In Latin America, there are hundreds of unstoppable individuals committed to environmental care and the prosperity of their communities. For everyone, water is much more than a resource; it represents the essence of life, unites communities, and inspires projects and technological advancements. It not only sustains us but also nourishes our relationships and cultures.
Its importance and value inspire us, and drive us to promote, along with strategic allies, solutions and projects that not only help in the preservation, access, and quality distribution of water. That's why, as the Coca-Cola Latin America team, we share our goal of returning 100% of the water we use in our products, promoting initiatives that foster water security in the region.
Aliados for water
This year, as part of the “Aliados” collective action platform, the open call to be part of “Aliados for Water” is launched, aiming to continue promoting solutions for the care of water and the basins where the Coca-Cola team operates. With this program, in collaboration with GETF and New Ventures, we seek to empower unstoppable change agents throughout Latin America, who want to make a difference in every corner of our region.
Thus, the transformative force within the “Aliados” network, composed of different organizations, public and private sector companies, will continue to be the key to drive and scale up innovation in Latin America.
This call is an invitation to be part of a transformative movement. If you are an entrepreneurial, innovative organization with a desire to positively impact the communities around you with solutions for water challenges, with our network of ‘Aliados’, you will have the opportunity to:
In "Aliados for Water", we adopt the philosophy of open innovation, where companies, startups, and civil organizations collaborate to drive technological advancements. We seek unstoppable minds to join forces and create high-impact solutions. We believe in the magic of diversity of thought and collaboration to catalyze great solutions in this crucial field.
The concept of 'Water Replenishment' is key in our mission. We aim to replenish nature with an amount of water equal to or greater than that used in various activities, balancing water use with its natural availability for communities, the environment, and future generations.
With our Allies, we are in search of projects that are not only bold and innovative but also empower the communities where they will be executed and that can be scaled up to generate significant change in sustainable water management.
The categories you find below are just the beginning. We want to identify and support the boldest ideas that can scale and generate significant change.
Conservation, Preservation, & Restoration of Basins
Efficient Water Use & Loss Reduction
Water Treatment, Distribution, & Reuse
Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture
Access to Drinking Water
We are looking for solutions that are located or can be applied in our priority basins. Below, you will find a list where you can see the basins ordered by geographical location:
We aim to expand our network of Allies who bring our magic to every corner of our region. Therefore, to ensurthat your application is effectively considered, it is important to take into account the selection criteria we will use to evaluate your project:
Impact on water management: Describe how your project contributes to the sustainability and conservation of water. Consider both quantitative impact (volume of water impacted) and qualitative impact (environmental and social benefits).
Technical and economic viability and sustainability: Explain how your project is technically feasible and economically viable. Include details about the business model or financing plan.
Innovation and technology: Highlight your project's technological innovation. Consider the replicability and scalability of your solution in different contexts or regions.
Alignment with priority basins: Indicate how your project relates to the identified priority basins. We are looking for solutions that can be applied in these key areas.
Legal and ethical compliance: Ensure that your project complies with legal and ethical requirements and respects human rights, avoiding negative impacts.
Long-term sustainability: We are looking for initiatives that generate measurable benefits and have a long-term monitoring plan (10 to 20 years), demonstrating sustainability and resilience against climate change.
Our selection process is detailed and focused, aimed at jointly driving the most promising solutions in sustainable water replenishment.
Through its digital platform, and by providing training and agronomic advice, Kilimo will help farmers in Tijuana,
Monterrey, Cuauhtémoc, and Lagos de Moreno, Mexico, to know exactly when and how much to water, thus
achieving water efficiencies equivalent to 1,465,000 cubic meters annually from October 2023 to October 2026.
By the end of the project, a total reduction of 4,395,000 cubic meters will be achieved.
This project not only contributes to the preservation and conservation of water in these basins but also provides
additional benefits to participating farmers. These benefits include ongoing training and economic recognition for
their commitment to water care.
The "Water Replenishment of the Alto Atoyac Aquifer" project, located in Tlaxcala, Mexico, aims to implement nature-based solutions with a positive impact on 1,798 hectares surrounding the aquifer. Through soil conservation and reforestation with native species, the actions promote the restoration of a healthy ecosystem in structure and functionality. The project is to be executed from 2023 to 2025, with the goal of infiltrating an additional 558 mega liters each year. It takes place on lands with ejidal and agricultural parcel tenure, involving two communities, San Agustín Tlaxco and San Juan Bautista Atlangatepec, who participate in the project's activities, improving their living conditions through equal employment opportunities and secure access to vital resources such as water. Additionally, the project promotes the conservation of the region's biodiversity, which contains significant levels of nativity and endemism for Mexico.
Go to the siteThrough the ‘Aliados for Water’ program, improved water facilities in seven rural and peri-urban communities in San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas. Major repairs were made to 35 major leaks and over 100 minor leaks, resulting in the prevention of 1,078 ML (million liters) of water loss in 2022, and projected to rescue 2,285 ML per year until 2036. In addition to preventing water loss, the project benefited 24,053 people in San Cristóbal, improving water availability, and 32,879 people in surrounding populations where the intervention was replicated. The project contributed to reestablishing collaboration with the local government, private sector, and civil society, and to catalyzing new public investments for sustainable water and basin management of the improved services. These actions are complemented by an integrated cultural strategy of territorial water management, focused on hygiene practices and conservation to protect the environment.
Go to the siteThe project aims to rescue the basic rights to water supply of the inhabitants of rural areas. The specific objective is to implement advances in water supply systems to ensure 24-hour access to drinking water for the inhabitants of rural communities. The project implemented water supply systems, achieved shared management in rural communities, improved the quality of life of the rural population, guaranteed the provision of maintenance and basic sanitation services in a self-managed, autonomous, and sustainable way, thus contributing to social development, environmental preservation, and support for social education. This was achieved thanks to the creation of an association board, training of local operators, conducting social work - environmental education, talks about rational use of water, works to install water treatment and supply systems, promoting links with local associations to achieve effective participation of residents and had activities with social and environmental education purposes to raise awareness among users of the system, promoting rational use of water.
Go to the siteThe Nilus project, inspired by the ice-stupas of India, is a Chilean initiative that creates artificial glaciers to combat the water crisis and climate change. This multidisciplinary project developed a prototype that stores winter rainwater for use in spring and summer. The plan includes testing 50 artificial glaciers in a water park in Valle de las Arenas, Cajón del Maipo, using artificial intelligence for their management and monitoring. These glaciers, 6 to 7 meters high, are designed to be sustainable, operating only with gravitational force and without heavy machinery, fossil fuels, or engines. This water management innovation represents a promising solution for regions affected by drought, allowing the storage and availability of water during periods of scarcity. The ice-stupas are positioned as a viable alternative to glacier retreat, mimicking their function and contributing to the sustainability of water in Chile.
Go to the siteTo ensure that your proposal has a significant and measurable impact, it is crucial to understand how to quantify water replenishment. Here we offer you detailed guides:
Volumetric accounting
of water benefits, by WRI
LATAM Replenish Toolkit,
by GETF
These documents will help strengthen your application during this call in the following areas:
Do you believe your company, organization, or project can significantly contribute to sustainable water replenishment?
If your project or company has an innovative solution in water replenishment, do not hesitate to submit your proposal and be part of our network of Allies.
Hurry up! Remember, time is of the essence: proposals are evaluated in the order they are received, giving priority attention to the first proposals received
Together, we can make a real and lasting difference!
Application deadlines:
First phase: January 31
Second phase: February 23