Working paper: Learning from eight water funds in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru Water is the foundation of human well-being, sustaining all aspects of life. However, in Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, current water governance faces challenges such as sectoral silos, unsustainable development, insufficient regulation, and limited resources, all of which are intensified by climate change. To address these issues, water funds have emerged as a promising mechanism to protect water sources, improve access, and ensure sustainable water management for communities and ecosystems.