course on “Conflict Prevention and Cooperation in Water Resource Management”: Mario Samuel Buch
2008
Presentation explains how the trinational commission was formed, the area making up the Trifinio region, how the association of municipalities of El Trifinio was formed, trinational integration of the different stakeholders, involvement of the teaching sector
Not related to any of the indicators
24
Plan de Gestión Para el Desarrollo Sostenible de la Región del Trifinio 2010- 2020, El Salvador- Guatemala- Honduras.
Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission, El Salvador- Guatemala-Honduras
2011
Document with a social study of the Trifinio region, placing the zone in the three countries, description of ecosystems, current problems, does planning that includes objectives, programs, components, crosscutting themes and estimated budget
Not related to any of the indicators
106
25
Publicación Bienes Públicos Regionales
IDB, Vice-Presidency of Knowledge Sectors, Integration and Knowledge Sector, program on Regional Public Goods: L Bocalandro – R Villa
2009
Document explains the regional public goods in the Latin American zone; regional public goods and their development; experience in collective action in Latin America.
Not related to any of the indicators
26
Sistema Acuífero Transfronteri zo Esquipulas- Ocotepeque- Citalá, Guatemala- Honduras-El Salvador
Fulgencio Garavito – National Institute of Seismology, Vulcanology, Meteorology and Hydrology (INSIVUMEH) - Guatemala National Service for Territorial Studies (SNET)-El Salvador
s/a
This is a summary of the Esquipulas-Ocotepeque-Citala aquifer; makes reference to biophysical data; water use; also makes reference to a location map of the aquifer
Not related to any of the indicators
27
4th
Top-level Forum on the Effectiveness of BUSAN Aid, November- December 2011
Petra Albütz – Liliana Parra – Héctor Aguirre – Sebastien Longhurst – Andrea Matarrita
2011
Executive report for the IDB - 4th
Top-level Forum on the Effectiveness of BUSAN Aid, November 29 to December 1, 2011. Participation of Latin American members of the Community of South-South Practice.
Not related to any of the indicators
28 Informe Campaña de Recolección 2010
Trinational Territorial 2012 Document makes reference to Trinational Territorial Information System facilitated by local governments and associations in
Not related to any of the indicators
107
Information System (SINTET) Lempa River Trinational Association of Municipalities Trifinio Region- Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities – U CUNORI USAC
the Trifinio region (Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras), in order to publicize the social, political, economic, cultural ethnic and environmental situation of the trinational region; has indicators, reports on public management of water resources, food and nutritional security, gender equity.
29
Política pública Trinacional “Ciudad Limpia” para la Gestión Integral de Desechos sólidos urbanos de la Región trinacional
Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities, El Salvador- Guatemala-Honduras – URBAL
2010
Document containing the entire policy with principles and foundations of trinational public policy, conceptual framework, policy objectives, possible impacts of policy implementation, basic elements to be considered to strengthen the policy, actions and strategies, technical aspects, interinstitutional coordination and policy instruments.
Not related to any of the indicators
30
Política Pública Trinacional “Ciudad Limpia” Para La Gestión Integral De Desechos Sólidos Urbanos de la Región Trinacional.
Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities, El Salvador- Guatemala-Honduras – URBAL
2010
This information is in a 3-page brochure with information about the trinational policy aimed at improving current management of urban solid waste, providing comprehensive manage through sorting, recycling and composting, as well as provision of public services by the association of municipalities.
Not related to any of the indicators
108
31
Política Pública Local Transfronteri za “Bosques Para Siempre” El Salvador- Guatemala- Honduras
Plan Trifinio – URBAL – IDB – Diputación de Huelva – CATIE – Lempa Rver Trinational Border Association of Municipalities, El Salvador- Guatemala-Honduras
2010
This information is a 3-page brochure about transboundary policy on sustainable forest management for the conservation of natural areas with the joint participation of national and local governments, communities and private owners, through financial mechanisms and incentives, public and private, at the municipal, national and trinational levels.
