Presentation: This talk explores how water has become a commodity despite its profound relationship and importance to all aspects of human life. Oaxaca was built where it is because of the river that once flowed through it bringing water from the northern mountains (Sierra Norte) which remain the city’s principal source of water. I will discuss all the sources of Oaxaca’s water, why the flow has diminished in recent years plunging us into an

ongoing crisis and the movements that have organized to demand equitable access to water for all of Oaxaca’s residents, including the Foro Oaxaqueño de Agua (Oaxaca Water Forum). I end by reminding all urban dwellers that we need to ask is where does our water come from, how much do we use, and where does it go when we are done with it.

Presenter Bio: Mauricio del Villar Zamacona is an industrial engineer who has worked protecting indigenous culture, native seeds and water in

Chihuahua, northern Mexico. Beginning in 2011, he has worked in Oaxaca on the defense of local crops (amaranth and corn), with the Autonomous Communal University of Oaxaca, the Oaxaca campaign against junk food, and as technical director of the Oaxacan Water Forum.maacon