Monthly Report

Global Water Partnership

October 2011

Table of contents

NewsFlow ............................................................................................................................................................... 2 CARIBBEAN ........................................................................................................................................................... 13 CENTRAL AMERICA ............................................................................................................................................. 21 CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE ........................................................................................................................ 23 CENTRAL ASIA AND CAUCASUS .......................................................................................................................... 26 CHINA .................................................................................................................................................................. 26 EASTERN AFRICA ................................................................................................................................................. 27 SOUTH ASIA ......................................................................................................................................................... 29 SOUTHEAST ASIA ................................................................................................................................................. 50 WEST AFRICA ....................................................................................................................................................... 55

2

GWP Contributes to Bonn 2011 The questions presented by the Bonn 2011 Nexus conference organizers were discussed by several GWP Regions. GWP communicated its feedback in an address by the GWP Chair to the conference on 15 November 2011. Read more. http://www.gwp.org/gwp-in-action/News-and-Activities/Regional-Perspectives-in-the-Bonn2011-Nexus-Conference/ GWP Executive Secretary blog about the conference: Integration, Policy Coherence, Implementation

NewsFlow

Georgia to Conduct Dialogues on IWRM GWP Georgia organized a meeting where the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) agreed to carry out a National Policy Dialogue on Integrated Water Resources Management whose main objective is to facilitate achievement of the Millennium Development Goals on water-related issues.

The agreement was signed as a Memorandum of Understanding in Tbilisi on 19 October 2011 with representatives from the States that are party to the Protocol on Water and Health, as well as private sector actors and representatives of international organizations. GWP Georgia will be involved in the implementation of the National Policy Dialogue.

Read more.

http://www.unece.org/index.php?id=25575 http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/oes/MOU/2011_MoU_MOE_Georgia_NPD_UNECE_01.pdf

Capacity Building of Women in India

GWP India partner Jheel Sanrakshan Samiti (JSS), together with GWP India, convened Women Self Help Groups from 21 communities on 10

October 2011 to address the role of women in the management of water.

The marginalized role of women is related to social, educational and cultural traditions, the participants concluded, noting that the State Water Policy stresses the importance of the participation and involvement of women in water management.

Read more.

Udaipur Times http://www.udaipurtimes.com/rural-women-attended-workshop-on-water-management/

Mr Anil Mehta, Secretary of JSS, said that the burden of water collection falls on women and girls and therefore it is urgent to give attention to strategies to empower them so as to play an effective, sustained and dynamic role at all levels of water resources management.

The participants noted that:

The women present should increase their role and participation in the implementation of the State Water Policy and on-going projects in their area, underlining that one of the major causes of low interest is lack of education and awareness.

Women’s convenience, in terms of time and distance, should be the first criterion when deciding the time and place for Water Users Association (WUA) meetings.

The WUAs distribution of irrigation water functions arbitrarily and there is no voice of women in that meeting.

Water supply schemes are usually placed near influential persons, forcing women to bring water on their heads from two to three kilometer distances.

Women members are the most susceptible to water borne diseases due to their role in water collection, washing and other domestic activities.

Women have to travel long distances to fetch water and carry it on their heads, which lead to diseases related to spine, neck, shoulders, etc.

3

If any member of the family suffers from any water borne disease, then the responsibility to take care of the sick member falls on women.

Women and girls feel unsafe when they have to go far from their houses to use a toilet. Women and girls suffer from problems like malnutrition, illiteracy and anemia.

Road Map for Eastern Africa on Water and Climate

GWP Country Water Partnerships met November 6 to start work on a road map for an initiative between the GWP Water, Climate and Development Programme for Africa (WACDEP), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Nile Basin Initiative. Participants agreed that WACDEP will be implemented as a joint programme with the UNEP climate change adaptation project on the Nile Basin. GWP Eastern Africa is supporting UNEP to build stakeholder capacities.

Read more.

GWP Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya and Uganda were present to discuss how the joint programme can enhance climate resilience in Eastern Africa.

The WACDEP programme for Eastern Africa will support Burundi and Rwanda in developing a ‘No regrets’ Investment strategy for enhancing climate change resilience through improving water security. The initiative will be implemented in support of the priorities defined in both countries’ National Adaptation programmes (NAPAS), Rwanda’s low carbon development strategy and the IWRM plans for Burundi.

WACDEP will include support to processes for mainstreaming Climate change in the Kagera Basin and implementation on the ground of a demonstration project in the Bugesera sub-national transboundary involving both Rwanda and Burundi at local level.

A demonstration site has been selected in the Bugesera tranboundary region of Burundi and Rwanda. The demonstration project in the Bugesera will aim to enhance the resilience of the communities’ especially vulnerable groups such as women, children and youth. Stakeholders in the Bugersa suffered massive displacements due to the civil wars, leading to forest degradation, poor watershed management and weak institutional capacity for withstanding climate change impacts.

Stakeholders agreed on the following actions for follow up:

Holding a WACDEP inception workshop for Rwanda and Burundi in the Bugesera transboundary sub-basin. The workshop will involve communities from both Burundi and Rwanda and will agree on a joint management unit for the pilot demonstration project.

Consultations with central government stakeholders and key government agencies in Rwanda and Burundi.

Consultations with Regional Stakeholders from NELSAP, Kagera Basin and more.

Identification of priority activities for implementation and developing an implementation plan for WACDEP in Rwanda and Burundi.

Develop country proposals in collaboration with UNEP and GWP Eastern Africa for submission to the UNFCCC Adaptation Fund. The proposal will be submitted as a Regional Programme on the Nile Basin and will complement the WACDEP and current UNEP project on the Nile Basin.

Urban Flood Framework for Dhaka

The Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS), supported by GWP Bangladesh, has conducted a study on managing flood risks for Dhaka in the face of climate change. The study resulted in a concept note on Climate Resilient Urban Flood Risk Management Framework for Dhaka.

4

Dhaka experiences about 2,000 mm of rainfall annually, of which almost 80% falls during the monsoon. The main natural hazards affecting Dhaka include floods, which are associated with river water overflow and rain water stagnation.

Read more.

Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh with a population of around 20 million. The city is surrounded by a network of rivers: the Buriganga on the south-west, the Turag on the north-west and the Balu on the north-east and the Shitalakhya on the south. The city is more vulnerable to flooding due to heavy and unpredictable rainfall but also because its drainage capacity is decreasing due to unauthorized settlements and illegal occupation of wetlands by land grabbers.

The problems, consequences and cause effects relations are given in the matrix below:

Problems in the Dhaka drainage system

Causes of Urban Flooding Effects of Urban flooding

unplanned urbanization and expansion of the urban areas within the urban fringe,

increase of in built-up areas and metal roads and accelerate land run-off,

filling up of low-lying areas of surrounding the Dhaka city to construct buildings, with no or little provision of drainage,

the main drainage systems of the urban area (khals) are blocked by unauthorized constructions,

insufficient capacity of storm sewers constructed in the extensions of the urban area and lack of maintenance of the storm drainage system,

lack of co-ordination among different organisations engaged in development and management of Dhaka,

solid waste and poly bags disposal in the storm sewer.

Excessive Rainfall due to climate change

Population growth and unplanned development

Lack of Waste management system

Encroachment of surrounding wetlands by different developers for new residential area.

The average elevation of the ground levelof Dhaka city is 0.5-12 meter with 70% of the total area within 0.5 to 5m. Due to this low topography, a large portion of concerned area is inundated during monsoon.

Capacity and gradient of existing natural drainage systems have been reduced due to siltation.

Unplanned rehabilitation and maintenance of development works during rainy season.

Lack of public awareness

Poor application and practices of existing policy and regulations.

Trouble in traffic movement

Disruption of normal life

Damage of roads

Damage of katcha houses in the low lying areas and substructure of the pucca houses

Damage of household goods

Damage of underground service lines

Water pollution

Water borne diseases

Increase of mosquito

Damage of trees and vegetation

Increase of construction and maintenance cost

Disruption of societal facilities such as reduction in attendance of students in primary level.

In the study a flood risk management framework has been developed which include pre-flood prevention, risk mitigation and flood preparedness. Adaptations to climate change and to economic development are

5

important drivers in designing flood management schemes. Flood risk management is strongly related to spatial planning: the location of new developments, flood proof structures and space for rivers. Risk communication is considered as a valuable way to promote flood awareness and to improve flood preparedness of the citizens.

The study synthesized the relevant information from different available plans, programs, reports and scientific literature. To explore the existing situation of flood protection and storm water drainage management system, a field survey was conducted by a team consisting of multidisciplinary professionals.

Linking Climate Information Providers with Users

Further steps towards implementing a Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) were taken on 26-28 September 2011 in Rome at a meeting co-organised by FAO and WMO. The aim of the meeting was to develop a strategy for the agriculture and food security and water sectors of the User Interface Platform which is intended to link climate service providers and users with a view to “building the capacity of users to make better use of climate services, collecting users’ requirements, assisting in the monitoring and evaluation of the Framework and promoting a global understanding of the Framework”.

GWP Executive Secretary Dr Ania Grobicki chaired the water break-out group in which it was agreed that while water supply is a sector, water is a broader, cross-cutting issue. “It was important for GWP to participate in the meeting as the overall goal of linking climate information with users at regional, national and local levels is central to GWP’s operational strategy on climate change and a key area to be addressed in the capacity building component of the GWP-AMCOW Water, Climate and Development programme,” said Grobicki.

Read more.

“GWP is also in a good position to facilitate the development of working relationships between AMCOW and AMCOMET (the African Ministers Council on Meteorology), and making this link would be an important contribution to the GFCS/UIP in Africa,” Grobicki added.

The 3rd

World Climate Conference in September 2009 decided to establish a Global Framework for Climate Services, as an international framework to guide the development of climate services. The GFCS is envisaged as a “set of international arrangements that will coordinate global activities and build on existing efforts in order to provide climate services that are truly focused on meeting users’ needs, are available to those who need them and provide the greatest benefits possible from knowledge about the climate”.

The High Level Taskforce (HLT) in its report on the implementation of the GFCS urged that efforts must be made to develop dialogues between providers and users of climate information and to focus on developing and implementing measures of the Framework’s success in meeting needs, and using these monitoring results to continuously evaluate and improve the overall performance of the Framework. The HLT has recommended that by the of end 2017 access to improved climate services should be facilitated globally in four priority sectors (agriculture, disaster risk reduction, health and water) and that active technical committees be established for each component as well as an active communications programme.

“The GWP network, through its Regional and Country Water Partnerships and extensive network of Partner organisations, are well placed to be one element of the UIP, bringing different sectors and different stakeholders together and facilitating dialogues and knowledge and information sharing,” said Grobicki.

“This idea was very well received by the meeting,” Grobicki continued, “who recognised that GWP is ‘an excellent partnership model to learn from’.” In-depth discussions were possible during the group session, where it was recommended to “consider using the Water, Climate and Development Programme for Africa [WACDEP] as a component and a model for further development of a UIP for Africa”. As the WACDEP is most

6

advanced in Africa, this is where initial efforts should focus through, as a first step, linking the Regional Water Partnerships with the Regional Climate Centres.

Summary of key points from the discussions:

The UIP is expected to provide feedback channels and to help develop a strategy to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the GFCS

The HLT recommended the development of Regional Climate Centres (RCCs) as a primary goal to assist developing countries while the longer term capacity is developed at national scales

Services must be designed in consultation with users; interface should also happen at local level

The GFCS and UIP must be built on existing mechanisms and tune to the emerging needs

Stakeholder mapping would be a good way to identify certain core categories of users, each with different needs

The information, products and messages provided by the GFCS should be useful from the end-users perspectives: if users need something that is not possible yet, the GFCS needs to work towards the research necessary to develop the required skills and tools, while communicating more effectively on how to use what is available for better outcomes

National frameworks and collaboration across the various players will be needed (governments, climate users such as farmers, NGOs, academia, etc.)

Caribbean Ministers Endorse Innovative Ways of Managing Water

Caribbean Ministers with responsibility for water, along with regional water managers and other experts, met to discuss “Water Management Financing in the Caribbean” at the GWP Caribbean and the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association’s (CWWA) 7

th Annual High Level Session (HLS) on October 6-7, 2011, in

Guadeloupe. One of the major issues at the Ministerial Forum was the need for regional governments to decide whether water utilities are to be run as a social service or a business.

Read more.

The meeting sought to not only discuss key issues in water management financing, but to identify potential policies for pricing, efficiency, equity and sustainability in the water sector. The Ministers signed a Decision Paper endorsing:

A regional regulatory framework for setting appropriate water rates and tariffs be established;

Dialogues on water financing opportunities should be widened to include Ministers with responsibilities for Finance, Energy, Environment, Health, Agriculture and Tourism;

Sustainable cost recovery measures for water utilities should be introduced;

Regional committees should be set-up for follow-up and compliance with HLS Decisions;

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) should be used as the tool for effective water management;

An enabling policy environment should be created to mobilise multilateral, regional and bilateral resources for the implementation of IWRM plans in the region.

Discussions, experiences and national perspectives presented by various regional water utility managers on water financing in the Caribbean, highlighted the dire need for innovative ways of managing and financing the water sector in the Caribbean. Participants gave suggestions on resourceful ways of managing water such as the use of small community-based water supply systems; rainwater harvesting cross-subsidies that are targeted, well defined, transparent, reliable, practical; and sustainable water augmentation techniques.

