Water scarcity continues to challenge communities, ecosystems, and governance structures across the U.S.–Mexico transboundary basins. One of the most significant responses to these challenges has been the development of the drought contingency plan, a framework designed to address water shortages in the Colorado River Basin across its riparian states in the U.S and its corresponding water share with Mexico.
On Thursday, May 7, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM Central Time, the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters will host a Coffee Break titled “The Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan: Binational Implications.” This virtual event will bring together leading experts to discuss the policy, scientific, and cross-border dimensions of the renegotiation of the drought contingency plan and its current conditions.
The Colorado River is one of the most critical water sources in North America, supporting over 40 million people, agricultural production, and ecosystems in both the United States and Mexico. As prolonged drought conditions and climate variability intensify, the drought contingency plan has emerged as a key mechanism for managing water shortages and promoting coordinated action among stakeholders.
The discussion will feature three distinguished speakers with extensive experience in water policy, research, and river management.
Gina Gilson, Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Nevada, Reno, contributes expertise in environmental research and water systems analysis. Her work focuses on understanding how policy frameworks interact with hydrological realities.
Mike Zellner, Chief Executive Officer of the Sonoran Institute, brings a practical perspective on environmental governance and cross-border collaboration. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing sustainability initiatives in the Colorado River Basin.
Jack Schmidt, Director of the Center for Colorado River Studies at Utah State University, is a recognized authority on river science and management. His research has significantly contributed to understanding the long-term dynamics of the Colorado River and the implications of policies such as the drought contingency plan.
The session will be moderated by Rosario Sánchez, Director of the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters, whose leadership has been central to advancing binational dialogue and collaboration on water issues. Her experience in bridging science, policy, and stakeholder engagement will guide this timely conversation.
Together, the panelists will examine how this framework influences water allocation, binational cooperation, and long-term resilience in the basin. Their perspectives will help unpack the complexities of implementing the drought contingency plan in a region where water scarcity is both a scientific and political challenge.
Participants are invited to join this conversation and engage with experts working at the intersection of science, policy, and binational water management.