Humans of Partners for Water: meet Mónica Parra

In the Humans of Partners for Water series, we showcase the people who are involved in and benefit from our projects. The Humans series sheds light on the stories of the people who work with and for Partners for Water, focusing on how water affects their lives. Discover how Mónica Parra’s deep sense of social responsibility drives her work on water and climate change in Colombia.

Meet Mónica Parra

In this Humans of Partners for Water series, we introduce Mónica Parra, who works on Water and Climate Change at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Colombia. As a Colombian, she has grown up in one of the world’s most water-rich countries and has made it her life mission to ensure that this abundance is managed wisely and equitably.

Water as a social responsibility

For Mónica, water has never been just a technical concept. Growing up in Colombia she has always been aware of how deeply rivers and coastlines affect people’s lives and identities.

But abundance does not mean water security. Seeing communities struggle with flooding, water contamination and poor water management has given her work a profound sense of purpose.

“Colombia is one of the countries with the greatest water wealth in the world. There is always a river or a coastline that shapes people’s lives. A flood, or living in front of contaminated water, can radically change a community’s circumstances. Seeing people struggle with these problems and knowing that through my work I can help and collaborate, moves me deeply.”

Dutch-Colombian water cooperation

Colombia is one of seven delta countries in the Partners for Water programme 2022–2027. The Embassy of the Netherlands in Colombia plays an important role in strengthening the bilateral water partnership, connecting Dutch expertise with Colombian water challenges across the country’s delta cities and agricultural regions.