7

It was felt that if there isn’t a sufficient charge attached to water, the service would deteriorate in the long-term. Additionally, participants expressed that if water is not taken seriously as a business, water utilities would have the enduring problem of looking for funding instead of funds from their own profits.

A commercial business approach of the utilities was seen as a means of helping utilities focus on efficiency and collection of revenues as full cost recovery was cited as an imperative goal that should be adopted by all water utilities. Mr. Glenn Khan, Deputy Executive Director of the Regulated Industries Commission (RIC) who led discussions on good practices in water financing and water pricing said “Full cost recovery should be the goal of every utility.”

The Honourable Guy Joseph, Minister of Communications, Works, Transport and Public Utilities of St. Lucia, raised the issue of the massive loans held by water utilities. He said these loans have hindered the utilities from meeting the needs of the customers they serve.

The question of how well water has been marketed in the region was also raised when compared to electricity and telecommunication services. Water is more important to families than many of these other services but it is often not given a high priority on their list of monthly expenses. This highlighted a serious need for greater water education at all levels.

Consultation on Groundwater in West Africa

West Africa has ten aquifers and some countries have no other alternative water resources than groundwater. GWP West Africa held a consultation on the “joint management of groundwaters in West Africa” on 26-27 October 2011 in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, to start a regional dialogue. Groundwater is important for West Africa, and notably for the Sahel countries, because of insufficient knowledge of their quantity and quality. A regional dialogue can contribute to better management of the resource. Read more. For two years GWP West Africa has engaged in a process that has led some of its partners, such as UNESCO, to convene meetings with, among others, GEF, OSS, and AfDB, to reach a consensus on the process towards a regional dialogue. At the Ouagadougou meeting, the representative of the Minister of Agriculture and Hydraulics of Burkina, expressed at the opening ceremony his pleasure to see people gathered “to look for necessary synergies to initiate a regional dialogue on the joint management of groundwater in West Africa”. He added that “such a dialogue, if launched, should induce effective uptake of groundwater in national and regional water management policies (at the level of state, regional integration organizations, Basin Organizations), paying particular attention to transboundary aquifers. This great initiative of Global Water Partnership and its partners is to be welcomed and encouraged”. A lot of presentations were made with experience sharing from other regions, including India, and fruitful debates followed. Three working groups came up with guidelines which will be incorporated as recommendations, and a roadmap for the regional dialogue. ECOWAS’s Water Resources Coordination Center is supporting the process including the Interstate Committee to fight drought in the Sahel (CILSS) and the West Africa Monetary and Economic Union (UEMOA). Financial support of the regional workshop came from the UN Economic Commission for Africa’s Climate Policy Center (ACPC), FAO, UEMOA and GWP West Africa.

GWP Zeros in on Gender As part of its continuing implementation of the 2009-2013 Strategy, GWP is developing strategies on gender and youth. The strategies will be elaborated in a participatory way, involving GWP regions and Partner organizations. Read more.

8

Gender equity and women’s empowerment in water resources management is one of the cornerstones of the Dublin-Rio principles upon which the GWP network is founded, and is accepted as one of the essential pillars to poverty eradication and sustainable development. The World Bank views gender equality as smart economics, in that failure to empower half the world’s population leads to lower productivity, lower economic growth, and weaker development outcomes. The new focus on gender aims to facilitate gender responsive policies and programmes as well as equal gender participation in GWP structures. To support the GWP Gender Strategy elaboration, GWP has set up an international Reference Group as a consultative forum for electronic discussions, writing and reviewing text during the production of the GWP Gender Strategy. The GWP Gender Reference Group comprises women and men who serve on a voluntary basis. Before the end of 2011, GWP Partners can expect to receive for comment a Plan of Work/Gender Roadmap. The road map will be reviewed from time to time and used to mark the progress of the Gender Strategy.

9

------------------------------------------------

Meet Our Partners

GWP is a network of more than 2,500 institutional partners. Here is an interview with Ms Kusum Athukorala, Chairperson, Network of Women Water Professionals (NetWwater).

http://www.gwp.org/en/About-GWP/Partners/meet-our-partners/Network-of-Women-Water-Professionals/

Read more about benefits of being a GWP Partner.

Get involved. Join our network!

Follow GWP and Join Us

To hear about new publications and other news before it is published in NewsFlow, join us on Facebook, Twitter, and subscribe to our blog.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

GWP in the news

Guyana's coastal population faces threat of sea level rise (Reuters AlertNet)

El Salvador: Water Bill Stagnates in Congress (IPS)

Water Bill Stagnates in Congress Inter Press Service

Ghana: Let's Have Commercial Toilets At All Fuel Stations to Curb ... AllAfrica.com

High-tech solutions for the global water crisis NEXT

Dialogue to begin on West Africa groundwater resources Ghana Business News

Rural Women attended workshop on Water Management

http://www.udaipurtimes.com/rural-women-attended-workshop-on-water-management/ (Udaipur Times)

More news in our Press Room.

GWP IWRM ToolBox

10

Yangtze River Basin

Recently uploaded two case studies (No. 403 and No. 406) discuss ecosystem approaches in upper Yangtze River Basin.

No. 407 from India highlights links between IWRM approach and the Green economy. The study was adapted from a collection of case studies of the UN-Water conference in Zaragoza on October 3, 2011 http://www.gwptoolbox.org/index.php?option=com_case&id=295&Itemid=45)

Coming events

14-17 November 2011 3rd

International Forum on Water and Food, Tshwane, South Africa, follow it online http://waterandfood.org/ifwf3/?q=content/our-social-media-team-rocking

16-18 November 2011, Bonn 2011 Nexus Conference - Initiating integrated solutions for the Green Economy, Bonn, Germany

20-23 November 2011, 2nd Arab Water Forum, Cairo, Egypt

21-24 November 2011, HELP International Symposium, Panama, Republic of Panama

30 Nov - 3 Dec 2011, “Groundwater Resources Management: Adaptation Measures to Water Scarcity” Science and Policy Responses, Irvine, California, USA, www.groundwater-conference.uci.edu

11-13 Dec 2011, Young Water Professionals Conference, Entebbe, Uganda, http://www.gwp.org/en/gwp-in-action/Events/Young-Water-Professionals-Conference/

15-16 December 2011, International Roundtable on Protection and Sustainable Use of Transboundary Waters in Southeastern Europe, Zagreb, Croatia, http://www.emwis.net/thematicdirs/events/2011/12/international-roundtable-protection-and-sustainable-use-transboundary-waters

21-24 November 2011, HELP International Symposium, Panama, Republic of Panama 30 Nov - 3 Dec 2011, “Groundwater Resources Management: Adaptation Measures to Water Scarcity” Science and Policy Responses, Irvine, California, USA, 11-13 Dec 2011, Young Water Professionals Conference, Entebbe, Uganda

13-18 April, 2011 Water Security, Risk and Society, St Hugh’s College, University of Oxford, UK

http://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/watersecurity/

New Resources

Report on IWRM in Transboundary Basins (UNEP-DHI, 2011)

This report (1.63 MB) examines implementation of IWRM in transboundary basins. It establishes the

status of the implementation of IWRM in transboundary water bodies and highlights the

achievements, gaps and challenges in transboundary water resources management. The report ends

by putting forward recommendations on increasing transboundary IWRM effectiveness by a way of

strengthening the role of national commitment and the role of stakeholder involvement.

11

http://www.unepdhi.org/~/media/3CD8AAFFCBD34F28A7FADFC58819B950.ashx

Deep words, shallow words: An initial analysis of water discourse in 40 years http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-10/unu-dws103111.php (EurekAlert (press release)

IWRM as a tool for adaption to Climate Change (UNESCO course)

“Understanding the Nexus”, the Background paper for the International Conference “The Water, Energy and Food Security Nexus – Solutions for the Green Economy” from 16 to 18 November 2011 in Bonn, Germany: www.water-energy-food.org/understanding_the_nexus

Report on IWRM in Transboundary Basins (UNEP and DHI)

Water Supply Well Guidelines for Use in Developing Countries http://bit.ly/t0niUl

Principles and Guidelines on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and Reporting Guidelines on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

http://www.waterlex.org/waterlex/docs/PRESS%20RELEASE%20ESCR%20Guidelines%20FINAL.pdf

2011 Human Development Report (UNDP)

The Energy, Water, and Food Nexus: Towards an Integrated Modelling Approach

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301421511007282

The World Resources Report: World Resources 2010-2011: Decision Making in a Changing Climate.

UN Human Rights Council adopted without a vote a resolution on the rights to water and sanitation. The unedited version of the resolution that was adopted is attached and available here: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/18session/resolutions.htm

Water in the News

Put all Thailand flooding articles under one heading

New highways, towns planned to combat floods (Bangkok Post)

Food, water, energy: Can there be one solution for all? (First Post)

Water disasters in the region: A clarion call for action (The Nation)

Extraordinary times require exceptional people (Bangkok Post)

King's aide says city needs more channels (Bangkok Post)

Saving grace or saving face? (Bangkok Post)

12

'Bangkok Ignored Warnings' (Inter Press Service)

Water security is now a priority for global firms (The Hindu)

http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/article2592037.ece

Proper planning needed to tackle climate change problems: minister Water World

Clean water security key to Jakarta's future

(The Jakarta Post)

Water resources management in Bangladesh (News Today)

Software Helps Guide Water Utility Decision Making Water World

Thailand Cites Progress in Draining Floodwaters Wall Street Journal

Climate Change and its implications for Sustainable Development and ... Sudan Tribune

EU Water Initiative National Policy Dialogue Steering Committee ... Trend News Agency

Water sector constrained by lack of local government capacity Creamer Media's Engineering News

What are the latest advances in water treatment and management? The Guardian (blog)

13

GWP Regions

CARIBBEAN

Activities

Caribbean Ministers Endorse Innovative Ways of Managing Water

Caribbean Ministers with responsibility for water resources management, along with regional water

managers and other experts were brought together to discuss “Water Management Financing in the

Caribbean” at Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) and the Caribbean Water and

Wastewater Association’s (CWWA) 7th Annual High Level Session (HLS) on October 6th and 7th, 2011

in Guadeloupe.

The 7th Ministerial Forum sought to not only discuss key issues in water management financing in the

region but to identify potential policy and other approaches for pricing, efficiency, equity and

sustainability in the water sector.

The Caribbean Ministers present at this year’s Forum, the Honourable Carlisle Powell, Minister of

Communications and Works of Nevis; Honourable Dr. Earl Martin, Minister of Housing, Public

Utilities, Public Works and Energy of St. Kitts; Honourable Reginald Austrie, Minister of Lands,

Housing, Settlements and Water Resource Management of Dominica; and Honourable Guy Joseph,

Minister of Communications, Works, Transport and Public Utilities of St. Lucia have all given support

to key recommendations coming out of the 7th HLS for better water management.

The Ministers signed a Decision Paper endorsing:

A regional regulatory framework for setting appropriate water rates and tariffs be

established;

Dialogues on water financing opportunities should be widened to include Ministers with

responsibilities for Finance, Energy, Environment, Health, Agriculture and Tourism;

Sustainable cost recovery measures for water utilities should be introduced;

Participants at the 7th Meeting of Caribbean Ministers

of Water, held in Guadeloupe on October 6th - 7th,

2011.

Front Row (Left - Right): Honourable Dr. Earl

Martin, Minister of Housing, Public Utilities, Public

Works and Energy of St. Kitts; Honourable Reginald

Austrie, Minister of Lands, Housing, Settlements and

Water Resource Management of Dominica; Ms. Avril

Alexander, Regional Coordinator of GWP-C; Mr.

Trevor Thompson, Chair of GWP-C; Mr. Wayne

Williams, President of the Caribbean Water and

Wastewater Association (CWWA); Honourable

Joseph Gilbert, Minister of Environment, Foreign

Trade and Export Development of Grenada; Mr.

Lewis Lakeman, Assistant Vice President of Strategic

Planning, National Water Commission (Jamaica); and

Mr. Victor Poyotte, Executive Director of the

Caribbean Water and Sewerage Association

(CAWASA). Missing from this photo is the

Honourable Guy Joseph, Minister of

Communications, Works, Transport and Public

Utilities of St. Lucia.

14

Regional committees should be set-up for follow-up and compliance with HLS Decisions;

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) should be used as the tool for effective

water management;

An enabling policy environment should be created to mobilise multilateral, regional and

bilateral resources for the implementation of IWRM plans in the region.

Discussions, experiences and national perspectives presented by various regional water utility

managers on water financing in the Caribbean, significantly highlighted the dire need for innovative

ways of managing and financing the water sector in the Caribbean.

One of the major issues brought to the fore at the Ministerial Forum was the need for regional

governments to decide whether water utilities are to be run as a social service or a business. It was felt

that if there isn’t a sufficient charge attached to water, the service would deteriorate in the long-term.

Additionally, participants expressed that if water is not taken seriously as a business, water utilities

would have the enduring problem of looking for funding instead of funds from their own profits.