Not related to any of the indicators
32
Mapa de Actores, municipios: Ocotepeque, Sinuapa, Concepción y Santa Fe- Honduras
AMVAS
s/a
Stakeholder mapping for the Honduran municipalities of Ocotepeque, Sinuapa, Concepción and Santa Fe. This is a matrix with the following information: name of organization, municipal where headquarters are located, contact person, telephone-email, main themes addressed, investment in the area, coverage
Not related to any of the indicators
33
Mapa de Actores Claves Asociación Cayaguanca- El Salvador
Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities, El Salvador- Guatemala-Honduras – URBAL
s/a
Stakeholder mapping information of Asociación Cayaguaca. Matrix with information on municipality, multi-sector, sector, institutional and sector representative.
Not related to any of the indicators
34
Mapa de Actores Claves Asociación Trifinio El Salvador
Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities, El Salvador- Guatemala-Honduras – Asociación de Municipios Trifinio – URBAL
2009
Stakeholder mapping information of Asociación Trifinio. Matrix with the following information: multi-sector, sector, subsector, key stakeholder, representative and participants
Not related to any of the indicators
109
35
Mapa de Actores Claves Mancomunid ad Nor- oriente
Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities, El Salvador- Guatemala-Honduras – Mancomunidad de Nor- oriente – URBAL
2009
Stakeholder mapping information for Asociación Nor-Oriente. Matrix with the following information: multi-sector, sector, subsector, key stakeholder, representative and participants
Not related to any of the indicators
36
Corredor Biológico Trinacional Montecristo, El Salvador- Guatemala- Honduras
CBTM
s/a
Presentation explaining the importance of the Montecristo Trinational Biological Corridor (CBTM), existing problems, participants in the region, composition of the CBTM management committee, and preliminary maps of the biological corridor by country
Not related to any of the indicators
37
Caracterizaci ón de la capacidad de innovación de los actores involucrados en los sistemas de producción de hortalizas bajo ambiente controlado, en
la Región Trifinio (Honduras, Guatemala y El Salvador)”
Thesis submitted for consideration to the Graduate School of the the Tropical Agriculture Research and Higher Learning Center (CATIE). Wendy Leonela Castellanos Valerio
2009
This thesis document has conceptual framework information; makes a description of the controlled environments found and evaluated, characterization of producers, characterization of greenhouse production systems, makes an analysis of the knowledge management of producers in the study, capacity of agroecological innovation for greenhouse production, selection criteria for planting crops, main diseases of
greenhouse crops in San Ignacio-La Palma,
intervention strategy of the proposal.
Not related to any of the indicators
38
Planificación Estratégica Territorial Trinacional 2008-2023
Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities, El Salvador- Guatemala-Honduras
2008
Document explaining trinational territorial strategic planning for the three countries in the Trifinio region with a presentation on the associations of municipalities making up the region; explains the indicators set out for the association of municipalities, SWOT analysis for territorial development, investment plan for the proposed strategic objectives, possible financing sources and publicizing of the territorial strategic plan.
Not related to any of the indicators
110
39
Plan de Desarrollo Territorial Para La Región Del Trifinio
Vice-Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (VMVDU) – FISDL: Estudios, Proyectos Y Planificación S.A. (EPYPSA)
2008
This report has an explanation of how the Territorial Development Plan for the Trifinio region has been prepared, and contains: Integrated Appraisal and Reference Scenario, Proposed Territorial Model, Instruments for the Plan; Territorial Zoning and City Planning Proposals; Development Projects Bank, Project Files.
Not related to any of the indicators
40
Estudio sobre Políticas para la Reducción del Uso de Plaguicidas en la zona del Trifinio: Honduras, Guatemala y El Salvador
Red de Acción en Plaguicidas y sus Alternativas en América Central (RAPAC) - CATIE
2003
This document analyzes the link between extreme pesticide use and policies at the level of individuals, family, trade association, financer, technical assistance and regulatory agencies; analysis of how the individuals, family, trade associations, financers, regulatory agencies and intermediaries operate in pesticide use; also analyzes use of organic agriculture.
Not related to any of the indicators
41
Reserva de la Biósfera Trifinio Fraternidad
Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources of El Salvador (MARN)
2010
Document explains how the area comprising the biosphere reserve was selected and criteria used in El Salvador for designation of the territory; contains social, biophysical, and biological information, conservation information and institutional aspects.
Not related to any of the indicators
42
El Salvador Plan Estratégico de la
Región del Trifinio 2010-2020.
