Transboundary groundwater in the Mexico-Guatemala-Belize border: opportunities for shared management using indirect methods

• DOI: 10.22533/at.ed.5583162330058

• Palavras-chave: Tothian flows; Transboundary groundwater; Water authority

• Keywords: Tothian flows; Transboundary groundwater; Water authority

• Abstract:

  Evidence on groundwater management policy in the Yucatan Peninsula indicates that Mexico, Guatemala, and Belize lack common scientific concepts for studying shared groundwater flows. Consequently, its current international boundary treaties do not integrate a systemic study and protection of transboundary groundwaters. In Europe, UNECE (2000) has established methodological guidelines and guidelines for the management of these shared groundwater courses. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to study the policy implications and environmental challenges under current national and international management policies on shared natural elements. This is an interdisciplinary critical approach to the theoretical conceptualization of the boundaries and social nature of water within Geography. In addition, the methodology of Gravitational Groundwater Flow Systems (hereinafter Flow Systems) is applied to develop a conceptual hydrogeological model that analyzes regional groundwater boundaries, flow conditions and environmental concerns. We conclude that conceptual modeling of groundwater flows can provide a common framework of knowledge on shared natural elements for authorities.