Goal 6.5: Integrated management of water resources

Goal 6.5 proposes that by 2030 there be in place «[…] integrated management of water resources at all levels, including cross-border cooperation if necessary». The picture of las Lagunas de Montebello (Montebello Lagoons), which are shared by Mexico and Guatemala is a montage of two photos taken on the border between the Mexican part (Tziscao, in el municipio de la Trinitaria, Estado de Chiapas) and the Guatemalan part (aldea del Quetzal, municipio de Nentón, Departamento de Huehuetenango). Perhaps what is strangest and most surprising is to see, in a lagoon shared between the two countries, a straight line made with a piece of string and tied to two columns at each end, highlighted by some very visible buoys.

This area which became the border between Mexico and Guatemala in 1882 and split apart the Maya Chuj people, has experienced successive border disputes ranging in scale, including the use of water, as has happened in all Central America.

Apart from this wonderful piece of history, the photo is really odd and makes you ask yourself or ask the water whether, like the Maya Chuj people now split on both sides of the border, whether it feels Mexican or Guatemalan. The absurdity of the imaginary question can’t hide the harsh reality which is, no exaggeration, the ridiculous egocentric view and sense of property of human beings, who even try to put dividing lines on water, even though we are talking about a confined lake. What about underground streams? Do they flow on the side of the border they like best? We need to reflect rationally: let water flow under an integrated management of resources.