Sasha Minjarez, Civil Engineering Department | September 16, 2024

Bridging Waters and Nations: Studying Hydro-diplomacy Abroad

The Department of Civil Engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), and the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua (UACH), joined forces to inaugurate a bold Faculty-Led Study Abroad Program on Hydro-diplomacy. Guided by the vision of Professors of Civil Engineering Alex Mayer, Ph.D., and Professor of Border Trade Issues Josiah Heyman, Ph.D., from UTEP, and Mario Alberto Madrid Pérez, Ph.D., from UACH, along with distinguished colleages from UACH Department of Engineering Professors Miguel Ángel Méndez Alvarado, Ph.D., David Humberto Sánchez Navarro, Ph.D., and Carmen Julia Navarro Gómez, Ph.D., the program embarked on a journey that transcended borders and fostered deep-rooted collaboration.

UTEP study abroad students found themselves immersed in and enriching week-long academic and cultural exchange at UACH, while UACH students reciprocated the experience by delving into UTEP’s vibrant campus and the eclectic tapestry of El Paso.

Professor Mayer expressed: "We're excited to have our students and faculty from the Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua join us in the inaugural UTEP-UACH Hydro-diplomacy course. Having the UACH faculty and students participate and mix in the course with our UTEP students and faculty is ‘hydro-diplomacy’ at its best."

Throughout the duration of this three-credit course, students navigated the intricate realm of water governance and diplomacy within the dynamic landscape of US-Mexico Borderlands. Beyond academic pursuits, the students engaged in a multifaceted cultural exchange that bridged disciplinary boundaries and nurtured mutual understanding.

“This study abroad program in Hydro-diplomacy is not just about water—it's about forging bridges between nations and engineering sustainable futures. At UTEP's Department of Civil Engineering, it means equipping our students to navigate global water challenges with the engineering knowledge, innovative thinking, and negotiation skills that will allow them to build resilience across borders,” Department of Civil Engineering Chair Carlos Ferregut, Ph.D., said. “Through this program, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between water resources, political dynamics, and environmental sustainability.”

Exploring hydro-diplomacy abroad underscored the interconnectedness of water security and international relations. UTEP's Civil Engineering Department stood as a beacon of this synergy, empowering students to envison a world where water acts as a unifyinf force rather than a divisive factor. This program set the stage for a future where water serves as a catalyst for global cooperation and sustainable development.