Central American countries have relatively high external vulnerability due to climate change and limited economic resources to maintain and expand the coverage of water and sanitation services. Coverages have reached relatively high levels, the rural/urban gap on access still remains high.

Data from the Joint Monitoring Program indicate that the MDGs in water have been reached; urban coverage is 95% whereas the rural coverage is 84%. In sanitation the targets have not been achieved: coverage is 83% urban and 62% rural, an issue which requires further attention.

The need for more qualified human resources in the water supply and sanitation sector has been recognized by the Council of Central American Universities (CSUCA), who is coordinating and promoting the development and implementation of diplomas and certificates to professionals in the field of sanitation.

There are a number of regional organizations from the public and civil society intervening in policies and innovation of technology.

Contribute to universal and equitable access to water and sanitation for the population in Central America.

FOCARD-APS and other regional sector institutions and ministries of member states.
FOPREL and its affiliated members Water and Sanitation professionals of Central America
Poor population in Central America

1. Regional actors have consolidated their effectiveness for the implementation of policies and programs in the water and sanitation sector
2. Countries adopt a sustainable model for water supply and sanitation in rural areas

Expected results:  

1. FOCARD-APS is strengthened to implement actions based on its strategic plan.
2. Innovative research actions executed and regional/national institutional strengthened (CSUCA, FOPREL, RRASCA).
3. Experiences and best practices from the rural sector are documented and disseminated.

Results from previous phases:  

• FOCARD-APS has strengthened its leadership in the regional water and sanitation sector, the 4 working groups reviewed / developed different norms and regulations of the five member countries related to the sector.
• CSUCA through its member universities have implemented 5 post graduate courses on water and sanitation capacitating 250 professionals with emphasis on risk reduction and adaptation to climate change.
• Regional partners (FOPREL/FOCARD-APS) developed and adopted a legal framework on human rights to water and sanitation.
• Analysis of sustainability of water treatment technologies (FiME) and results have been shared at regional level.
• Supported cooperation partners and government institutions with the improvement and scaling-up of a Rural Water and Sanitation Information System, dissemination of Human Right to Water and Sanitation as well as Integrated Water Resource management.

Regional actors such as the Water and Sanitation Programme, AVINA, AECID, Global Water Partnership, AIDIS, etc.

Cooperation and support of SDC’s local Governance Program in Nicaragua on water and sanitation issues.
Cooperation with the SDC´s RRD/ACC activities to further strengthen the integration risk reduction issues in waters and sanitation schemes
Policy influence in coordination with the Water and Sanitation Programme of the World Bank, BCIE and BID.
Assessment of potential synergies with new programs on water governance in Honduras.

Phase 10 01.01.2016 - 31.12.2018   (Completed)