A network of change-makers
1.1 billion people worldwide lack access to safe water and 2.6 billion people lack adequate sanitation. Available freshwater resources continue to decline as a result of excessive withdrawal and pollution. We are faced with a global crisis where water is not respected as a human right or an essential resource.
A strong and vibrant civil society will transform the way in which water is managed, accessed and respected. We are the local implementers of policies and programmes. We work in challenging situations, such as urban slums and degraded environments, with weak governance and inadequate legal or regulatory frameworks.
We are seeking innovative methods to improve the delivery of water and sanitation services for all and for effective water management.
Positive change is possible through communication, partnerships and cooperation. Freshwater Action Network capitalizes on the creativity, drive and initiative of our membership to further our mission.
Since 2001, we have been building national, regional and global alliances which are now gaining institutional strength. We have evolved into a consortium of CSO networks with focal points in Africa, South Asia, Mexico, Central and South America.
Related to this FANMex has the following shareholdings:
- Co-development of water management plan of the municipality of Ecatepec along with the city Department of Environment and ecology, SARAR Transformación SC and UN-Habitat.
- Co-development of the Citizen Monitoring of Water and Sanitation in Ecatepec
A link between local and global
Global change must respond to local voices. Communities can use their experiences to influence policy.
Whether at the UN, the World Bank or a local municipality, we aim to ensure that debates are informed by and accountable to the practical reality of what works for people on the ground. Understanding how water can be managed within the unique contexts in which people live is critical if we are to seriously address the global water crisis.
This is a two-way process.
For local change to take place, an understanding of the global agenda is needed. FAN shares key information with members working at the local level to enable civil society to monitor and analyze national progress against international commitments and best practice. We build the capacity of our members to understand the relevant policy debates and systems so they can engage strategically with the sector.
Related to this FANMex has the following shareholdings:
- Participation in the construction of the proposed 2008 World Bank dialogue with
- Participation in the commission of the UN sustainable development CSD 16 where the local view was presented on progress or problems related to the millennium goals. 2008
- Participation of several of our members in the World Water Forum in Mexico 2006 and Istanbul 2009
- World Water Week in Stockholm, 2009
A platform for dialogue and influence
Providing spaces for meaningful engagement between civil society and governments can help to generate political will.
FAN actively identifies opportunities for members to access policy makers at the national, regional and global levels. Our members are equipped with years of local experience and many are strong and articulate advocates.
We work to ensure that during discussions that affect grassroots water users, the right people are in the room to present their experiences and share knowledge of how progress can be made.
We lobby for our members to be invited to key meetings and conferences and facilitate their participation. FAN works to increase the number of NGO advocates equipped with the skills and tools to communicate clearly on water policy issues.
FAN seeks representation, accountability and transparency at all levels. To facilitate this, we ensure that FAN delegations represent a diverse range of interests from organizations with a variety of perspectives and strengths.
Related to this FANMex has the following shareholdings:
- Participation in the fair water of the Secretariat of Environment of GDF, 2008
- Participation in the seminar of Latin American Water Tribunal, 2008
- Participation in the construction of water agreements in connection with the National Security and Climate Change, 2008
A forum for sharing learning and experiences
FAN members have valuable lessons to share. We facilitate a continuous process of knowledge, experience and information transfer throughout our global network via our website, newsletters, eBulletins, listserves and face-to-face meetings. This strengthens the skills and know-how of our members and builds capacity to communicate clearly on water policy issues and to promote the right to water and sanitation.
At international conferences the learning potential is high as members get the opportunity for south south learning and forging relationships with other organisations working on similar issues.
Participation in the Forum of Community Mana
gement of Water in Rural Mexico GEA, 2007, and co-conveners in 2009
- Participation in Expert Seminar, water and sanitation in Latin America, IMTA 2009
- Annual FAN MEX meetings
- Annual FAN meetings