A commercial business approach of the utilities was seen as a means of helping utilities focus on

efficiency and collection of revenues as full cost recovery was cited as an imperative goal that should

be adopted by all water utilities. Mr. Glenn Khan, Deputy Executive Director of the Regulated

Industries Commission (RIC) who led discussions on good practices in water financing and water

pricing said “Full cost recovery should be the goal of every utility.”

The Honourable Guy Joseph, Minister of Communications, Works, Transport and Public Utilities of

St. Lucia raised the issue of the massive loans held by water utilities. He expressed the fact that these

loans have hindered the utilities from meeting the needs of the customers they serve.

It was evident from discussions at the 7th HLS, that more innovative ways of managing water are

needed in the region. Participants gave suggestions on resourceful ways of managing water such as

the use of small community-based water supply systems; rainwater harvesting cross-subsidies that

are targeted, well defined, transparent, reliable, practical; and sustainable water augmentation

techniques.

The question of how well water has been marketed in the region was also raised when compared to

electricity and telecommunication services. Water is more important to families than many of these

other services but it is often not given a high priority on their list of monthly expenses. This

highlighted a serious need for greater water education at all levels.

Honourable Dr. Earl Martin, Minister of Housing, Public Utilities, Public Works and Energy of St.

Kitts, similar to Minister Gilbert, stressed the importance of educating the public on water issues. He

explained that as a region that paradigm shift has not been made and there is an undeniable need for

greater public awareness and engagement of the public in the management of their water.

In addition to educating the public on the value of water, Honourable Joseph Gilbert, Minister of

Environment, Foreign Trade and Export Development of Grenada also stressed the importance of

educating people on the importance of a good water tariff. Minister Gilbert gave an anecdote of the

case for the increase in the water tariff in Grenada which was approved in 2010, citing the past tariff

structure of the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) severely restricted the utility’s

ability to increase its revenue and successfully operate in today’s environment.

15

Multilateral funding was pinpointed as a real need and issue for regional water utilities. CARICOM

representative at the Meeting, Ms. Anya Thomas urged participants to explore the linkages between

water and climate change as an avenue for funding from multilateral agencies to assist utilities with

disaster mitigation planning and water resources management. She also stressed the need for greater

dialogue between the sectors of Energy, Transport, Agriculture and Water in looking at integrated

financing strategies.

The discussions at the 7th HLS along with the recommendations approved by the Caribbean Ministers

at the Meeting is seen as a way forward in working towards the sustainable management of water

resources in the Caribbean region.

Follow-up Actions:

Support to the implementation of the HLS Decisions.

Collaboration with CARICOM to move the water agenda forward.

Interest from the European Union Water Initiative Financial Working Group (EUWI-FWG) to

support the establishment of a Ministerial Committee on water.

GWP-C Engages in Discussions with Communities on Future Sustainable Projects

Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) together with representatives from the Projects Unit of

the National Institute of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) had the

opportunity to meet with two (2) Women’s Groups in rural Trinidad on October 21st, 2011, to discuss

a future renewable energy project to benefit their communities.

The potential project which will be spearheaded by NIHERST, aims to introduce renewable energy

mechanisms (E.g. solar power and biomass gas) and sustainable practices/technologies such as

rainwater harvesting to the communities of Moruga and Barrackpore in southern Trinidad. A

participatory approach is being taken in defining the project as the ideas and needs of the community

are being incorporated into the project’s development.

In Moruga, GWP-C and NIHERST representatives met with the St. Mary’s Organisation of Women

Enterprise (SOWERS) who provided feedback on the idea of a renewable energy project for the

community. They also spoke about their own ideas on a project they saw would create employment

that is sustainable in the community.

16

Construction and agriculture were identified as the major income earners by the Women’s Group

from Moruga. The group expressed interest in a sustainable agricultural project and the use of

rainwater harvesting as they explained that they live in a water-scarce community.

In the Barrackpore area, GWP-C and NIHERST representatives held discussions with the Strange

Village Women’s Group who explained that agriculture was the core livelihood within the

community. Like the stakeholders in Moruga, community members provided feedback on the

potential renewable energy project and provided their ideas on a possible sustainable venture.

The community members were receptive to the idea of a renewable energy project as well as the use

of rainwater harvesting systems for the area. The dialogues in both Moruga and Barrackpore

presented an inimitable opportunity for the community to be directly involved in the planning and

development of the project.

GWP-C was able to share information with the members of both Women’s Groups on rainwater

harvesting in terms of the design of a typical system and information on protecting the water quality.

GWP-C also had the opportunity to give all members of the Women’s Groups, information produced

by Global Water Partnership (GWP) on women’s central role in the provision, management and

safeguarding of water.

Follow-up Action:

Community members will meet to review their ideas and those proposed by NIHERST so

that the project can be finalised.

GWP-C and NIHERST representatives are seen here with the members of the St.

Mary’s Organisation of Women Enterprise (SOWERS) on October 21st, 2011.

Cross-section of members of the Strange Village Women’s Group at the

meeting on October 21st, 2011.

17

GWP-C will hold discussions with NIHERST for possible collaboration on the aspects of the

project that deal with awareness building on water conservation and rainwater harvesting as

well as technical assistance/guidance in developing possible rainwater harvesting systems for

the communities.

Renowned Scientist Shares Insights on Sustainable Agricultural Practices Used in India

The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) held a public lecture on

sustainable agricultural practices, on October 17th, 2011 in Trinidad. The lecture which was entitled

“Agricultural Research and Development to Fight Poverty and Hunger” revolved around the question

“How does India feed a billion people?”

The lecture was delivered by Dr. S. Ayyappan, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer

(CEO) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The ICAR is the body that heads all

research in agriculture and education in India. Dr. Ayyappan is a well-known scientist from India

with a distinguished career of more than thirty (30) years and has contributed to Agriculture and

Fisheries in India and the world.

Dr. Ayyappan looked specifically at how India with a population of more than 1.2 billion people is

able to feed its population. He pointed out that Trinidad and Tobago despite differences in

population size when compared to India, faces similar problems in their agriculture sector and there

is no reason why Trinidad and Tobago with a population of 1.3 million shouldn’t be able to

sufficiently feed its populace.

Some of the major concerns Dr. Ayyappan highlighted in terms of achieving food security were:

the water crisis; weather and climate change; soil degradation; genetic erosion; energy management;

knowledge lag; among others. According to him, agriculture in the 21st century equates a paradigm

shift especially in light of the aforementioned concerns.

In order to maintain agricultural sustainability, the scientist explained the various approaches used in

India. Policy frameworks on the following practices were highlighted:

Soil Water Conservation

Use of Rainwater

Water Saving Technologies

Low Energy Water Application

Integrated Farming Systems

Conservation Agriculture

Water Requirements for Agricultural Products

He explained that in India, policy response has consistently evolved with successive drought events

and he pointed out that India has a national Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA).

In working towards food security in a country, the issue of agricultural education was highlighted

and the need to make agriculture more exciting for the youth. Information and Communication

18

Technology (ICT) to help develop skills in the area of Agriculture in the form of E-courses is one of

the various approaches being utilised in India to help educate the population in the area.

Despite the difference in countries (India and Trinidad and Tobago) it was evident from Dr.

Ayyappan’s lecture that similar concerns and opportunities exist between the countries; for example

the issues of climate change and reviving societal interest in Agriculture.

The question and answer session following the lecture allowed stakeholders to share knowledge and

gain further insights. The following are some of the topics raised by stakeholders:

- The linkage between the public and private sector in Agricultural research and development

and the private sector buy-in into Research and Development (RD).

- Incentive programmes for farmers.

- Programmes to attract more youth in the area of Agriculture.

- Climate Change and its impacts on Agriculture.

The lecture attracted a broad cross-section of stakeholders. In addition to Global Water Partnership-

Caribbean (GWP-C), other attendees included representatives from non-governmental organisations

(NGOs); community-based organisations (CBOs); government ministries; farmer associations; water

associations; educational institutions (both secondary and tertiary level); among others. Distinguished

guests in attendance included the Pro-Vice Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, St.

Augustine Campus and the Indian High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago.

Follow-up Actions:

As a way forward in agricultural research and development, ICAR and CARDI plan to collaborate in

the future in the following areas:

Capacity Building

Crop Improvement

Policy Research

Farm Mechanisation

Farmers’ Visits and Agro-Advisories

Germplasm Exchange

IWRM Challenged by Emerging Framework in the Global Water Sector

Multiple Use Water Services (MUS) is an emerging concept in the global water sector that is

grounded in the practice of delivering water services that meet productive and domestic needs over

time. Essentially, the framework aims to integrate the multiple needs that water serves to ensure

equity; protection of the environment; climate resilience; sanitation and public health for long-term

sustainability to improve the lives of the poorest communities.

In order to develop recommendations to make the MUS framework a more robust and sustainable

approach, the Pacific Institute together with the Rockefeller Foundation hosted an MUS Workshop in

Oakland, California on October 13th - 14th, 2011. Thirty (30) participants from 11 countries in Africa,

Asia, The United States of America (USA), Latin America and the Caribbean attended the two-day

workshop. They included representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs); government

19

agencies; and funding organisations. Among the participants was Ms. Avril Alexander, Regional

Coordinator of Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C).

The workshop focused specifically on learning from past water sector integration efforts (both

successes and failures) that would inform both challenges and solutions of the MUS plan and

implementation.

Closely linked to the MUS approach but inherently different is Integrated Water Resources

Management (IWRM) which was critically examined and weighed against MUS at the workshop. Ms.

Avril Alexander, who represented the Caribbean region at the workshop presented on “Lessons from

IWRM” sharing experiences and lessons learnt in implementing IWRM in the Caribbean.

Ms. Alexander outlined the various IWRM issues faced in the Caribbean region and what has been

done

to alleviate/improve these issues. She pointed out some of the steps taken to work towards IWRM

implementation in the region which included the establishment of GWP-C in 2004. She also provided

a cohesive overview of the challenges faced and lessons learnt in IWRM implementation in the

region.

Workshop discussions explored the potential benefits and risks in pursuing a MUS approach. Some of

the key questions addressed at the workshop included:

1. What lessons can be learnt from the successes and failures of other efforts?

2. What distinguishes MUS from other efforts?

3. Should MUS co-exist with or replace other efforts?

4. How can a MUS approach avoid past pitfalls of other efforts?

The following are some of the criticisms of the IWRM approach and MUS challenges highlighted at

the workshop:

IWRM Criticisms

1. IWRM is a nebulous, catch-all concept, a “buzzword” lacking a roadmap to implementation.

2. The absence of functioning institutions cannot be solved by an external donor-driven effort.

3. There are no metrics to evaluate success, or prioritise funding and intervention regions.

Ms. Avril Alexander, GWP-C Regional Coordinator is seen here with

other Panelists at the MUS Workshop in Oakland, California.

20

In light of the IWRM criticisms outlined from the workshop, proponents of MUS advance the view

that multiple uses equate multiple benefits. This means that they see the new integrated water

approach is needed when compared to IWRM because:

It provides income generation.

It improves sustainability.

There are greater poverty reduction benefits in a MUS approach.

It contributes to building resilience.

It contributes to growth with equity.

Immediate Outcomes of the Workshop:

The workshop identified a list of mechanisms (policies, institutions, project design

components) as well as challenges in incorporating sustainability, climate change resilience,

equity, sanitation and public health into the MUS project implementation.

The workshop identified gaps in the current understanding of MUS and a list of ideas on

moving MUS forward in the next year.

The workshop identified a list of accountability measures that can be used to determine

success in MUS projects

Outcomes from the two-day workshop will guide the development of a Pacific Institute concept note

on making the MUS approach more sustainable and robust, which will be released in 2012.

Coming Events

Workshop on Water Use Efficiency in the Tourism Industry

Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) in collaboration with the Antigua Public Utilities

Authority (APUA) will hold a training workshop on “Water Use Efficiency in the Tourism Industry” in

MUS Challenges

1. Scaling of MUS is typically still limited due to:

- Public fund allocation to parallel ‘silos’, according to single livelihood dimensions/water

uses, reinforced by disciplinary career paths.

- Top-down, technology- and water resource-driven interventions with upward

accountability that neglect communities’ age-old own integrated water management and

priorities.

2. How can the MUS framework address a specific (and bounded) set of problems; yet be general

enough to cover a wide range of hydrologic, economic and institutional situations?

3. How can MUS implementation be made robust when local institutions (e.g. on water rights and

enforcement) are weak?

21

November. The workshop aims to initiate discussion at the managerial level which will make

provisions for adaptation of water use efficiency measures. Furthermore the workshop seeks to foster

discussions on retrofitting the industry with water efficiency devices and to promote stricter

maintenance schedules.

CENTRAL AMERICA

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES:

New president in GWP Nicaragua

The Center for Research on Aquatic Resources of Nicaragua

completed the second cycle of office on September 29th this year,

and in the General Assembly of Members of this past month,

Humboldt Center was chosen, for the next two years, as the new

chair for GWP Nicaragua. This is a civic organization founded in

1990 by a group of professionals who decided to join forces to

promote sustainable development in Nicaragua.

Victor Campos, deputy director of the Humboldt Center, will be in charge of the new position as

chair of GWP Nicaragua

For more information on Humbolt Center please visit their webpage at: http://www.humboldt.org.ni/

Intel Environment Award for a GWP Honduras member

This past month, “AguaClara” has been awarded the Intel Environment Award. The award is a well

deserved recognition of the 6 years of collaborative work between Agua para el Pueblo - APP (a GWP

Honduras member) and Cornell University.

