Mesa Multiactor Foundation Launched to Lead Water Management Efforts in Chile’s Salar de Atacama

Mesa Multiactor Foundation Launched to Lead Water Management Efforts in Chile’s Salar de Atacama

(IN BRIEF) As of February 2025, the Multi-Stakeholder Roundtable (Mesa Multiactor) has officially transitioned into an independent foundation, focusing on sustainable water management in Chile’s Salar de Atacama. The initiative, backed by major corporations like BASF, BMW, and Volkswagen, has brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including indigenous communities and industry leaders, to collaborate on improving water resource management in the region. Their work has resulted in significant achievements such as a new water rights cadastre, grey water recycling methods, and improved drinking water access. The foundation will continue to drive efforts in water sustainability, ensuring the long-term impact of these initiatives.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUDWIGSHAFEN, 20-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — As of February 2025, the Multi-Stakeholder Roundtable (Mesa Multiactor) officially transitions into an independent foundation, continuing its vital mission of managing and preserving water resources in Chile’s Salar de Atacama Basin. This new phase of operation comes at a time when water scarcity remains a pressing issue in the region’s fragile ecosystem. The Mesa Multiactor will now be positioned to secure independent funding and extend its work beyond the initial partnership framework.

The creation of the foundation marks a significant milestone in the ongoing project funded by the Responsible Lithium Partnership, which was in operation from April 2021 to February 2025. Supported by major companies such as BASF, BMW Group, Daimler Truck AG (until April 2024), Fairphone, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, and Volkswagen Group, the partnership played a crucial role in establishing the Roundtable and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

For the first time in the Salar de Atacama, the Mesa Multiactor brought together a wide range of stakeholders from various sectors, including indigenous communities, agriculture, tourism, mining, and government authorities. These stakeholders represent a substantial portion of the water usage in the region, working collaboratively to address water management challenges in this unique and sensitive environment.

As part of its collaborative efforts, the Mesa Multiactor developed a Joint Action Plan comprising 30 specific measures to enhance sustainable water management in the Salar. Significant progress has already been made in implementing these initiatives, which have had a lasting impact on the region. One notable achievement is the introduction of a new cadastre that records the water rights of local stakeholders, thereby increasing transparency in water usage. Additionally, the Roundtable has introduced grey water recycling methods, creating alternative water sources for irrigation and addressing the growing need for water conservation. Other activities have included conducting geological and hydrological studies, launching public awareness campaigns on water scarcity, and improving access to drinking water for local communities.

The Mesa Multiactor’s efforts were highlighted at a closing event in Berlin, where the project’s key lessons were shared with representatives from the financing companies, local civil society, the mining sector, public authorities, and diplomatic officials. These insights contributed valuable perspectives on corporate responsibility and the future of sustainable resource management.

Erika Muñoz from the Tourism Cooperation of San Pedro de Atacama reflected on the project’s success, stating, “The participatory approach from the very beginning has enabled the generation of social capital, the identification of solutions, and the creation of a concrete action plan that benefits all involved.”

Benigno Reyes, President of the San Pedro de Atacama River Irrigators and Farmers Association, also shared his view: “This project has connected existing organizations, improved water management practices in agriculture, and equipped stakeholders with better information and knowledge.”

Siegfried Leffler, Head of Operations at GIZ International Services, emphasized the importance of collaboration: “The Roundtable has demonstrated the effectiveness of participatory approaches in tackling environmental challenges. Never before have such diverse parties united to address the critical issue of water scarcity in the region. With the new foundation, the Roundtable commits to future water management efforts, laying the foundation for sustainable and just economic use of natural resources in the Salar de Atacama.”

The establishment of the Mesa Multiactor Foundation is a crucial step toward ensuring the continued success of water resource management in the Salar de Atacama and exemplifies how collaborative efforts can drive lasting change in complex regions.

For more information on the Mesa Multiactor and its initiatives, visit www.mesamultiactor.cl.

The Responsible Lithium Partnership (April 2021-February 2025) has been a project commissioned by BASF, BMW Group, Daimler Truck AG (until April 2024), Fairphone, Mercedes-Benz Group AG, and Volkswagen Group. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH implemented the project in Chile.

About BASF

At BASF, we create chemistry for a sustainable future. We combine economic success with environmental protection and social responsibility. Around 112,000 employees in the BASF Group contribute to the success of our customers in nearly all sectors and almost every country in the world. Our portfolio comprises six segments: Chemicals, Materials, Industrial Solutions, Surface Technologies, Nutrition & Care and Agricultural Solutions. BASF generated sales of €68.9 billion in 2023. BASF shares are traded on the stock exchange in Frankfurt (BAS) and as American Depositary Receipts (BASFY) in the United States. Further information at www.basf.com.

About GIZ

The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federal enterprise with worldwide operations. It supports the German Government in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. It is also engaged in education activities around the globe. GIZ assists people and societies in shaping their future and improving their living conditions.

Media Contact:

Daniela Rechenberger
Corporate Media Relations
Battery Materials, Sustainability
Phone: +49 (0)621-60 41040
E-mail: daniela.rechenberger@basf.com

SOURCE: BASF