National Executive Directorate of the Trifinio Plan El Salvador– Lempa River Trinational Border Association of Municipalities – German Technical Cooperation Agency (GIZ) –APTM project of the Global Environment Fund– IDB
2011
Document explains the strategic plan of the Trifinio region in El Salvador; has a socioeconomic and environmental
assessment, physical territorial aspects,
effects that climate change is having on the region, territorial scenarios of the Trifinio region, strategic plan with its respective core themes and the search for sources of financing. This plan provides gender-disaggregated population data.
Not related to any of the indicators
111
43
Estudio de Caso Documento Final – El Trifinio: Una Experiencia en Busca de Medios de Vida Sostenible
Regional Technical Assistance Unit /World Bank – British Ministry for International Development RUTA - DFID: Corina Mejía
2004
This case study is based on the experience of the Trifinio Plan and the integration process undergone by the region’s inhabitants. Has socioeconomic information; process of adopting sustainable livelihoods for the region
Not related to any of the indicators
44
Plan Trifinio: Sus Programas y Proyectos
Plan Trifinio El Salvador- Guatemala-Honduras
s/a
Document explains the programs and projects implemented in the Trifinio region and their importance for water production for the three countries.
Not related to any of the indicators
45
CAPACITY WORKS Resultados de los grupos de trabajo
2009
PPT presentation explaining how the work groups worked; also makes an analysis of the matrix of cooperation from each of the countries of the Trifinio region; analysis of processes in the Trifinio zone.
Not related to any of the indicators
46
Video: Reserva de la Biosfera la Fraternidad
Montecristo Protected Natural Area
s/a
Explains the formation of the biosphere, its ecosystem services, biodiversity, water in the zone and agroecosystems
Not related to any of the indicators
47
Estado de la Región Trifinio 2010, indicadores por municipio
Plan Trifinio; GIZ
2010
Document with variables and indicators by municipalities with population data on men and women
Not related to any of the indicators
112
48
Estado de la región trifinio 2010, Datos socioeconómi cos y
ambientales de los municipios
Plan Trifinio; GIZ
2011
Document explains surface and groundwater hydrology, biophysical data on the Trifinio region; ecosystems, natural risks facing the population; existing ecosystems and biodiversity; human capital, constructed
capital.
Not related to any of the indicators
49
Diagnostico sobre las organizacione s existentes y que no forman parte de los CNI y se consideran importantes para el logro de los objetivos del programa y las actividades de los componentes
Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral Sostenible (ASODIS)
s/a
This document makes a social analysis of the different stakeholders found in the upper watershed of the Lempa River, specifically in the Trifinio region, preparing a legal, political and civil society frame of reference; also analyzes scenarios of civil society participation in the implementation of the program proposed by ASODIS; has a map of the different stakeholders in the three countries.
Not related to any of the indicators
50
Sujetos sociales identificados en el área de la cuenca
Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral Sostenible (ASODIS)
s/a
Document with the different social organizations --public, private and community—in the watershed, specifically in the municipalities located in the Trifinio region. There is a level of detail of all the agents found in the upper watershed of the Lempa River, Trifinio region.
Not related to any of the indicators
51
Agenda de los sujetos sociales que son compatibles con los objetivos y condicionant es del programa
Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral Sostenible (ASODIS)
s/a
Document contains components of the different country agendas; social, environmental and economic development components of the zone; also identified the different stakeholders carrying out actions in the Trifinio region in the three countries.
Not related to any of the indicators
113
52
Metodología para etapas posteriores a la consulta y participación comunitaria
Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral Sostenible (ASODIS)
s/a
Document explains methodology for community identification and prioritization of needs; its implementation requires, among other things, training, information collection in the field, formulation of proposals, and drafting of the annual operating plan until its approval by the National Committee of those involved.
Not related to any of the indicators
53
Propuesta de organización y funcionamien to del comité nacional de involucrados
Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral Sostenible (ASODIS)
s/a
Document on the formation of the national committee of those involved, the bases of that committee, membership, structures and functions of the CNI, meetings held and the type of meetings to be held.