Together APP and Cornell have created an alternative technology that makes it possible to provide

safe drinking water to more than 20,000 people, without using any electricity. Congratulations to the

entire team at Cornell and at Agua Para el Pueblo for having the vision to create a new strategy for

solving a persistent global problem.

For more information on the project, visit

https://confluence.cornell.edu/display/AGUACLARA/Home

Water as the main theme in the Sanitary and

Environmental Engineering Congress in Panamá

A national congress was held in Panama in the first week of

October, on sanitary and environmental engineering, under the

theme of "Risk Management of the Sanitary Crisis: Water and Environment". The event was organized by

the Panama Chapter of the American Association of Sanitary and Environmental Engineering

(PANAIDIS), who is member of GWP Panama.

(left to right) Enrique Merlos and Victor Campos

22

This conference brought together professionals and students, and was an opportunity to share the

most relevant health and environmental engineering issues, including: water resources management,

the state of drinking water infrastructure, and crisis management of water and sewage systems,

among others.

The event also included exhibition spaces, where different companies provided information on

services and technologies in environment and sanitation.

Capacity building in the management of surface water: lakes and reservoirs

GWP Central America and the Academy of Sciences of

Guatemala signed an agreement to coordinate efforts to develop

capacities on surface water management in Central America, as

an important part of implementing IWRM.

A lecture on the management of waters quality in reservoirs

offered by a biologist from the Central University of Caracas,

member of the Academy of Sciences of Venezuela, has been

touring the region and has been in Costa Rica and Panamá in this

past month of October. The lecture has already been offered in Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala

in September. There has been interest among the participants and one of the possible outcomes of this

effort is to form a core group to keep working the issue at the regional level.

Participation in the review and discussion of the National Water Policy in El Salvador

During the month of October, GWP El Salvador has been actively involved in the review and

discussion of the draft document, “National Water and Sanitation 2011-2015”; whose development

has been coordinated by the Technical Ministry of the Presidency.

The overall objective of this policy is to improve the coverage and quality of drinking water and

sanitation in El Salvador, respecting the rights of consumers and the environment, through the

modernization of government institutions which regulates and provides such services as well as

recognizing the Human Right to Water and Sanitation.

The next step in this process of review and discussion, will be conducting regional consultation

events in water policy, where GWP along with other national networks, have offered support by

coordinating with the network partners who perform work at the local level.

Steering Committee approves Work Plan and Budget for 2012

The GWP CAM Steering Committee met in Managua, Nicaragua

this past 11th of October, to review the progress indicators and the

Work Plan and Budget for 2012. The work plan covers the thematic

focus of food security and urban water management, among other

topics. The meeting took place at the Centre for Research on

Aquatic Resources of Nicaragua (CIRA-UNAM), which gave the

committee an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution and

work of Salvador Montenegro (CIRA-UNAM, director) who has

23

been the chair of Nicaragua GWP for the past four years. The day after the meeting, the group had the

opportunity to visit the wastewater treatment plant in Managua, a unique project in Central America.

VIEW PHOTO GALLERY »

GWP Honduras welcomes a new member to National Partnership

GWP Honduras has welcomed a new member to their National Partnership: HONDULAGO. This

organization is the national authority for the biggest lake in Honduras, “Yojoa” Lake. It was

established in 2009 for the conservation and preservation of the natural resources in the Lake Yojoa

basin. They work closely with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, to control and

implement best practices on mitigation measures in the basin.

COMING UP:

HELP International Symposium 2011 - November 21-24, Panama

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the International

Hydrological Program and the Panama Canal Authority have organized the HELP International

Symposium 2011: “Building Knowledge Bridges for a Sustainable Water Future”. This is part of a

series of global meetings that take place with the leadership of the International Hydrological

Programs’ crosscutting initiative Hydrology for the Environment, Life and Policy (HELP).

GWP Central America will be participating in the session on: “The Current Status of Water Resources

in Central America: towards good water governance”, on Tuesday, November 22nd and GWP

Panama will have a stand, with GWP material as well as information on their members and the

network.

Towards the World Water Forum, Marseille 2012

The summary on the governance workshop held in the “Workshops of the Americas’ Target

and Solutions Groups” held in Mexico City in September in now available online:

http://www.gwpcentroamerica.org/?cat=-1&art=1222

The next step in the process towards the 6th World Water Forum is the Seventh Inter-American

Dialogue on Water Management (D7) to be held in Medellin, Colombia, November 13-19. GWP

Central America will be active in the session that will present the progress in the preparation

of thematic papers toward the Forum.

CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE

Three GWP Partners (Scientific Technical Union of Water Affairs in Bulgaria, Economic Research

Institute and Country Water Partnership) organized the workshop entitled “6 WWF- Equitable Access

to Water & Sanitation” on 20 October 2011, in Sofia Technical House. Dr. Galia Bardarska of GWP

Bulgaria informed about GWP CEE participation in drafting working group, preparing a publication

“Good practices to ensure equitable access to water and sanitation in the pan-European region”. During the

workshop, public subsidies to reduce price disparities and cross-subsidies for poor and vulnerable

groups were discussed. GWP experts with academic background will carry out a research on several

scenarios for “water support fee” of poor people taking into account national specifics. This topic will

24

be discussed with general public during World Water Day 2012 celebrations in Sofia, before

submitting a proposal to the Ministry of Finance and National Social Security Institute.

Workshop “6 WWF: Equitable Access to Water & Sanitation”. Credit: Ivan Raev

GWP Latvia supported a new program for practical implementation of integrated water resources

management focused on cleaning of small rivers in Latvia. The program includes communication

activities comprising printed information materials for stakeholders, especially schools, on how they

can take part.

Bernardas Paukstys, GWP Lithuania, Tomasz Okruszko and Janusz Kindler, GWP Poland,

participated in the 13th Baltic Development Forum Summit in Gdansk, Poland on 25 October 2011.

Bernardas, Tomasz and Janusz were part of the team which included also Natalya Smorodinskaja,

Institute of Economy of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow and Andreas Lindström,

Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). GWP and SIWI representatives have been invited to

the forum to present the results of transboundary cooperation project with the Kaliningrad Oblast.

The presentation on behalf of GWP CEE and SIWI was made by Tomasz Okruszko.

GWP Romania contributed with comments and additions to Case study n°5 / DANUBE BASIN /

Danube Regional Project (DRP) of INBO/GWP book “Integrated Water Resources Management of

Transboundary Waters”. It is a follow up to conference dedicated to 6th World Water Forum

Preparatory Process that took place in Plovdiv, Bulgaria in March 2011.

25

GWP Romania (Liviu Nicolae Popescu) and GWP Moldova (Dumitru Drumea) ensured visibility

with collateral material and active participation during 3rd Aquatic Biodiversity International

Conference on 4-7 October in Sibiu, Romania. Topics of the conference were aquatic biodiversity and

its assessment, monitoring, conservation and management. Main organizers were Romanian

Limnology Society and Romanian Ichthyologic Society. GWP representatives proposed that

methodologies developed by research institution should reflex wider IWRM principles, especially in

assessment and evaluation.

Liviu Nicolae Popescu of GWP Romania participated in the first meeting of newly constituted

Consultative Council for Administration of Danube Delta Protected Area (DD- CCA) on 2 October

2011. As a result, IWRM was embedded into DD-CCA Rules of Governance. Danube Delta is the

largest delta in Europe and one of the largest in the word with its 580,800 ha. It provides living space

to more than 7,000 unique living organisms. It is a part of Biosphere Protected Areas, a UN wide

network of protected areas.

Major Slovenian NGO, Umanotera is preparing "The manifest for a policy oriented towards the

future", designed for candidates for general elections to Slovenian Parliament. The aim is to come up

with a long term vision and governmental program for sustainable development. GWP Slovenija

was invited to write a chapter on water and also to co-operate in the next step, which will be

evaluation of the programs, presented during election campaign.

GWP CEE Regional Council members contributed to Bonn Nexus online survey, as a result of

discussions at the Council meeting on 30 September – 1 October in Strbske Pleso, Slovakia. After the

Regional Council meeting, an excursion was organized to weather and climate station of Slovak

Hydrometeorological Institute.

GWP CEE Council nominated its Council member Andriy Demydenko to ICPDR Public Participation

expert group meeting held on 27-28 October in Kyiv. He was mandated by the GWP CEE Council to

express of its willingness to be contracted by ICPDR for Danube Art Masters competition if this is

included into ICPDR workplan 2012. Also he should state that some measures are to be taken for

smoother running this activity. For making this more specific, GWP CEE Regional Coordinator

requested the ICPDR Executive Secretary by e-mail communication to clarify this at the extra

appointment should be organized by ICPDR Secretariat – this request has been appreciated by ICPDR

Executive Secretary and confirmed that the date of the meeting will be fixed soon.

General Director of Slovak Hydrometeorological Institute signed Host Institute Agreement for the

next period and signatures of GWPO/GWP CEE should be consequently arranged. Additionally, as

the result of joint intervention of GWP CEE Secretariat and Host Institute top management at the

26

Slovak Ministry of the Environment the financial flow related to GWP CEE activities has been

successfully simplified. This makes the work of the GWP CEE Secretariat much more efficient and

flexible.

CENTRAL ASIA AND CAUCASUS

UNECE and Georgia government signed MoU to conduct National Dialogues for IWRM.

GWP Georgia has contributed to the process. “Duties of the secretariat of the Steering Committee of

the National Policy Dialogue on IWRM in Georgia will be performed by the National Water

Partnership of Georgia”.

http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/oes/MOU/2011_MoU_MOE_Georgia_NPD_UNECE_01.pdf

CHINA

Dialogue Workshop on Water Resources Protection and Emergency Response Mechanisms of

Water Pollution of Yellow River

The Dialogue Workshop on Water Resources Protection and Emergency Response Mechanisms of

Water Pollution of Yellow River was co-organized by the GWP China Yellow River, GWP China,

Yellow River Research Society and Water Resources Protection Bureau of Yellow River Basin, on

October, 11, 2011 in Zhengzhou, Henan Province with over 80 participants. On the invitation of the

GWP China Yellow River, Dr. Dong Zheren, the Standing vice Chair, and Mr. Zheng Rugang, the

Coordinator, of GWP China attended the workshop and Dr. Dong addressed at the opening session

of the meeting on behalf of GWP China.

Fig. The Workshop

Through the communication platform of GWP China Yellow River, this meeting targets at

disseminating the achievements of water resources management and protection by the joint efforts of

27

the public and the governmental agencies, exchanging the experiences of emergency water pollution

response and discussing about the issue of the establishment of mechanisms for water resources

protection and emergency response for promoting the sustainable utilization of the Yellow River

Basin.

The representatives and experts from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Yangtze River Water

Resources Commission, the Yellow River Conservancy Commission, the Songliao Water Resources

Commission, Management Office of EU-China Cooperative Project of River Basin Management, and

the provincial or regional water and environmental protection agencies in the Yellow River Basin

delivered presentations and joined the discussions regarding the issues of water resources protection

of Yellow River Basin, emergency responses of environmental pollution and related case studies of

emergency responses of water pollution in other countries. The deep discussion about the experiences

of river protection, current challenges of water resources management and protection, emergency

responses of river basin pollution and problems of emergency response mechanisms were resulted

with valuable comments and suggestions.

The discussions carried out and the comments and recommendations made at the workshop plays an

important role in developing emergency response mechanisms of water pollution and promoting

water management and protection of the Yellow River Basin.

EASTERN AFRICA

7 COUNTRIES IN EASTERN AFRICA DISCUSS ROAD MAP FOR WATER CLIMATE

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AND UNEP CLIMATE CHANGE PROJECT ON THE NILE

Stakeholders from 7 Countries in Eastern Africa met on the 6th of November in Entebbe, Uganda,

together with Global Water Partnership Eastern Africa and Global Water Partnership Stockholm to

discuss the road Map towards a joint programme between WACDEP and United Nations

Environment Programme –GWP –Nile Basin Initiative on building stakeholders capacities for

adaptation to climate induced water stress in the Nile Basin, for transboundary cooperation piloted at

the local level.

The stakeholders drawn from GWP country Water Partnerships in Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Rwanda,

Burundi, Kenya and Uganda discussed the WACDEP and UNEP funded initiatives on enhancing

climate resilience in the Eastern Africa region.

The WACDEP programme for Eastern Africa will support Burundi and Rwanda in developing ‘No

regrets’ Investment strategy for enhancing climate change resilience through improving water

security. The initiative will be implemented in support of the priorities defined in both countries

National Adaptation programmes (NAPAS), Rwanda’s low carbon development strategy and the

IWRM plans for Burundi.

28

The WACDEP will

include support to

processes for

mainstreaming

Climate change in

the Kagera Basin

and implementation

of on the ground

demonstration

project in the

Bugesera sub-

national

transboundary

involving both

Rwanda and

Burundi at local

level.

A demonstration

site has been selected in the Bugesera tranboundary region of Burundi and Rwanda. The

demonstration project in the Bugesera will aim to enhance the resilience of the communities’

especially vulnerable groups such as women, children and youth. The project will develop innovative

institutional arrangement of the transboundary site of the two countries, beyond catchments, which

will then be replicated at another scale of the river basin.

