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Conservation of ecosystems services and water security

Gabriela Grau

Senior Network Officer

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content

1. Ecosystems within the GWP framework

2. Ecosystems and WS – some key challenges

3. Important basic considerations for GWP’s strategic engagement around this theme

4. Why focusing on ecosystem services?

5. Types of programme components – strategic focus and expected results

6. Key allies and initiatives we plan to work with

7. Roadmap…

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Ecosystems within GWP’s institutional framework

Rio 92 (GWPO) Rio+10 (IWRM target) Rio+20 (IWRM re-ratified)

GWPO Statutes: Article 2, (2) The objective of the Network is to develop and promote the principles of integrated water resources management…

IWRM: “is a process which promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources in order to maximise economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems and the environment”

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Ecosystems within GWP’s institutional framework

Our Vision: A water secure world

Water security: “the availability of an acceptable quantity and quality of water for health, livelihoods, ecosystems and production, coupled with an acceptable level of water-related risk to people, environments and economies”

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Ecosystems and WS – some key challenges

• climate change ability to deliver services & < resilient.• progressive degradation UN MEA “the degradation of

ecosystem services could grow significantly worse during the first half of the century and is a barrier to achieving MDGs and could be for SDGs also”

• Limited recognition of sust. use of ecosystems at the heart of WRM and sust. dev.

• Poor water governance• Demographic growth & increased demand of water

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ENERGY

FOODFOOD

URBAN WATERS

INDUSTRY

Ecosystems and WS – some key challenges

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Important basic considerations for GWP’s strategic engagement on this theme

1. Preservation vs conservation

2. No focus on any particular ecosystem services

3. Avoid overlaps and duplication

4. Develop synergies and cooperation

5. Not fragmentation BUT strengthening our focus on ecosystems as an essential element of IWRM processes that is at the core of water security.

Why focusing on ecosystem services for WS?The IWRM definition…

Source: GWP (2000). TEC Background Paper # 4.

• Enabling environment

• Institutional roles

• Management instruments

WATER SECURITY

Cross-sectoral integrationDecision makers and social change actors (education, finance, health, foreign affairs...)

Water in quantity & quality for all users Resilience to climate change effects

Human and economic development for all: health, livelihoods and access to the basics for a good life, social peace, national prosperity...

Water for

people

Water for

food

Water for

energy

Water for

nature

Water for

other uses

WS

= EN

DIW

RM =

MEA

N

Why focusing on ecosystem services for WS?“Evolution” of IWRM concept…

Why focusing on ecosystem services for WS?What are “ecosystem services”…

• Enabling environment

• Institutional roles

• Management instruments

WATER SECURITY

Cross-sectoral integrationDecision makers and social change actors (education, finance, health, foreign affairs...)

Water in quantity & quality for all users Resilience to climate change effects

Human and economic development for all: health, livelihoods and access to the basics for a good life, social peace, national prosperity...

Water for

people

Water for

food

Water for

energy

Water for

nature

Water for

other uses

WS

= EN

DIW

RM =

MEA

N

Why focusing on ecosystem services for WS?

Secure water for all sectoral needs

Cons

erva

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cosy

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s ”N

atur

e fo

r wat

er”

Prov

isio

ning

/ Re

gula

ting

/ Cu

ltura

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uppo

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Types of programme componentsGWP Goals Outcome Challenges Goal 1: Catalyse change in policy and practise

  

1. The GWP network actively and effectively approaches politicians, legislators and key relevant actors to advocate and promote due consideration to the conservation of ecosystem services as an essential element of water security.

2. The R/CWP have managed to engage and influence politicians, legislators, and relevant actors to incorporate the ecosystems dimension in formal and non-formal agreements that have been developed with key partners.

Goal 2: Generate and communicate knowledge

1. Key global/regional/national knowledge partners join efforts to promote the generation and dissemination of information on the social and economic value of ecosystems services and water security.

2. Global/regional/national partner organisations support the development of capacities of key stakeholders to enable the integration of ecosystems as an essential aspect to achieve water security.

3. Increased capacity of key governmental actors to support the promotion and establishment of payments for environmental services as a means to support the conservation of ecosystem services.

Goal 3: Strengthen the partnerships

1. The Network’s capacity to understand and effectively advocate for the conservation of ecosystem services is strengthened.

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We are not starting afresh...CWPs experience

KM• GWPO BP#9 (2003, Water Mgt and Ecosystems) and PP#3

(2012, Water in Green Economy)• RWP publications (CACENA; CEE; CAM, SAM, WAF...)• IWRM ToolBox

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Some activities planned for 2014-2016

1. Support the dev. and dissemination of key documents advocacy• TEC - the role of ecosystems in water security and sust. dev.• “Andean Amazon, water for life and life for waters” - focus on ES• The economic case for floods and droughts mitigation.• The economic cost of inaction - contribution of ecosystems mgt to

generate resilience and sust. dev.• Establishment of water funds for ecosystem services conservation.

2. Enhance the ToolBox increased visibility of the role of ecosystem services in IWRM processes and the improvement of water security.

3. Present GWP successful initiatives related to ecosystems and water security in strategic events/fora.

4. Build alliances with at least three international organisations working on ecosystem services.

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Key allies and initiatives

• UNEP - Ecosystem Management Programme • UNDP - Biodiversity and Ecosystems Global Framework 12-20• World Wide Fund for Nature (several GWP Partners)• RAMSAR Convention -TEEB• CGIAR • Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) - knowledge/science for policy

dev• International Rivers Foundation (IRF)• Ecosystem Services Partnership• The Nature Conservancy • IUCN (GWP Partner) • OECD – the cost of inaction…

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Thank you!

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