Virtual water in Mexico [Agua virtual en México]
Por:
Arreguín-Cortés F., López-Pérez M., Marengo-Mogollón H., Tejeda-González C.
Publicada:
1 ene 2007
Resumen:
The main concepts related to virtual water and the water footprint of a country are presented and calculated for Mexico. The results show that in 2006, the country imported 35,255 hm3 of virtual water (4.39 times the normal storage level of Lake Chapala) and exported 5,396 hm3 which means it is a net importer of 29,859 hm3 of Virtual water, with a growing trend since the year 2000. Among other conclusions, it is noted that besides factors such as international treaties, economic and population growth, technological development, agricultural subsidies, international prices of agricultural products and inputs, macroeconomic import and export policies, and the culture of producers and agricultural or industrial production efficiency, the trade of virtual water among nations is a way of making a more efficient use of water worldwide and that, ultimately, the problems of food and basic products supply is more a poverty issue than one of water shortage. It is also noted that, while virtual water is not explicitly used in Mexico as part of the water policies of international trade, it is a tool that should be applied nationwide-especially in the agricultural, animal husbandry and industrial sectors-by means of ongoing government programs and supports, such as forbidding the sowing of alfalfa in the desert or the establishment of water-hungry industries in water-shortage areas.
Filiaciones:
Arreguín-Cortés F.:
Comisiíon Nacional del Agua, Avenida Insurgentes Sur 2416, 040340 México, Mexico
López-Pérez M.:
Comisiíon Nacional del Agua, Avenida Insurgentes Sur 2416, 040340 México, Mexico
Marengo-Mogollón H.:
Comisión Federal de Electricidad, Tecoyotitla 262, Colonia Florida 01030 Mexico D.F., Mexico
Tejeda-González C.:
Comisiíon Nacional del Agua, Avenida Insurgentes Sur 2416, 040340 México, Mexico
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