The Site has been affected by climate variability

since the 1990’s, manifesting in increasing temperatures and erratic seasonal patterns of rainfall, and

arising out of a complex causal pathway mediated by climate and environmental changes. The none

sequential chain between deforestation, environmental degradation as a result of unplanned land

management and land conflicts between hosting communities or war-created residents and returnees,

streams and river erosion, surface water and groundwater threats and stressed water security of

shallow lakes has also some root causes in environmental and water governance, in a context of

power balance to be regained by transitional and then elected governments.

29

Stakeholders in the Bugersa suffered massive scale displacements due to the civil wars leading to

forest degradation, poor watershed management and weak institutional capacity for withstanding the

climate change impacts.

Participates at the workshop agreed that the WACDEP will be implemented as a joint programmed

with the UNEP climate change adaptation project on the Nile Basin. GWP EA is supporting UNEP

building stakeholders capacities for adaptation to climate induced water stress in the Nile Basin, for

transboundary cooperation piloted at the local level.

Stakeholders agreed on the following actions for follow up:

Holding a WACDEP inception workshop for Rwanda and Burundi in the Bugesera

Transboundary sub-Basin. The workshop will involve communities from both Burundi and

Rwanda and will agree on a joint management unit for the pilot demonstration project

Consultations with central government stakeholders and key government agencies in Rwanda

and Burundi

Consultations with Regional Stakeholders from NELSAP, Kagera Basin,xxxxxxxxxxxx

Identification of priority activities for implementation and developing an implementation plan for

the WACDEP in Rwanda and Burundi

Develop country proposals in collaboration with UNEP and GWP Eastern Africa for submitting

to the UNFCCC Adaptation Fund. The proposal will be submitted as a Regional Programme on

the Nile Basin and will complement the WACDEP and current UNEP project on the Nile Basin

The WACDEP is funded by Austria Development Agency and is part of the GWP collaboration with

the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW) and also supports the implementation of the

climate change commitments in the African Union Heads of State Sharm El Shelkh Declaration on

Water and Sanitation.

The WACDEP was launched by the Global Water Partnership and the African Ministers Council on

Water (AMCOW) as a joint programme to support water and climate change adaptation in Africa at

the 2011 World Water Week on August 23, 2011. The launch was attended by Ministers of water from

Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Uganda, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Gabon.

Eight countries, four transboundary river basins and one shared aquifer have been identified for in-

depth work on WACDEP: Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Ghana, Mozambique, Rwanda, Tunisia

and Zimbabwe; Limpopo Basin, Kagera Basin, Lake Chad Basin and Volta Basin, and the North-

Western Sahara Aquifer System. The transboundary basin approach is expected to enable at least 23

African countries to benefit from the results and outcomes of the initiative.

SOUTH ASIA

PART 1: REPORT BY GWP-SAS REGIONAL OFFICE

The activities of the Regional Office focused on preparations for the 17th Regional Council Meeting, 5th

General Assembly and the Round Table Dialogue on “Benefit Sharing in Hydropower Development”

30

to be held in Kathmandu, Nepal from 29-30 November 2011. Regional Office prepared a draft Briefing

Note on Area Water partnerships and circulated to CWPs for further input.

PART 2: REPORT BY BANGLADESH WATER PARTNERSHIP

1. Study on Urban Flood Risk Management Framework for Dhaka City to Combat the Threat of

Climate Change

Center for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) supported by Bangladesh

Water Partnership (BWP) conducted a study on Urban Flood Risk Management Framework for

Dhaka City to Combat the Threat of Climate Change.

Dhaka is the capital of Bangladesh and a Mega city with a population of around 20 million. Presently

the city is facing a number of environmental problems such as, Urban and River flooding, Water

logging, Earth quake, Fire hazard, Traffic congestion and different anthropogenic problems. The city

is surrounded by a network of rivers: the Buriganga on the south-west, the Turag on the north-west

and the Balu on the north-east and the Shitalakhya on the south.

The present study has focused the on Urban Flooding (136 sq. km.) of the North portion of Dhaka

City as a result of climate change. An attempt has been made to develop a Flood Risk Management

Framework for Dhaka city under this study.

Dhaka experiences about 2,000 mm of rain fall annually, of which almost 80% falls during the

monsoon. The main natural hazards affecting Dhaka include floods, which are associated with river

water overflow and rain water stagnation. The city is more vulnerable to intense Urban flooding due

to heavy and unpredictable erotic rainfall over the recent years as its drainage capacity is decreasing

alarmingly due to development of unauthorized settlements and illegal occupation of wetlands by the

land grabbers.

The western part of Dhaka City is protected from river flooding by an encircled embankment. During

most of the monsoon period, the water level of the river remains higher than the water level inside

the city area. This indicates that the City drainage is very much dependent on the water levels of the

peripheral river systems. Hence, draining out of water by gravity flow is not always possible. In order

to facilitate and improve storm water drainage it is considered to install drainage pumps at some of

the FCD structures connecting to the rivers.

The problems, consequences and cause effects relations are given in the matrix below:

Problems in the Dhaka

drainage system

Causes of Urban Flooding Effects of Urban flooding

31

Problems in the Dhaka

drainage system

Causes of Urban Flooding Effects of Urban flooding

unplanned

urbanization and

expansion of the urban

areas within the urban

fringe,

increase of in built-up

areas and metal roads

and accelerate land

run-off,

filling up of low-lying

areas of surrounding

the Dhaka city to

construct buildings,

with no or little

provision of drainage,

the main drainage

systems of the urban

area (khals) are blocked

by unauthorized

constructions,

insufficient capacity of

storm sewers

constructed in the

extensions of the urban

area and lack of

maintenance of the

storm drainage system,

lack of co-ordination

among different

organisations engaged

in development and

management of Dhaka,

solid waste and poly

bags disposal in the

Excessive Rainfall due

to climate change

Population growth and

unplanned

development

Lack of Waste

management system

Encroachment of

surrounding wetlands

by different developers

for new residential

area.

The average elevation

of the ground levelof

Dhaka city is 0.5-12

meter with 70% of the

total area within 0.5 to

5m. Due to this low

topography, a large

portion of concerned

area is inundated

during monsoon.

Capacity and gradient

of existing natural

drainage systems have

been reduced due to

siltation.

Unplanned

rehabilitation and

maintenance of

development works

during rainy season.

Lack of public

Trouble in traffic

movement

Disruption of

normal life

Damage of roads

Damage of katcha

houses in the low

lying areas and

substructure of the

pucca houses

Damage of

household goods

Damage of

underground

service lines

Water pollution

Water borne

diseases

Increase of

mosquito

Damage of trees

and vegetation

Increase of

construction and

maintenance cost

Disruption of

societal facilities

such as reduction in

attendance of

students in primary

level.

32

Problems in the Dhaka

drainage system

Causes of Urban Flooding Effects of Urban flooding

storm sewer. awareness

Poor application and

practices of existing

policy and regulations.

In the study a Flood risk management framework has been developed which include Pre-flood

prevention, Risk mitigation and Flood preparedness. Pre-flood prevention includes maintenance of

flood management interventions or schemes. Such maintenance should be based on a risk approach

taking into account both the probability and consequences of flooding. Adaptations to climate change

and to economic development are important drivers in designing flood management schemes. Flood

risk management is strongly related to spatial planning: the location of new developments, flood

proof structures and space for rivers. Risk communication is considered as a valuable way to promote

flood awareness and to improve flood preparedness of the citizens. Such communication should take

into account to increase awareness of the flood prone community.

The study was an investigative research, synthesizing all the knowledge and relevant information

from different available plans, programs, reports and scientific literatures. Using this information,

attempts were made to prepare a concept note on climate resilient urban flood risk management

framework for Dhaka city. To explore the existing situation of flood protection and storm water

drainage management system, a field survey was conducted by a study team consisting of

multidisciplinary professionals. Prevailing problems of drainage congestion and water logging in

Dhaka city (West) and existing situation of different flood and drainage management components

such as storm water pump stations, sluice gates were physically observed in this visit. The study was

finalized by presenting a concept note on Climate Resilient Urban Flood Risk Management

Framework for Dhaka city.

2. Seminar on “Enhencing Effective Participation of Women through Water Policies of

Bangladesh” conducted by Bangladesh Women and Water Network (BWWN)

33

A Seminar on “Enhencing Effective Participation of Women through Water Policies of Bangladesh”

was conducted by Bangladesh Women and Water Network (BWWN) with the financial assistance of

Bangladesh Water Partnership (BWP) on 10th October, 2011 at LGED Conference Room, Dhaka. Most

of the participants were female officials from government and non government organizations. Female

participants from outside of Dhaka enriched this event as well.

The seminar was presided over by Begum Shamsun Nahar. Ambassador Mohammad Zamir was the

chief guest and Ms. Lailunnahar Ekram and Dr. K. Azharul Haq were special guests.

Begum Shamsun Nahar, Coordinator of BWWN welcomed thel participants and guests to the

seminar. Lailun Nahar Ekram, Member of BWWN and EC Member of BWP delivered the welcome

speech. She described the introduction and background of event and pointed out the objectives of the

seminar. Chief Information Commissioner, Mohammad Jamir was the Chief Guest and he inspired

the member of BWWN to work for increased participation of women in the development of water

policies of the country. He advised to open a web portal of BWWN, where the activities of BWWN

canl be displayed.

Nayeema Naznin Naz, Member of BWWN was a designated speaker and she presented a paper titled

“Women’s Participation in Irrigation Water Management”. She emphasized the role of women in

water sector. One of the important objectives of National Water Policy (NWP) is to bring institutional

changes that will help to decentralize the management of water resources and enhance the role of women

in water management. From the very beginning of society, women are seriously deprived of the equality in

all aspects of life; disparities are distinctly visualized in life-expectancy, health, education, security,

employment and income opportunities, control over assets, participation in decision-making process etc.

They are not only poor, but are seriously disadvantaged compared to man in terms of social, economic and

legal status. Overt and covert discrimination against women has caused them to be marginalized and by

Left to right: Begum Shamsun Nahar- Coordinator of BWWN, Dr. K. A. Haq- EC Member , Ambassador Md. Zamir , Chief Information Commissioner, GOB, Chief Guest & Lailun Nahar Ekram –EC Member,

BWP Member of BWWN and EC Member of BWP

34

passed in most cases of decision making, including water management. But women play a vital role as

water users and water managers, they have local knowledge, quality, and reliability of local water

resources, they face vulnerability predominantly during the water scarcity or disaster. So it has become

necessary to ensure the women’s participation in water resources development and management and

utilize their knowledge properly in planning, design, implementation and evaluation of water resources

development programs in country. On this respect LGED designs and develops irrigation infrastructure

with the formation of women-friendly water users associations. Project specific activities have been

established to encourage and ensure active and meaningful participation of women stakeholders

along with men at every stage of planning, design, construction, monitoring, management, operation

& maintenance of irrigation project. LGED employed 17000 women in the development of irrigation

infrastructure and 2164 of women in the decision making process in two completed SSWR projects.

Nayeema khatun, Member of BWWN was another designated speaker and she presented a paper

titled “Detailed Area Plan (DAP) of Dhaka – A Potential Guideline of Water-Body and Open Space

Protection through Community Participation”. She briefly explained the objective of the DAP. In so

far as the Dhaka city’s planned spatial development and development control was concerned, DAP

had no alternative. It is not only that its absence had hampered undertaking of necessary

development projects by RAJUK but instead it led to the uncontrolled and undesirable spatial growth

under private sector projects. Indeed, the latter forced RAJUK to complete the DAP component of

DMDP. The foregoing overview has been confined only to the DCC area, the central part of Dhaka

city located in group “C” of DAP. And it concerned mainly the environmental issues underlying the

general and specific objectives of DAP and therefore focused particularly on water body, open space,

flood flow and sub-flood flow zones of the central part of Dhaka city. Obviously the issues and

realization of their pertinent objectives required a ‘strategy of community participation’ based on

consultations with stakeholders at different levels.

Active participation of females from grass-root level was an imperative part of this seminar. They

shared their experiences and explained how they are developing their way of life by adopting

training on Water Management.

Dr. Azharul Haq was the special guest and he delivered the vote of thanks and closed the seminar. He

expressed his high level of satisfaction by observing the level of knowledge, level of interest and the

excellent understanding of the women and other participants on water management issues both in

the rural and urban areas. He extended special thanks to BWWN for successfully holding this seminar

and hoped that in future BWWN will play a vital role in water sector.

3. Fourth South Asia Economic Summit

Fourth South Asia Economic Summit was held on 22-23 October 2011 at Dhaka, Bangladesh

organized by Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD). Parliament members, representatives from each

countries of South Asia, officials from government and non government organization were

participated on that summit.

35

Mr. A M A Muhit, Hon’ble Minister for Finance, Government of Bangladesh was the Chief Guest in

the Inaugural Session, Dr Sarath Amunugama, Hon’ble Minister for International Monetary

Cooperation, Government of Sri lanka was the Chief Guest on the Plenary I, Lt Col (Retd)

Muhammad Faruk Khan, Hon’ble Minister for Commerce, Government of Bangladesh was the Chief

Guest on the Plenary II and Professor Dr. Gowher Rizvi, Hon’ble International Affairs Adviser to the

Prime Minister, Government of Bangladesh was the Chief Guest on the Plenary III of this Summit.

