Press Release

SWT AND UNAM TO COLLABORATE ON RIO GRANDE STUDY

Southwest Texas State University and the National University of Mexico (UNAM) in Mexico City have signed an agreement for increased cooperation between the two institutions in areas of common interest. This agreement follows initial contacts between representatives of the Departments of Biology and Geography, and the International Institute for Sustainable Water Resources at SWT, and the Department of Engineering at UNAM.

The topic of water resources is specifically identified in the agreement as an area in which the two institutions will collaborate in joint projects. Both universities are currently preparing a proposal on the Rio Grande (called the Rio Bravo in Mexico) focusing on the development and implementation of an integrated drainage basin management plan for the sustainable use of the Rio Grande. The proposed project, which will involve individuals, agencies and organizations on both sides of the border, will be submitted to the Global Environment Facility (GEF) in Washington, D.C.

The GEF forges international cooperation and finances actions to address critical threats to the global environment. As the border between the United States and Mexico, the Rio Grande represents a transboundary water resource whose problems can be considered under the international waters portfolio of the GEF. The initial activity will be a meeting involving major stakeholders on both sides of the border to further develop the project concept inherent in the sustainable use of the Rio Grande.