Venezuela is moving to consolidate a national strategy for water recovery and preservation, officials announced Monday, February 9, 2026. The initiative aims to restore natural water sources through reforestation and sustainable watershed management, addressing growing concerns about drought and environmental vulnerability.
Minister for Ecosocialism Alfred Nazareth Ñáñez met with community leaders and environmental groups to discuss successful “Water Seeding” practices already underway across the country. The approach, described as integrating pedagogy, community involvement, cultural understanding, and scientific principles, focuses on restoring water sources through reforestation, soil conservation, and sustainable watershed management.
“This will be the year of Water Seeding to demonstrate to the world what Venezuela is achieving in this area, with experiences that integrate all of human life,” Minister Ñáñez said. He also announced that the Popular University of the Environment ‘Fruto Vivas’ will serve as a training platform for defending nature, soil, and water resources.
Regional Successes Pave the Way
Representatives from various bioregions shared their experiences, detailing over a decade of community work. Maritza Sequera, from the Caribbean region, explained that Water Seeding has been implemented with the participation of schools and teachers in multiple municipalities, establishing a “citizen policy” for water management.
Rosa Barboza, from Yaracuy, highlighted work with “Watershed Schools,” while Mónica Llamozas, of the Andean region of Trujillo, emphasized the organization of the National Meeting of Water Seeders as a space for knowledge exchange.
Nancy Brito, from Sucre state, pointed to the positive impact of these practices: “Water Seeding allows us to recover springs, wells, rivers, and streams that had been affected by deforestation. Without that vegetation cover, the territory becomes vulnerable to droughts and forest fires.” The recovery of these vital resources is crucial for long-term environmental stability.
Towards a National Ecosocialist Policy
Input gathered during the meeting will inform actions surrounding the celebration of World Water Day on March 22, when the Venezuelan government will reaffirm its commitment to participatory and sustainable environmental management. The initiative underscores the country’s focus on environmental stewardship.
The “Sow Water” initiative is envisioned as a central component of the country’s ecosocialist policy, combining ancestral and community knowledge with institutional support to address climate challenges and ensure the right to water for future generations.
