Persistent water shortages in Mexico City have been exacerbated by a combination of more frequent extreme weather events, rapid population growth, and swift expansion of urban areas, according to Mexican experts.
Water scarcity has been a longstanding urban challenge in the Mexican capital for decades, stemming from natural factors such as droughts and human-induced issues like significant underinvestment in the local water supply infrastructure.
"In recent decades, more and more people demand water. And they don't have access to it, so it's almost the same amount of water that has to be distributed among many more people. That is probably the main reason. The second reason is that in previous decades there was not enough investment in the infrastructure. After we use water, we just simply get rid of it. And what we don't do is to re-clean or clean again the water to distribute among people," said Victor Orlando Magana, a researcher at the Institute of Geography under the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
According to municipal data, over 12,000 kilometers of water supply pipelines are long overdue for maintenance, resulting in severe leakage issues in the city.
Additionally, groundwater faces problems such as overexploitation and significant pollution. Unequal distribution of water resources among different districts in the city is also a pressing concern.
"The exploitation rate of groundwater in Mexico City is 2.15 times faster than its natural recharge rate. If this exploitation rate continues without intervention, groundwater resources could be depleted within the next four to five decades," said Jorge Alberto Arriaga, coordinator of the Water Network Project at the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Water shortages worsen in Mexico City as extreme weather and urban growth collide
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
