For decades, the Tijuana River watershed has served as a vital ecological and community resource connecting communities on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. Today, however, the region faces a growing environmental and public health crisis as untreated sewage, industrial pollutants, and contaminated stormwater flow through the watershed and into coastal communities. The impacts are far-reaching. Beach closures, public health concerns, environmental degradation, economic losses, and strained cross-border relationships have affected residents, businesses, and ecosystems throughout the San Diego-Tijuana region. While the challenges are significant, they also underscore the need for innovative solutions, regional cooperation, and sustained binational engagement. Join the San Diego World Affairs Council for a timely discussion exploring one of the most pressing transboundary issues facing our region today. Poisoned Waters: The Tijuana River Crisis and the Future of Cross-Border Cooperation will bring together leaders and experts from both sides of the border to examine the crisis from environmental, public health, community, economic, and binational perspectives. Together, panelists will explore the root causes of the crisis, the impacts on affected communities, current efforts to address the problem, and opportunities for greater collaboration among government agencies, community organizations, researchers, and residents. The conversation will also consider what the future of cross-border cooperation can and should look like as the region works toward long-term solutions. As San Diego and Tijuana continue to grow as an interconnected binational region, the health of the Tijuana River watershed serves as a powerful reminder that many of our greatest challenges—and opportunities—do not stop at the border. San Diego World Affairs Council on Facebook / Instagram