Plenary I was on “Current Phase of Global Recovery and Implications for South Asia”, Plenary II was

on “Towards and Inclusive Growth in South Asia: Role of Regional Cooperation” and Plenary III was

on “Delivering on South Asian Dream: The Political Challenge”.

A good number of speakers from each South Asian countries presented paper on different issues of

South Asia in this two day long Summit. Issues were:

Acceleration of Trade in South Asia: Where are the Current Obstacles?

Food Security in South Asia: What should be the Policy Initiative in view of Supply

Uncertainty and Price Volatility?

Managing International Migration and Flow of Remittances: Recent Global Developments

and Implications for South Asia

Transport Connectivity in South Asia and Beyond; Current Status and the Next Steps

Plenary II: Lt Col (Retd) Muhammad Faruk Khan, Hon’ble Minister for Commerce, GoB-Chief Guest (4th

from left) and Atiur Rahman, Governor, Bangladesh Bank – Special Guest ( 1st from right )

36

Addressing Implications of Climate Change within a Regional Framework: What are the

Recent Initiatives?

Regional Approach to Energy Security in South Asia: Assessing the Progress

Acceleration of Investment in South Asia: Where are the Current Obstacles?

Managing the Water Resources in the SAARC Region: What are the possible Win-Win

Solutions?

Role of Non-State Actors in the Development and Democracy in South Asia: Recent Trends

K. M. Zeba Rahman, Executive Secretary, BWP and Mukta Akhter, Administration & Accounts

officer, BWP were participated in that regional summit on behalf of Bangladesh Water Partnership. It

was a fruitful summit for the regional cooperation of South Asian countries.

4. Introductory Meeting between Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) and Bangladesh Water

Partnership (BWP)

An introductory meeting between Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) and Bangladesh Water

Partnership (BWP) was held on 25 October 2011 at Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in

Dhaka, Bangladesh. Martijn F. van Staveren, Project Officer, NWP and ir. Martin Bos, First Secretary,

Water Sector, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dhaka, Bangladesh were present in the

meeting. Dr. K. Azharul Haq, EC Member, BWP and K. M. Zeba Rahman, Executive Secretary, BWP

attended on behalf of Bangladesh Water Partnership.

The Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP) is a comprehensive network that unites Dutch water

expertise and institutions. The partnership, consisting of members from private companies,

government, knowledge institutes and NGOs, acts as a centre of information on water expertise,

policy developments and market opportunities. But NWP is more than an information source; the

organization also initiates, coordinates and executes projects for its members, such as trade missions,

exhibitions and conferences. On a national level, the NWP facilitates and stimulates:

Innovation Program Water Technology

Network Delta Technology

WASH

Human Capital and Water

Although there was formal agenda for the meeting yet it was good to have such an introduction, to

get to know each other and to exchange a little bit about our mutual Partnership's activities. It was

hoped that collaboration between the partnership will strengthened in future.

37

5. Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Preparation of Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100

A Stakeholder Consultation Workshop on Preparation of Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 was held on 27

October 2011 at NEC Conference Room, Planning Commission, Dhaka. It was jointly organized by

Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dhaka, ALTERRA, Deltares, Mott MacDonald, IWM

and CEGIS. Officials from government and non-government organizations, reporters from print and

electronic media also participated in the workshop. Air Vice Marshal A K Khandaker (retired), Bir

Uttam, Hon’ble Minister for Planning, Government of Bangladesh was Chief Guest and Mr Ramesh

Chandra Sen, Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources, Government of Bangladesh was the Special

Guest.

In the perspective of the good bilateral relationship, the Government of Bangladesh, through the

Prime Minister’s office, has requested the Government of the Netherlands to provide advice and

assistance for the formulation of a “Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100”. In response to this request a Delta

Preparatory Team (DPT) cosisting of Bangladeshi and Dutch expertise has been formed. This

stakeholder consultation workshop was a part of this initiative, where a concept note was shared with

the stakeholders which was developed by preparatory team to explain the main ideas and vision of

the delta plan.

Mr. Giasuddin A Choudhury, ED CEGIS & Team Leader, Delta Plan Preparatory Team (DPPT) and Ir

C Terwisscha van Scheltinge, Deputy Team Leader DPT presented a key-note paper on” What is a

Air Vice Marshal A K Khandaker (retired), Bir Uttam, Hon’ble Minister for Planning, GoB-Chief Guest

(3rd

from right) and Mr Ramesh Chandra Sen, Hon’ble Minister for Water Resources, GoB- Special

Guest (2nd

from left )

38

delta plan and why we need such a long-term holistic plan?”. The vision of developing the

Bangladesh delta is to achieve long term sustainable development through adaptive water

governance, based on long term analysis and scenario’s as well as integration of relevant policy

sectors and creation of adequate institutional arrangements and capacity, which could be termed as

“Delta Vision”. The vision can be achieved through implementing a holistic long term (50 to 100

years) integrated strategy and plan for Bangladesh, called “Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100”. The Delta

Plan 2100 will create a clear vision or grand design of the future in 2100. Based on that vision it will be

possible to design “no-regret” actions leading from the present day situation to the desired future.

Globally, many countries are preparing integrated long term plans for their country. The Netherlands

is one of the pioneer countries, who prepared “ Netherlands Delta Plan 2100” that analyses crucial

developments like climate change, shows different scenario’s to act upon, integrates various sectors

and incorporates strong institutional arrangements and capacity in The Netherlands. Since there is a

resemblance between The Netherlands and Bangladesh in geographic, hydrological, physiographic

and climate vulnerability, experience of Netherlands for preparing and implementing a Delta Plan

can be used for Bangladesh’s case.

Dr. K. Azharul Haq, EC Member, BWP; Moshiur Rahman, EC Member,

BWP; K. M. Zeba Rahman, Executive Secretary, BWP and and Mukta

Akhter, Administration & Accounts officer, BWP participated in this

workshop on behalf of Bangladesh Water Partnership. During the open

discussion session, Dr. K. A. Haq suggested to DPPT for ensuring

enough funds for operation and maintenance of infrastructures

constructed under this “Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100”, otherwise this

plan will not deliver expected benefits.

6. Executive Committee Meeting

The 34th EC Meeting and 3rd for the year 2011 was held on 22 October 2011. The principal agenda was

the review of the progress of the implementation of 2011 work plan, the approval of the new

constitution of the BWP and appointment of auditor for auditing the accounts of 2011 calendar year.

All 16 activities assigned in work plan 2011 is expected to be successfully completed by the end of

December 2011. Reports about these activities have been presented in the monthly progress reports.

The rest of the activities are progressing satisfactorily, which will be reflected to next monthly reports.

The revised constitution was submitted to competent authority for approval. But they have asked for

some more supporting documents which will be submitted soon. The EC has recommended to

appoint “Anisur Rahman & Co” to conduct the audit for the 2011 financial year. This will be

presented to the AGM for approval. The AGM has been scheduled to be held on 24 December 2011.

Dr. Azharul Haq, EC

Member, BWP

39

Md. Shaidul Hasan, President of BWP proposed that Dr. K. A. Haq be designated as Vice President of

BWP in vacant position created due to appointment of Mr. Shahidul Hasan as the President. The EC

approved the nomination of Dr. K. A. Haq as Vice President of BWP.

PART 3. REPORT BY BHUTAN WATER PARTNERSHIP

Bhutan Water Partnership (BhWP) continued with the activities of August 2011. Significant new

activities were not carried out due to re-organization of the BhWP.

Part 4. REPORT BY INDIA WATER PARTNERSHIP

(Prepared by : Dr. Veena Khanduri, Executive Secretary, IWP & Mangla Rai)

I. ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN IN THE REPORTING MONTH

Activity-1 : Rajasthan State New Water Policy - Capacity Building of Women and Anganwadi

Workers

A workshop of Women Self Help Groups on

Integrated Water Resource Management

(IWRM) was conducted on 10th October, 2011

by India Water Partnership partner Jheel

Sanrakshan Samiti (JSS), under banner of

Global Water Partnership and India Water

Partnership.

The workshop organized at Vidya Bhawan

Polytechnic College, Udaipur, Rajasthan was

attended by Self Help Women Groups of 21

towns and villages (situated on the basin of

Wakal and Banas rivers); and representatives

of Anganwadis of Southern Rajasthan.

The participants raised the point that though

the State Water Policy has underlined the participation and involvement of women in all policies and

plans including management and operation, the need is that right from small village (hamlet) to the

cities, women’s role has to be increased. Mr Anil Mehta, Secretary of JSS deliberated that, for proper

management of various water related issues including growing poverty needs, involvement of

women is paramount. Mr. Mehta further said that role of women should be recognized in planning,

construction, management and safeguarding of water recourses. The Dublin principal also underlines

the importance of women in integrated management of water resources. The women play a key role

in the collection and safeguarding of water for domestic and agricultural use. The burden of water

Women participants in the Workshop

40

collection falls on women and girls, who generally expend considerable time and energy on this

activity.

Mr. Mehta shared that the marginalized role of women in water resources management is related to

social, educational and cultural traditions. Therefore, there is an urgent need to give attention to the

specific needs of women and evolve strategies to empower them so as to play effective, competent,

sustained and dynamic role at all levels of water resources management. The IWP (GWP- India) is

making all such efforts to achieve this.

While inaugurating the workshop, Mr Vijay S Mehta, President of Dr. MS Mehta Memorial Trust,

said that it is necessary that society provides equal opportunity of development to women, seek their

suggestions and treat them at par with man. To attain the goal of integrated and inclusive

development, the women need to have equal access and participation at all levels. He said that it is

necessary to ensure the health and education of women, in order to ensure their dynamic

participation in IWRM process and

plans.

Mr. Nand Kishor Sharma, social

scientist, said that the effective,

efficient and equitable management

of water resources can be only

achieved when both women and

men are involved in consultation

processes, and in the management

and implementation of water-related

services.

The women present in the workshop

had agreed to increase their role and

participation in implementation of

State Water Policy and projects which

are on-going in their area. The women

representatives of Self Help Group said that one of the major causes of their low interest is lack of

education and awareness. Mrs. Parvati Bai of village Ogana, Kalibai of Kotadi and Mrs. Shanti Devi of

Pipawas said that women's convenience, in terms of time and distance, should be first criterion while

deciding the time and place for Gram Sabha and Water Users Association (WUA) meetings. The

participant women further revealed that out of them only 8 % women have so far attended the

meetings of Gram Sabha. In the meetings of SHG, no fruitful discussions are held. The hand pump

and other water supply schemes are sanctioned near to influential persons only. The women have to

bring water on head from 2 to 3 kilometer distances. The WUAs meant for distribution of irrigation

water functions arbitrarily and there is no voice of women in that meeting. They further said that

women members are the most susceptible to water borne diseases due to their role in water collection,

Other view of the Workshop

41

washing and other domestic activities. The women have to travel long distances to fetch water and

carry it on their heads, which lead to diseases related to spine, neck, shoulders etc.

The participant women further shared that if any member of the family suffers from any water borne

disease, then responsibility to take care of the sick member falls on women. Women and girls feel

unsafe when they have to go far from their houses to defecate, as toilet facilities are not available

nearby. Women and girls suffer from problems like malnutrition, illiteracy and anemia.

Mr. Madan Nagda, Secretary of Gandhi Manav Kalyan Samiti; Dr. Tej Rajdan of Lake Conservation

Committee; Dr. L.L. Sharma Limnologist; Mr. Jitendra Mehta, Director of Alert Organization; Mr.

Mohan Dangi, Secretary of Prayatn Samiti; Mrs. Haribala Sharma of Vidhya Bhawan Anganwadi and

Mrs. Jyotsna Jhala of Pahal guided the participants on various aspects of Integrated Water Resources

Management mainly on warabandi, irrigation water management, prevention of water borne

diseases, role of Panchayati Raj Institutions, livelihood generation, conflict management etc. This

activity has been covered in the local newspaper “Udaipur Times” dated 10th October, 2011 with title

Rural Women attended workshop on Water Management which can be seen on

http://www.udaipurtimes.com/rural-women-attended-workshop-on-water-management/

Activity-2 : Strengthening of People’s Area Water Partnership (PAWP)

The following activities were undertaken by the IWP supported PAWP during the month of October,

2011.

The PAWP members made field visits on the banks of river Ramial and Indrajit nallah to assess the

post-flood situation of the crop fields & the standing crops. During the visit the PAWP members

observed that 60 % of the standing paddy crop of late variety had been destroyed by the flash floods.

There was sand silting of crop lands of about 600 acres in the villages of Kotagara, Kamagara,

Baunsapal, Bhagirathipur, Malapura, Manitri, Jagannathpur, Jamunakote and Lokanathpur. These

villages come under PAWP area of operation. In this regard, the PAWP members met the Revenue

officials and Junior Agricultural Officer and submitted their assessment report and requested for the

seed support to the farmers. Also a representation in this regard was submitted to the District

Collector by the PAWP Convener Shri P.K.Sahu on 11th October, 2011.

