Welcome to the third episode of the podcast Women in Water, titled “Water and Diplomacy.” In this inspiring conversation, we explore how women are shaping dialogue, cooperation, and decision-making across shared waters worldwide.
Listen to the third episode on Spotify now!
Our guest, Elizabeth A. Koch (United States), leads the Women in Water Diplomacy Network’s Process Support Team, supporting the Network’s development since its inception. She is also a member of Bridging Waters Advisory.
With over 15 years of experience supporting water diplomacy engagements in conflict-sensitive basins, Elizabeth has worked with ELI, SIWI’s Shared Waters Partnership Programme, the UNESCO Category II International Centre for Water Cooperation, and EcoPeace Middle East. She holds an MA in Government, Diplomacy and Strategy and a BA in International Relations.
She discusses the importance of inclusive leadership, the challenges of negotiating across borders, and the vital role that women play in ensuring that water governance reflects both equity and sustainability. Her perspective highlights how gender balance in decision-making leads to more resilient and lasting transboundary water solutions.
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The episode is hosted by Elia M. Tapia, professor at the Universidad de Sonora in Hermosillo and coordinator of the Women in Water initiative at the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters. Together, they explore how mentorship, education, and institutional support can strengthen women’s participation in international water diplomacy.
Elia’s fields of expertise include Climate Change, Ground Water, Institution and Administrative Systems, Surface Water, and Transboundary Issues. Her regions of specialization encompass the Colorado River Upper and Lower Basins, the Colorado River Delta, and the Arizona–Sonora region.
She is particularly interested in groundwater assessment and management in transboundary settings, employing remote sensing, GIS tools, and stakeholder engagement to develop effective and inclusive strategies. Her greatest goal is to design water resource management studies for the arid lands of northern Sonora and southern Arizona, contributing to sustainable and cooperative water governance across the border.
At its heart, Water and Diplomacy is about connection — between people, ecosystems, and nations — showing that shared waters can also be a bridge for shared futures.
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