Bolivian H2O Showdown: When Water Sparked a War!

https://www.ihadnoclue.com/article/1059452545923907585

In the early 2000s, Cochabamba, a city in Bolivia, became the focal point of a significant anti-privatization movement known as the Cochabamba Water Wars. Triggered by the Bolivian government's concession to Aguas del Tunari, a consortium led by Bechtel, to manage the city's water supply, the movement was a response to escalating water bills and the company's exclusive rights to all regional water resources. A diverse coalition known as La Coordinadora organized escalating protests, culminating in a citywide strike that resulted in the cancellation of the contract with Aguas del Tunari after four months. The Cochabamba Water Wars highlighted the global debate over water rights, corporate control of natural resources, and the sovereignty of developing nations. The movement also popularized the concept of "water democracy," advocating for communities' direct participation in decisions about their water resources. This principle influenced water management policies worldwide and contributed to the political changes in Bolivia that led to the election of Evo Morales, the country's first indigenous president, in 2005.