By: Rosario Sanchez Flores
Six years ago, the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters was founded with a shared vision: to strengthen collaboration, advance science-based solutions, and promote sustainable water management across the U.S.–Mexico border. As we celebrate our sixth anniversary, we reflect on the progress achieved, the partnerships built, and the growing community that continues to shape the future of our shared water resources.
Understanding why water is important goes beyond recognizing its role as a natural resource. Water connects ecosystems, communities, economies, and nations. Throughout the past six years, the Forum has worked to create spaces where researchers, decision-makers, students, and community leaders can exchange knowledge and collaborate on solutions to the complex water challenges facing binational watersheds.
This year marks another important milestone in our continued growth. According to the Forum’s 2026 projections, our educational and outreach initiatives will reach 2,496 participants through Coffee Breaks, Science Talks, Women in Water, webinars, and specialized training programs. Coffee Breaks are expected to engage 950 participants, Science Talks 500 participants, Women in Water 700 participants, and three specialized courses another 346 participants, expanding opportunities for scientific dialogue and professional development.
Our impact extends far beyond educational programs. Through collaborative projects, the Forum is projected to reach more than 5.49 million beneficiaries across initiatives such as Transboundary Aquifers Pilot Project, and One Coast, One Community. These projects continue to support scientific research, environmental stewardship, and data-driven decision-making throughout their shared border region. At the same time, our community continues to grow, with Forum membership projected to increase from 263 to 350 members this year, strengthening a diverse network of experts and institutions committed to shared water solutions.
These achievements reinforce why water is important to the future of both countries. They demonstrate that collaboration, scientific research, education, and public engagement remain essential for addressing challenges such as water scarcity, climate variability, groundwater sustainability, and ecosystem resilience. Every Coffee Break, Science Talk, research project, and educational course contributes to building stronger connections across disciplines and borders.
As part of this anniversary celebration, we invite our community to continue participating in the Forum’s initiatives, educational programs, research collaborations, and outreach activities throughout the coming year. Together, we will continue creating opportunities to share knowledge, inspire innovation, and strengthen binational cooperation.
After six years of collaboration, one message remains at the heart of everything we do: why water is important is ultimately about people, communities, and our shared future. Water continues to unite us, and together we remain committed to advancing science, collaboration, and sustainable water management for generations to come.
About the Author
Dr. Rosario Sánchez is a Senior Research Scientist at Texas A&M University and Director of the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters. She leads pioneering research on U.S.–Mexico transboundary aquifers, founded the Transboundary Water Portal, and has over 25 years of experience advancing binational water governance, science, and international collaboration.
