Connecting knowledge and action: recommendations to leverage Guatemala's scientific diaspora to address water management challenges

Guatemala possesses substantial freshwater availability compared to many Latin American countries, yet it faces a profound water crisis marked by unequal access, widespread pollution, and weak governance. A large segment of the population—particularly rural indigenous communities—still lacks safely managed water and sanitation. This paradox stems from a lack of an overarching water law, resulting in decades of chronic under-investment in water infrastructure and institutional fragmentation. Water quality is further compromised by unregulated land-use change, agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, inadequate solid waste management, and untreated wastewater, all of which pose significant risks to human wellbeing, freshwater biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. These interconnected challenges are exacerbated by a significant gap between scientific knowledge and policymaking, which has hindered effective, evidence-based solutions. In this context, the Guatemalan scientific community, including its global diaspora, represents an untapped resource to bridge these gaps. Through structured integration and collaboration, diaspora scientists can collectively contribute their expertise and analytical tools to complement and strengthen national water management capacities. Therefore, drawing from the scientific diaspora's interdisciplinary experience across water resources, agriculture, environmental sciences, and public health, this perspective outlines opportunities and recommendations to connect diaspora scientists with local scientists and practitioners, civil communities, government institutions and policymakers, and the industrial sector. By fostering inclusive, science-policy interfaces to co-develop locally grounded solutions and platforms for capacity building aligned with sustainable development goals, Guatemala can move toward more equitable, sustainable, and evidence-driven water management.