Not related to any of the indicators
54
Reglamento de funcionamien to Comité nacional de involucrados
Asociación para el Desarrollo Integral Sostenible (ASODIS)
s/a
Document on the regulations that should govern the CNI concerning: formation, denomination, domicile, duration and responsibility, functions and objectives of the members; structure of the CNI; committee sessions; parliamentary regimen; financing of the CNI; and final dispositions
Not related to any of the indicators
55
Propuesta de Plan de Manejo Integral de Desechos Sólidos y Vertidos Líquidos Generados en el Parque Nacional de Montecristo
USAID Improved Management and Conservation of Critical Watersheds Project. Manuel Antonio Escamilla Jurado; Remberto Antonio Erazo Ramos
2010
Document makes an analysis of the communities living with the Montecristo Protected Nature Area in El Salvador, and how the area is seen; also sets out strategies, programs and projects that should be followed for management of solid waste and liquid discharges generated by inhabitants and visitors to the zone.
Not related to any of the indicators
114
56
Plan de Manejo Integrado del Área Protegida Trinacional Montecristo
Trifinio Plan trinational Commission - IDB
2005
Integrated Management Plan for the Montecristo Trinational Protected Natural
Area. Provides a biophysical description and
social, economic and cultural analysis, problems and their causes, management considerations, proposed management programs and implementation strategies for the plan.
Not related to any of the indicators
57
Plan de Manejo del Área Natural Protegida Parque Nacional de Montecristo
USAID Improved Management and Conservation of Critical Watersheds Project. Juan Pablo Domínguez; Craig Mc Farland
2009
Management Plan of the Montecristo National Park in El Salvador: biophysical description; social, cultural and economic description of the park’s area of influence; legal analysis; sets out programs and projects that should be executed to manage the park over a 5-year period.
Not related to any of the indicators
58
Balance Hídrico de las cuencas: Ange, San José, Laguna de Metapan y Tahuilapa
USAID Improved Management and Conservation of Critical Watersheds Project. Manuel Antonio Escamilla Jurado; Remberto Antonio Erazo Ramos; José Roberto Duarte Saldaña
2009
This document makes a biophysical and social analysis of the intervened watershed, along with an inventory of all water sources used for irrigation, human consumption and industry in the area and forecasts on the state of the water resources in 10, 25 and 50 years.
This report relates to indicator 2.6, which mentions water sources used and water used by the different ecosystems. This document covers the zone of the Metapán municipality and related to the Metapán-Ostua aquifer
115
59
Proyecto RLA 8 /038 Desarrollo Sostenible de los recursos ambientales e hídricos en la cuenca Alta del Rio Lempa
International Atomic Energy Agency Trinational Commission of the Trifinio Plan: INSIVUMEH, ENEE, SNET-MARN, ANDA, CEL, UES, MAG
2009
The document has general information about the project “Sustainable Development of Environmental and Water Resources in the Upper Watershed of the Lempa River”: general objectives, location of projects, participants, etc.; general biophysical information on the project area; characterization of hydrogeological units in the area of the Trifinio region, characterization of hydrogeological units and aquifers, discussion of results from information collected in the field, conceptual hydrogeological model of the Trifinio region of the upper watershed of the Lempa River.
Not related to any of the indicators
60
Proyecto RLA 8 /038 Desarrollo Sostenible de los recursos ambientales e hídricos en la cuenca Alta del Rio Lempa: ANEXOS
International Atomic Energy Agency Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission: INSIVUMEH; ENEE; SNET-MARN, ANDA, CEL,
UES, MAG
2009
Climatological information for the different seasons found in the Trifinio region, data on geological information, stratigraphic data on soils, hydrological data, geophysical data of the different seasons, hydrochemistry of water in the different seasons, evaluation of water quality in different seasons and different uses
Not related to any of the indicators
61
CURSO TEÓRICO PRÁCTICO
Interacción Agua Subterránea con otras componentes del Ambiente
Carrillo Rivera, J
2008
Presentation at a workshop held in Mexico on groundwater interaction with components of the environment. The
content of this document focuses on water’s
importance in our lives, quantity on the planet, water use and extraction in Mexico, types of aquifers and over-exploited aquifers in Mexico.
Not related to any of the indicators
116
62
Análisis de los resultados del Proyecto Rla/8/038 y Prospectivas y definición de las tareas en el proyecto RLA/8/045
International Atomic Energy Agency Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission
s/a
Presentation with the goals to be achieved from implementation of the project in the upper watershed of the Lempa River, assessment of climatological elements of the Trifinio region, data from soundings of the geochemistry of groundwater, analysis of data on geochemistry of water in the Trifinio region and conclusions of the work carried out.
