Knowledge transfer in the water sector: Supporting a research trip within the framework of the Mexican-German Climate Change Alliance

Mexico is one of the world's most vulnerable countries to the effects of climate change and has therefore included adaptation measures in its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Mexico's adaptation measures are divided into three priority areas: social adjustment, ecosystem-based adaptation and adaptation in production sectors and strategic infrastructure. Since most of Mexico's NDC adaptation measures are related to water issues, water is a cross-cutting issue.

Within the framework of the German-Mexican Climate Change Alliance, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is assisting Mexico's Environment Ministry, SEMERNAT, and other federal authorities to implement adaptation measures, reduce emissions, and develop education and research initiatives. GIZ promotes networking, cooperation, and mutual learning between Mexican, German and international actors within a framework of dialogue events, expert workshops and delegation trips.

As part of the Climate Change Alliance, a delegation of 12 representatives from various Mexican ministries visited Germany and the Netherlands. Adaptation to climate change in the water sector was a central theme of this research trip, which adelphi supported. Among other things, adelphi summarised relevant content from the individual visits and meetings, in particular with regard to the challenges of implementing Mexico's NDCs. The contents of the trip were discussed in joint reflection with the delegates. adelphi also prepared, organised and moderated workshops involving delegates and external input providers in collaboration with GIZ. Furthermore, adelphi prepared a final brief, which outlined the key issues affecting the implementation of Mexico's NDCs.