In Costa Rica, together with our partners, we organized a meeting with presidential and legislative candidates to sign the National Commitment to Community Water Management, a public agreement that benefits more than 1.7 million people and strengthens the country's water security. In this unprecedented step for environmental democracy, the 2026–2030 candidates signed on December 9 a verifiable commitment recognizing the crucial role of community aqueducts (ASADAS) in protecting water sources and ensuring safe drinking water for rural, indigenous, and coastal communities. 

This achievement was made possible through collaboration with the GUIAS Research Network and Fundación Aliarse, incorporating principles of democratic governance, sustainability, and risk management. Supported by our Impact Opportunity Fund, the event organized by CONAFLU at the University of Costa Rica brought together community leaders, academia, international cooperation, and media, creating a historic dialogue space. 

For over six decades, ASADAS —with around 10,000 volunteer leaders— have guaranteed safe water but face growing challenges such as climate change, watershed degradation, and regulatory gaps. The commitment sets clear guidelines for governance, sustainable financing, source protection, and legal recognition of the community sector.