Not related to any of the indicators
63
Análisis geoquímico RLA 8038
International Atomic Energy Agency Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission
s/a
Document with different types of analysis conducted at points selected by IAEA RLA8038: geochemical analyses of surface and groundwater in the Trifinio region
Not related to any of the indicators
64
Consultoría: Apoyo a los Procesos para la Creación y Puesta en Marcha de un Plan de Gestión Integrada de Recursos Hídricos en la región Trifinio – Área el Salvador
International Atomic Energy Agency Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission
2010
This document contains a description of the activities carried out, in particular: support to processes for integrated management of water resources in the Trifinio region, follow-up on IAEA project RLA-8045, support to the Forests and Water Project; miscellaneous activities and products
Not related to any of the indicators
65
Descripción Hidrogeoquí mica de los Acuíferos Cusmapa, Candelaria- Guajoyo, Angue, Metapán y Tahuilapa, y los Acuíferos Colgados de Cuyuiscat y Nunuapa
International Atomic Energy Agency
Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission
PROJECT RLA-8038
2009
This report has a hydrogeochemical analysis of some aquifers in the Trifinio zone, explains general aspects of the report, location of sampling points, sampling method, sampling results, interpretation of results, used in each of the aquifers.
Not related to any of the indicators
117
66
Análisis físico- químico y bacteriológic o, del agua del pozo El Poy-Cítala
SAGRISA
2007 Report on groundwater analysis, well pumping tests; well capacity; capacity in successive stages; constant flows of the well, ANDA report; electric recording of wells; wellwater analyses; report on well drilling; attachments
Not related to any of the indicators
67
Plan de manejo del Lago de GÜIJA Con énfasis en la Pesca y la Acuicultura
PREPAC; MAG, OIRSA, Government of Taiwan- MAG-PAES-CATIE.
s/a
Presentation explaining the Lake Guija Management Plan with a biophysical description of the lake; physical; biological–fishery; environmental and socioeconomic. Analysis of water in lake tributaries; identifies problems according to different areas; explains functioning of the entity responsible for the lake’s protection; explains which laws apply to lake protection; and planning on how to improve the state of the lake.
Not related to any of the indicators
68
Caracterizaci ón hidrogeoquí mica de las aguas de la región Trifinio
International Atomic Energy Agency Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission PROYECTO RLA-8038
2006
Document provides a geochemical characterization of different sampling points of water found in the Trifinio region
Not related to any of the indicators
69
Estratigrafía de la región Trifinio
International Atomic Energy Agency Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission PROYECTO RLA-8038
2009
Document with a stratigraphic description of the areas forming the Trifinio region in each of the countries
Not related to any of the indicators
118
70
Informe Hidroquímico de las Aguas Superficiales y Subterráneas de la cuenca Alta del Río Lempa
nternational Atomic Energy Agency Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission PROYECTO RLA-8038
2005
Document provides a geochemical description of surface and groundwater in the Trifinio region; explains the analytical procedures used and makes an analysis of findings.
Not related to any of the indicators
71 Investigación Hidrogeológica a utilizando Isótopos Ambientales
International Atomic Energy Agency Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission Project RLA-8038
s/a Document gives a hydrogeological description of rainwater using isotopes
Not related to any of the indicators
72
Caracterizaci ón: Físico- Química e Isotópica de las Aguas Superficiales de la Cuenca Alta del Río Lempa y Subterráneas del Acuífero del Valle Aluvial de Ocotepeque International Atomic Energy Agency Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission Project RLA-8038
2008
Presentation on physical-chemical and isotopic characterization of surface water in the upper watershed of the Lempa River and groundwater of the alluvial valley of Ocotepeque; explains sampling extractions and the location of rivers; makes an analysis of findings at different sampling points in the Trifinio area.
Not related to any of the indicators
73
Evaluación de Impactos del Programa Trinacional de Desarrollo Sostenible de la Cuenca Alta del Rio Lempa.
Trifinio Plan Trinational Commission Final Report
2011
This document mentions the monitoring and evaluation system of the Trinational Program on Sustainable Development of the Upper Watershed of the Lempa River. All of the information is made on the basis of the different components being implemented in the Trifinio zone.
Not related to any of the indicators
119
ATTACHMENT 3. Lithological Profile of a Well Located in the Esquipulas Valley
120
121
122
ATTACHMENT 4. Lithological Profile of a Well Located in La Palma, El Salvador