David Loaiza and Daniela Hernandez
Asocaña, Calle 58N No. 3N 15, Cali – Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Conservation and restoration of watersheds are critical to ensuring water security in regions where aquatic ecosystems are vital for water supply and human activities. This becomes even more significant in the sugarcane-producing areas. This agroindustry requires establishing integrated water resource management strategies to improve water use efficiency for cultivation and actions to conserve strategic ecosystems, such as watersheds. In this context, the Water for Life and Sustainability Fund (FAVS), created in 2009 by the Colombian sugar mills, stands as a management and strategic model for water conservation in the Cauca valley through ecological restoration projects based on natural solutions, as a mechanism for private contributing to the region’s water supply. This paper outlines the FAVS’s objectives, strategies, and achievements in its mission to restore key ecosystems, improve water quality, promote sustainability in the territory, and improve the reputation of the sugarcane agroindustry.