Project Background
The Lake Valencia watershed is one of Venezuela's most populated and industrialised areas, yet it is also where some of the country's best farming land is to be found. The watershed crosses both state and municipal boundaries and so is an important example of the need for working in partnership.

The watershed covers only a small percentage (0.35%) of the Venezuelan territory across two states, yet it has 10% of the country's population, 30% of the secondary industrial activity and 70% of the highest grade soils. A large part of the area is protected by the Henri Pittier and San Esteban National Parks, but work is needed both in and outside of the Parks to ensure good resource management.

The high population density and high concentration of industry in the region are the main causes of the environmental problems. The issues that need to be tackled in order to improve water management include the availability and quality of the water for human consumption, the pollution of Lake Valencia and the management of solid waste.

The 'Cuenca 2000' project, followed on from Tierra Viva's previous work around Lake Valencia and proposed to unite the local, regional and central Government with businesses, NGOs, communities, and schools in order to contribute to the sustainable use of water resources in the region.

This project started in February 1999 and ran for 2 years. One of the main factors in its development was Tierra Viva's previous work on environmental education and participatory diagnosis which identified issues related to water as a key concern to local people. The Lake Valencia watershed is one of the few closed watersheds in the world which means that issues of water availability and pollution are particularly important.

Project Activities
The following activities were developed;:

• Training programmes for facilitators (including teachers, local government officials and NGO staff)

• Development of education materials

• Implementation of technical information systems for monitoring.

Tierra Viva had overall responsibility for the project which was delivered through agreements with Living Earth Foundation, DBEnvironnement (a French consultancy firm), the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources, Carabobo state Environment Department, Carabobo state Regional Education Authority, IAMCREDIGUA (Autonomous Municipal Institute for the Conservation of resources and Industrial Development), and Hidrocentro C.A (the water company for the central area of Venezuela).

Find out more about the work of Tierra Viva here

To find out more about Living Earth's work in Venezuela contact Javier Alvarez