Francisco Núñez, a visionary from the Dominican Republic, has dedicated himself to addressing the critical issue of clean-water access in Latin America and the Caribbean. As the Central Caribbean director of The Nature Conservancy, Núñez has been at the forefront of efforts to conserve water and land in the region.
With his homeland facing a dire water crisis caused by deforestation, excessive resource consumption, and the devastating impact of climate change, Núñez recognizes the urgent need to secure water supplies in a sustainable way. “We cannot rely solely on building dams,” he explains. “We must integrate nature into our solutions and rebuild our ecosystems from the ground up.”
Núñez’s journey began in 2011 when he co-founded the Latin American Water Funds Partnership. Through this initiative, 24 water funds were established across multiple countries in Latin America, including two in the Dominican Republic. These funds have a distinct approach, prioritizing nature-based solutions to ensure long-term water security.
According to Patricia Abreu, who leads the Santo Domingo Water Fund, these funds “aim to restore three river basins” in order to replenish water supplies and safeguard ecosystems. By adopting strategies that focus on the natural environment, such as reforestation and watershed protection, these funds are shaping a new era of water management.
The remarkable success of these projects serves as a shining example of how harnessing the power of nature can transform water security in Latin America and the Caribbean. Núñez’s unwavering commitment and innovative approach highlight the potential for sustainable solutions in the face of pressing environmental challenges. By embracing nature-based strategies and investing in restoration efforts, we can build a future where access to clean water is no longer a luxury, but a fundamental right for all.