Two ‘Pani (Water) Panchayat’ meetings at Khatuahata and Kadua were organized by Junior Engineer

(Minor Irrigation) on 14th October and 17th October, 2011. PAWP members from Salpada, Khuntabati,

Anlabereni, Khatuahata, Kadua, Bhagirathipur, Mahulpal and Rekula villages participated in the

meeting which were convened for planning of small duration Rabi crop and winter vegetables.

On 20th October, 2011, the PAWP observed World Water Monitoring Day at village Kadua near

Kamakshyanagar in the premises of the village high school. A meeting with community members

and school students was held which was preceded by a rally by school children with water

conservation message.

42

Water pollution in the Brahmani river is a serious cause of concern for the PAWP. The PAWP with

the support of Arun Institute of Rural Affairs (AIRA) continues to inform and educate its members

and the community people on the issue of pollution in general and on water pollution in particular. In

the various meetings/consultations/skill orientations, PAWP tries to focus on water quality; and

encourage the members for proper maintenance of water bodies.

On 30th October, 2011, the PAWP held a joint regional meeting at Kusumajodi High School. More than

50 members of PAWP from the villages of Samatangi, Godaribili, Kadalipal, Mahuli, Aluajharan,

Bhairapur, Koriapal, Aghiragoda, Khatuahata, Anlabereni, Kanapal and Khuntabati participated in

the meeting and presented their views on future plan of action.

Activity-3 : Preparation of Integrated Water Resources Development and Management Plan

(IWRD&MP) for Wainganga river sub-basin by Western Zonal Water Partnership

(WZWP) coordinating agency of IWP

PAWP members in the Joint Regional Meeting

Water Quality Testing by PAWP members Rally by School Children with water

conservation message

43

It has already been reported that IWP Western Zonal Water Partnership Coordinating Agency,

Gomukh Trust is engaged in preparation of IWRD&MP for Wainganga river sub-basin since start of

the year 2011. For this, the Gomukh Trust in the past had held several consultations/meetings of the

stakeholders like Maharashtra State Water Resources Department, Maharashtra State Forest

Department, Survey of India, Maharashtra State Agriculture Department, Maharashtra State Fisheries

Department, Maharashtra State Department of Soil and Land use Survey, Geological Survey of India,

Groundwater Survey and Development Agency (GSDA), fishing community and other community

leaving around the Wainganga river sub-basin and have collected data on rainfall, wind, temperature,

hydrology, fishery, ground water quantity and quality, etc.

During October, 2011, a list of Projects to be undertaken in the Wainganga river Basin in order to

efficiently conserve, store and use water resources for satisfying competing needs has been drafted by

the Gomukh Trust. The list was based on the ongoing communication/consultations/meetings with

stakeholders, local NGOs, and experts. The priorities of stakeholders and the State Government have

been taken into consideration while enlisting the projects. The category-wise number of projects

identified is as follows:

(i) Water Resources Development

35 projects for barrages on the mainstream;

55 projects for barrages on the major tributaries;

7 projects for desiltation, repair and maintenance of Minor Tanks;

7 projects for desiltation, repair and maintenance of Malguzari Tanks;

1 project as alternative for the Gosekhurd Dam Lift Irrigation Schemes;

1 project for Rehabilitation & Resettlement Schemes;

1 project for Prevention of evaporation and other water losses;

1 project for Groundwater Resource Development;

8 projects for eco-development; and,

10 projects for Watershed Development and Catchment Area Treatment

(ii) Water Resources Management

7 projects for Gal-per Lands;

3 projects for Development of Fisheries (Cold storages and piers);

30 projects for Water Supply and Sanitation to Urban areas;

300 projects for Water Supply and Sanitation to Rural Areas;

315 projects for Water for Energy;

28 projects of Navigation on upstream of Gosekhurd Dam;

Detailed planning for each of these projects will be made during the upcoming months, which will

include details such as locations, schemes, management protocols and estimated financial planning. A

44

priority listing will also be made, and distribution of projects within the 20 year planning period will

be made.

An extensive primary survey and stakeholder consultation process is being planned during the

month of November, and background processes for the same have been started during October, 2011.

Communication with local NGOs, field personnel and a team of volunteers, selection of stratified

sample villages and water tanks for the primary survey has been initiated. This activity will also

boost the formation of the Area Water Partnership as extensive field networking has been envisaged

for this purpose.

Activity-4 : Water Quality Testing by IWP partner organizations for World Water Monitoring Day

IWP is undertaking water quality testing with the help of its partner organization Neer Foundation,

Meerut. This water testing kits have been provided by International Water Association and World

Environment Federation. Although the World Water Monitoring Day is celebrated on September 18,

IWP is undertaking this activity from October, 2011 and this will continue till November, 2011.

For the purpose a detailed manual was prepared by Neer Foundation in consultation with Dr. Veena

Khanduri, Executive Secretary, IWP and the same along with a letter was sent to all IWP partner

organizations and GWP partner organizations from India. A very good response has been received

and right now this activity is being undertaken by 16 organizations (a very few are non IWP/GWP

members). Twenty water testing kits have been sent to these organizations so far. We are still

receiving requests daily from our partner organizations for sending the manual and the kits.

The water quality testing is being done on four parameters of a watershed’s health: temperature, pH,

turbidity and dissolved oxygen. T-shirt, training guide and other relevant support has also been

provided to the organizations involved in this exercise. These organizations would be testing the

water quality of the water bodies at different sites in their area of operation.

The data/information so collected will be analyzed and thereafter a detailed report will be prepared at

the end of December, 2011.

Activity-5 : Participation in Second Meeting of Organizing Committee of India International Water

Week-2012

Dr. Veena Khanduri, Executive Secretary participated in the second meeting of Organizing

Committee of India International Water Week-2012 at Ministry of Water Resources, Government of

India on 4th October, 2011. This meeting was convened to apprise the Committee about the follow-up

action taken by the Ministry on the agenda of the first meeting. Dr. Veena Khanduri, Executive

Secretary, IWP and Mr. Gopalakrishnan, ICID & GWP partner were selected as member of the

Technical Committee.

II. MEETINGS/CONFERENCES/ WORKSHOPS/SEMINARS PLANNED DURING

NOVEMBER, 2011

45

2.1 International Seminar on “Water Security and Climate Change: Challenges and Strategies”

IWP partner, Guru Arjan Dev Institute of Development Studies, Amritsar would organize its 3rd

International Seminar with effect from November 4 to November 6, 2011 in the Conference of Guru

Nanak Dev University, Amritsar on the theme Water Security and Climate Change: Challenges and

Strategies. Dr. Veena Khanduri, Executive Secretary, IWP has been invited to chair a session on

“Climate Change Impacts on Natural Water Systems”.

2.2 Multi-stakeholder Dialogue on IWRM in Context of Orissa

The Multi-stakeholder Dialogue on IWRM in context of Orissa which was to be organized by IWP

Eastern Zonal Water Partnership Coordinating Agency on 15th September, 2011 was postponed due to

flash floods in Orissa is now scheduled to be organized on 8th November, 2011 at Bhubaneshwar. The

multi-stakeholders’ consultation would identify and discuss the challenges for implementation of

IWRM in Indian context in general, and Eastern India in particular. Dr. Veena Khanduri, Executive

Secretary, IWP would participate in the dialogue.

2.3 Organizing IWP Board Meeting, Annual General Body Meeting and National Round Table

on “Climate Change & Disaster Management” on 25th & 26th November, 2011 at New Delhi

IWP will convene its 19th Board of Governors Meeting (BoG) and 9th Annual General Body (GB)

Meeting on 25th November, 2011 at New Delhi. These meetings will follow with a National Round

Table on “Climate Change and Disaster Management” on 26th November, 2011 at New Delhi.

IWP along with its host institution, Institute for Human Development, New Delhi would organize the

National Round Table in collaboration with National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM),

Ministry of Home Affairs, and Government of India. The participants would be from the scientific

community, disaster management professionals, civil society groups, corporate sector, media and

senior policy makers from the government, IWP board members/life members/zonal water partners,

etc. Eminent experts in the field of climate change, agriculture, food security, land management, etc.

will share their experiences.

The Key Issues for the discussions are:

Scientific explanation of Increasing extreme events turning into disaster in India (hydro

meteorological);

Risk Reduction strategy for changing vulnerability profile of the country at the local level;

Capacity of the stakeholders to cope with mitigation, adaptation and Disaster Risk Management;

Innovation for unconventional strategy for sustainable development;

Food Security, poverty and safety with inclusive strategy; and,

Land and Water Management

46

Part5. REPORT BY NEPAL WATER PARTNERSHIP

• The preparatory works are being undertaken to hold a 17th Regional Council (RC), 5th

General Assemble (GA) and Roundtable Dialogue on Hydropower Development- Benefit Sharing

Experiences on Hotel de l' Annapurna, Kathmandu, Nepal on November 29-30, 2011.

• Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI) Nepal has selected the proposal of

the GWP Nepal/JVS on Strengthening Drinking Water and Sanitation Sector Services through

Enhanced Accountability Measures under Program for Accountability in Nepal (PRAN).

• GWP Nepal/JVS is undertaking a study of the Functionality of Water Supply Services of the

Morang Water Supply Corporation (MWSC) based on the Citizens´ Report Card (CRC) of Water

Integrity Network (WIN), Berlin. The study team is on the field with questionnaire for the survey.

• Dr. Vijaya Shrestha, Executive Committee Member of GWP Nepal/JVS, visited Ilam of

Eastern Nepal on October 8-15, 2011 for preparatory works for launching two new Local Water

Parliament (LWP) and for enhancing existing LWP to develop into River Basin Organisation (RBO).

Part 6. REPORT BY PAKISTAN WATER PARTNERSHIP

1. Rehabilitation activities of Sanghar, Badin and Thatta communities affected by the August 2011

flood remained in hand by Nara Canal and Indus Delta Area Water Partnerships during the

month of October 2011. Chairman PWP along with Sindh Government functionaries and AWP

Chairs visited both AWPs to accelerate relief and rehabilitation activities and finish before the

winter season.

2. Potohar AWP completed “Rain Water Harvesting for Domestic Use as potable drinking water for

household” establishing model rainwater storage tanks in 4 areas of Union Council Narah,

Rawalpindi in mid October 2011 under the technical and financial support of PWP. A

comprehensive proposal has been framed for USAID funding to replicate the programme in

another 146 areas of the same Union Council.

3. Planning Commission, Government of Pakistan has assigned voluntary task of updating status,

data, information and trends relating to water availability and its measurement to Pakistan Water

Partnership on 21 October, 2011 pursuant to its National Growth Strategy of Pakistan. The

specific elements identified are:

i. Water measurement network, its capacity and accuracy.

ii. Water availability at rim stations.

iii. Water availability at canal heads.

iv. Water availability at farm gate.

v. Data/Information disaggregated on source basis:

47

a. Glacial and snow melt.

b. Rain above rim stations.

c. Rain on farm land and urban areas.

d. Rain on waste land.

e. Groundwater contribution.

f. Flow to sea.

The Country Coordinator has been assigned the duty of coordinating with all concerned agencies to

gather information on identified areas.

4. Chairman PWP and Regional Chair GWP-SAS participated in the 5th Meeting of the Federal

Steering Committee on Federal Drought Recovery Assistance Program Project (DRAPP) of

Drought Emergency Relief Assistance (DERA) Unit of the Federal Government on 19 October

2011 in the P Block Auditorium of Pak Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan. A number of issues

including Drought Conditions in the country, new programs and schemes in all provinces and

federal areas came under through discussion and appropriate decisions were taken.

5. Conference on Water Governance in Federal Systems: Facing the Challenges of Climate Change

was organized by Forum of Federations and Centre for Civic Education Pakistan in Islamabad,

Pakistan on 23-24 October 2011 was attended by Dr. Pervaiz Amir, Partner GWP on behalf of

PWP.

6. Under the guidance of the Regional Chair, GWP-SAS, a concept note of Regional Program on

Water and Climate in South Asia – Responding to Hydrological Disasters due to Climate Change

Impacts –

Main Theme of the Fourth South Asia Water Forum (SAWAF-4) was prepared and submitted to

the GWPO for discussion in its Steering Committee Meeting. The main contents of the concept

note are as under:

Economic Development in South Asia is characterized by high but unstable growth rates often

impacted by variable agriculture production due to recent climatic changes and aberrations.

Burgeoning populations and shrinking per capita resources provide daunting challenges for planners

to balance equity and income distribution amongst populations that are at the lower ladder of

meeting millennium development goals (MDG’s). Water and climate ramifications in form of

droughts and floods are formidable challenges that require a shift in the way we traditionally address

water issues in the development framework. As, financial capital shifts from Western developed

societies to Asia due it is attractive economic rates of return ensuring adequate supplies of water and

energy are pre-requisites to sustained growth and poverty reduction, particularly in South Asia.

Impacts of climate change in the form of higher temperatures, increased variability in precipitation,

and higher incidence of extreme weather events threaten the water security of millions of people

living in South Asia. The region is highly vulnerable to droughts and floods and its mountainous

parts of Himalaya and Karakorum’s, having one of the world’s largest glaciers and ice caps, are

48

rapidly receding with possible catastrophic consequences for water resources. The risks associated

with water-related climate variability are likely to intensify and worsen the existing poor living

conditions. According to Maple Croft UK, South Asia is the highest ranked on the Vulnerability Index

with 8 Asian countries topping the list.

