In August 2025, the National Water Congress of Argentina (CONAGUA) took place in Mar del Plata. Blue Deal Argentina was an active participant in this large event.
Moreover, the currently ongoing partnership (2023 – 2030) was formalised in a framework cooperation agreement signed by Damián Costamagna, President of the Buenos Aires Water Authority (ADA), and Gabriel Katopodis, Minister of Infrastructure, on behalf of the province of Buenos Aires. Representing the Dutch Water Authorities, Simon Hofstra (partnership manager Blue Deal Argentina) and Nadji Bilik (head of economic affairs and deputy ambassador at the Dutch embassy) signed the agreement. A similar previous agreement dated from 2019 and needed update for the ongoing second phase of the Blue Deal (2023 – 2030).
Pictured: Simon Hofstra presents at the National Water Congress of Argentina (CONAGUA)
The signing ceremony was preceded by presentations from Damián Costamagna, who spoke about water management in Buenos Aires province, and Simon Hofstra, who highlighted the achievements of the Blue Deal Argentina partnership and outlined the goals for 2026-2030. The Blue Deal presentation also covered coastal erosion, an issue which is faced by both Argentina (including the town of Mar del Plata) and by the Dutch Water Authorities.
Pictured: Nadji Bilik, head of economic affairs (and deputy ambassador) of the Dutch Embassy, spoke at the congress
CONAGUA is a biennial event that brings together over 1,000 water professionals from across Argentina. ADA staff contributed actively, delivering three presentations and showcasing six posters on the results of the Blue Deal project. Other key speakers included the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in Geneva. The atmosphere was very positive, with high expectations for significant progress in water governance in the Rio Salado region in the years ahead.