Weak adaptation capacities and ever-increasing demand for good quality water in this region further

aggravate the situation. The international community has acknowledged this challenge and has

recognized the need for South Asia to find solutions to balance the supply and demand of water, in

the face of water-related climate variability that is likely to increase in the future. With almost 25% of

the World’s population residing in South Asia the stakes are high and actions warranted without

delay.

The potential impacts of climate change can be alleviated through enhanced cooperation and

dialogue among the countries in the region. Strengthening regional cooperation will involve

promoting local, national and regional initiatives that foster research, develop knowledge and data

sharing among institutions, implementing community based action program that increase resilience

to climate change impacts and establishment of a cooperative framework to advance a regional

agenda aimed at increasing the exchange of knowledge and best practices. Special attention to science

based know-how and indigenous knowledge are important features of such a proposal.

South Asian countries have many similarities, but at the same time, there are marked differences in

water related parameters. While water resources of some countries depend on glaciers as a source

others depend entirely on rainfall. The share of groundwater and surface water in annual water

resources vary significantly across the countries and exhibit a considerable spatial variation as well.

Trans-boundary water sharing is important for some countries, while trans-basin diversions are much

relevant to others. Adult literacy, per capita water availability, population density and the rate of

increase in population are important parameters in forming adaptation measures.

Therefore, to discuss and arrive at a degree of consensus in approach and strategy on important

issues like climate change impacts, transboundary water management that carry high potential of

conflicts and are going to magnify manifolds due to the severe impacts of climate change where

historic hydrological cycles would undergo drastic changes, there is a high need to hold a regional

forum that debates and provides the way forward on these issue. This aspect was discussed at the

Regional Workshop on Climate Change, Food and Water Security in Colombo, Sri Lanka during

February 2011 where significant paradigm block were broken and general consensus at political,

bureaucratic and technical levels was achieved. Appreciating the neutral platform provided by GWP-

SAS, the Region strongly endorses the need to hold South Asia Water Forum to discuss these crucial

issues and challenges that have wider regional commonalities and at the same time provide

opportunities to work out long term plans for regional cooperation.

It is therefore proposed to hold South Asia Water Forum (SAWAF) in Islamabad on 15-17 November

2012 with special focus on i) Climate Change, Food and Water Security, ii) Transboundary Water

49

Potential and Opportunities in South Asia Regional Perspective and iii) Regional Cooperation at

Political, Bureaucratic, Technical and Grassroots Levels to share benefits rather than sharing

resources. A comprehensive programme has been chalked out to address the above-mentioned

regional issues and opportunities provided by them. The forum to be attended by 100-150 delegates

is, therefore, aimed at discussing those potentials and developing a future strategy whereby regional

countries can cooperate to address and exploit the resources for the development of individual

country and for the larger prosperity of the region. The main outcome of this forum will be to

synthesize current thinking on the issues, debate alternative courses of action and gain a reasonable

degree of consensus in moving forward with key themes identifying goals, objectives, inputs, outputs

and outcomes in the short to medium term programs with focus on water and climate.

Apart from thorough discussions on the crucial issues of climate change impacts, transboundary

water management, river basin management, persistent and consequential poverty and under-

nourishment, the prime outcome of the SAWAF would be to formulate a long term regional program

to reduce suffering of the poor of the region because of the climate change impacts and scarcity of

potable water, food and energy. The anticipated cost of the three-year program is € 2.000 million

which is expected from GWP through DFID Grant to implement the activities of this program.

7. PWP office was visited by the following partners during October 2011 to enhance collaborative

efforts for imparting water awareness and implementation of Integrated Water Resources

Management in the country:

i) Dr. Pervaiz Amir, Director, Asianics Agro-Dev International.

ii) Mrs. Hamida Masood Shah, President, Women Welfare Association/ Regional

Council Member Pakistan.

Part 7. REPORT BY SRI LANKA WATER PARTNERSHIP

1) A Steering Committee Meeting of SLWP was held on 4th October 2011 at IWMI. Programme and

financial progress up to September was evaluated and found to be consistent with the Work Plan. The

2012 Budget and Work Plan for SLWP were approved. It was decided that the Annual Partners

Forum be on 20th December2011 and the theme be Water and Sanitation in view of SACOSAN held

earlier this year. The Hon Minister of Water Supply and Drainage is to be invited as Chief Guest,

while the UNICEF Representative is to be invited as Guest of Honour.

2) The first initiative of SLWP in the North and East by SLWP, a Workshop on Management of

Groundwater Resources in Jaffna was organised jointly with the Water Resources Board (WRB), the

Dam Safety and Water Resources Planning Project (DSWRP). Other resource persons/participants also

included heads and staff of Irrigation Department and National Water Supply and Drainage Board in

province. The workshop was held in the Jaffna Public Library Auditorium on 10th October. The main

participants were the district administrative and technical staff and some CBO. There were 69

participants at this workshop which was inaugurated by the Additional District Secretary Jaffna.

50

3) A Gender and Water Dialogue was held for the first time in the Northern Province of Vavuniya.

The two day event was organised by SLWP in collaboration with the District Secretary Vavuniya. 34

Participants attended the two day workshop conducted in Tamil. Participants were mid level

technical officers and representatives of NGO/CBO. Resource persons include two from Colombo

including from NetWwater and the Open University. Provincial heads of the Water Supply and

Drainage Board and Health authorities provided local resource support. This will lead to expansion

of the SLWP programme including the schools programme to the North and East of the country,

which were not undertaken due to the security situation prevailing earlier.

4) Publications. 1000 copies of Tamil version of School Sanitation Booklet and poster for distribution

in Central Province was received to be distributed along with Sinhala version received earlier. Both

versions were supported by SLWP Partner Brandix Ltd which met all printing costs. These will be

presented to provincial education authorities on 7th November along with School Sanitation Survey

Report on Central Province carried out by SLWP and NetWwater.

SOUTHEAST ASIA

1. Expert Dialogue on Strategic Issues on Urban Water Management in Indonesia

On 19 October 2011, Indonesia Water Partnership in cooperation with Directorate

General of Water Resources and the National Development Planning Board

(BAPPENAS), organized the “Expert Dialogue on Strategic Issues on Urban Water

Management in Indonesia” in Aryaduta Hotel- Jakarta Indonesia.

Opening Speech by Chair of InaWP Executive Board, DR.M Amron. (in the middle).

Accompanied by Dr. Donny Azdan, Director of Water and Irrigation, National

51

Development Planning (BAPPENAS) (on the left) and Ir. Achmadi Partowijoto, Chairman

of InaWP Steering Board (on the right)

A good Urban Water Management is required for the provision of water management

services in the “Cities of the Future”. Breakthrough on interdisciplinary and integrated

approach needs to be formulated by experts to accelerate change towards a more

sustainable city in the future.

The Objective of the workshop is to formulate strategic policy on urban water

management that may cover not only technical but also social, economic, environmental

and other non technical matters.

The workshop consists of three main activities, i.e.:

(1) Paper presentation from several cities mainly Jakarta, Medan, and Surabaya;

(2) Discussion of experts, and

(3) Formulation of draft of strategic policy on urban water management.

52

Participants were totally 35 persons from government, local government, research and

development, university, consultants and related national and international organizations.

2. 23rd Steering Committee Meeting

The GWP SEA 23rd Steering Committee Meeting was held in the United Nations Convention

Center (UNCC), Bangkok-Thailand on 19-20th September 2011.

The following are the main topics of the SC meeting;

a. Reporting and Review of Strategy 2009-2013 from each Country Water Partnership based

on 2011 Work plan;

b. Proposal for GWP SEA Statute Amendments;

c. Discussion of long term home of GWP-SEA;

d. Preparation for South East Asia Water Forum4 (SEA WF4);

e. Preparation for 2012 Work plan

f. other matters.

After the meeting, all steering committee members had an opportunity to visit AIT (Asia

Institute of Technology) Water Center.

53

3. Visit to AIT (Asian Institute of Technology)

The purpose of GWPSEA visit is to get acquainted with new developments at AIT

especially in water area and to explore possibilities of collaborative activities in the

region.

The SC were warmly welcome by

Prof. Sudip Rakshit, VPAA and a

brief presentation on AIT AWARE

Center by Dr. Mukand S. Babel,

WEM, FoS Coordinator, SET.

4. Workshop On “EVALUATION OF THE STATUS OF IWRM IMPLEMENTATION IN

SOUTHEAST ASIA 2000 -2010 – IN RESPECT TO POLICY, LEGAL AND

INSTITUTIONAL ASPECTS” Bangkok – Thailand.

54

GWPSEA held a workshop in the United Nations Convention Center (UNCC), Bangkok

to evaluate how IWRM has been implemented in Southeast Asia in the last 10 years.

The specific objectives are to analyze and identify situations of status of water resources

policy, legal framework, institutional framework, to analyze issues in water resources

management, development and utilization and to study options for solutions.

The main program of the workshop is

presentation and discussion of country papers on evaluation of the status of IWRM

implementation 2000 -2010. The country papers were prepared by respective CWPs

through mobilization of their IWRM experts and through involvement of all

stakeholders in national level workshops.

55

5. The Third Expert Group Meeting (3EGM) on Monitoring of Investment and Results

(MIR) in the Water Sector in Asia and the Pacific.

Following the 23rd SC Meeting, all GWP SEA SC Member, attended The Third Expert

Group Meeting (3EGM) on Monitoring of Investment and Results (MIR) in the Water

Sector in Asia and the Pacific, organized by the United Nations Economic and Social

Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP), in collaboration with the Global Water

Partnership Southeast Asia (GWP-SEA), in Bangkok, Thailand on 22 and 23 September

2011.

The Objective of this 3EGM is to

provide a platform to review and

discuss the modalities for MIR in

Water Sector in Asia and the

Pacific in which will include

reviewing the progress made since

the previous EGMs in achieving

water-related MDG goals. The

3EGM will also discuss on possible

generic "Strategic Framework of

Action Plans" on MIR in the water

sector.

The output of this 3EGM will help frame the discussion on MIR at the Second Asia Pacific

Water Summit (2APWS), which is co-organized by the Royal Thai Government and Asia

Pacific Water Forum (APWF) in Bangkok, February

2012. ESCAP is a partner within APWF.

The participants in the Group Meeting are; The Steering Committee Members of the

Global Water Partnership-Southeast Asia, national policymakers in the water sector,

experts from International Organizations, civil society, NGOs, other research institutions,

as well as academia.

WEST AFRICA

1- GWP West Africa successfully held a regional consultation meeting on the “joint

management of ground waters in West Africa”. This meeting held on 26 & 27 October in

Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) was meant to start the process to a regional dialogue on the

issue of ground waters. The issue of groundwater is a very important one for West Africa

noticeably the Sahel countries and because of insufficient knowledge of their quantity and

quality, engaging a real dialogue at the regional level can contribute to their peaceful

management. West Africa has ten aquifers and some countries in the region have no other

alternative water resources than ground water, which must be managed efficiently with the

participation of all development actors. GWP West Africa since two years is engaged in a

process that has led some of its partners like UNESCO to convene a meeting in April 2009 a

meeting including GEF, OSS, AfDB, etc. in Paris in order to raise some consensus on the

process towards a regional dialogue. The Ouagadougou meeting gathered participants from

West African countries, regional development and integration organisations, river basin

56

organisations and development partners. The representative of the Minister of Agriculture

and Hydraulics of Burkina at the opening ceremony expressed his pleasure to see people

gathered for this “regional consultation workshop that tends to look for necessary synergies

to initiate a regional dialogue on the joint management of groundwater in West Africa”. He

added that “such a dialogue, if launched, should induce effective uptake of groundwater in

national and regional water management policies (at the level of state, regional integration

organizations, Basin Organizations), paying particular attention to transboundary aquifers.

This great Initiative of Global Water Partnership and its partners is to be welcomed and

encouraged”.

A lot of presentations were made with experience sharing from other regions including India

and fruitful debates followed. Three working groups came up with very important guidelines

which will be incorporated as recommendations and roadmap to the regional dialogue on the

joint management of the ground water resources in West Africa. ECOWAS Water resources

coordination center is supporting the whole process including the Interstate Committee to

fight drought in the Sahel (CILSS), the West Africa Monetary and Economic Union

(UEMOA). The financial support of the regional workshop came from UN Economic

Commission for Africa’s African Climate Policy Center (ACPC), FAO, UEMOA and GWP-

WA.

2- The Steering Committee of GWP West Africa met on 28 October 2011 in Ouagadougou for its

ordinary meeting. The SC members examined and approved after some debates working

documents presented by the Secretariat. These documents include the PIWAG reports

(progress, external review and financial), the interim progress and financial reports for GWP

WA core budget and the work plan and draft budget for 2012. Because of financial constraints

this year, the SC members agreed to post pone the organisation of the regional Consulting

Partners meeting in 2012. Recommendations were made for the setting up of an ad hoc

committee that will review the statutory texts and take into account some new evolution of

the partnership. These amendments will be presented to the Partners meeting for approval.

The SC meeting was preceded by preparatory meetings by the regional TEC and the finance

and budget subcommittee. Results of both meetings were presented to the meeting. This

Steering Committee meeting was extended to Chairs of Country Water Partnerships as well

as members of the regional TEC.