Monthly Report Global Water Partnership February 2012 Table of contents NewsFlow March 2012 .......................................................................................................................................... 2 CARIBBEAN ................................................................................................................................................ 7 CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE .................................................................................................................................. 17 CENTRAL AFRICA....................................................................................................................................................... 19 CHINA ..................................................................................................................................................................... 21 EASTERN AFRICA....................................................................................................................................................... 21 SOUTH ASIA ............................................................................................................................................................. 22 SOUTHEAST ASIA ...................................................................................................................................................... 38 WEST AFRICA ........................................................................................................................................................... 40
Transcript
Monthly Report
Global Water Partnership
February 2012
Table of contents
NewsFlow March 2012 .......................................................................................................................................... 2
CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE .................................................................................................................................. 17 CENTRAL AFRICA ....................................................................................................................................................... 19 CHINA ..................................................................................................................................................................... 21 EASTERN AFRICA ....................................................................................................................................................... 21 SOUTH ASIA ............................................................................................................................................................. 22 SOUTHEAST ASIA ...................................................................................................................................................... 38 WEST AFRICA ........................................................................................................................................................... 40
Green Box
Text
NewsFlow March 2012 First Practical Guide of Water Management in Latvia
GWP Latvia and GWP Partner Daugavas Savieniba have prepared new guidelines for the restoration of water streams. The guidelines are a first attempt in the country to explain practical practical tips for river management
activities on different scales, embracing both low cost local activities, as well medium scale multipurpose projects. The guidelines address major problems such as pollution by nitrogen and phosphorus, sedimentation, and deterioration of buffer zones around streams. Read more: http://www.gwp.org/en/GWP-CEE/gwp-cee-in-action/news-and-activities/gwp-latvia-develops-river-management-guidelines/
Working Toward Transparency in Nepal
GWP Nepal and the Water Integrity Network (WIN) has undertaken a project, "Assessment of the Morang Drinking Water Supply Corporation Functionality of the Water Supply Services", to inform service providers and consumers about transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Morang Water Supply System (MWSS). The Morang District is one of the seventy-five districts of Nepal covering an area of 1,855 km² with a population of 843,220. Read more: A meeting to share findings of the study was held on 25th February in Biratnagar, Nepal. The presentations were followed by discussion by representatives from Biratnagar Water Supply Corporation (Service Provider) and consumers from 17 wards of the municipality. Both parties agreed to form a Joint Co-ordination Committee who will jointly monitor the service, share the problems and make joint plans for improvement and co-ordinate with the municipality. The program is an important step in developing a capacity to share knowledge and strengthen water integrity in the region.
Water Stakeholders Focus on IWRM Implementation in Trinidad and Tobago
Representatives from government ministries, NGOs and community-based organisations convened on February 15th, 2012, for the 8th Integrated Water Resources Management Stakeholder Meeting put on by the Water and Sewerage Authority and the Water Resources Agency of Trinidad and Tobago. Since the IWRM Stakeholder Meetings began in November 2009, they have maintained the objective to implement IWRM, facilitate a sustainable water supply, and resolve issues and challenges in the water sector. Read more: http://www.gwp.org/en/GWP-Caribbean/GWP-C-IN-ACTION/News-and-Activities/Water-Stakeholders-Focus-on-IWRM-Implementation-in-Trinidad-and-Tobago-/
New Handbook for Integrated Water Resources Management in the Basins of Transboundary Rivers, Lakes and Aquifers
Financial Planning for Water Supply and Sanitation in Cameroon
Strategic financial planning is a means to assess financing needs and match them to financing sources in a structured way to fill the gap in funds over a period of time based on different future scenarios. An approach to strategic financial planning for the water supply and sanitation sector called FEASIBLE has been developed by the OECD. It was applied with support from the GWP-hosted EUWI-FWG and the ACP-EU Water Facility in Lesotho during 2008-2010. A specific training course was organised in Douala, Cameroon, in February 2012 at the request of GWP Central Africa as a follow up to the Central African Workshop on Water Financing in June 2010. Read more: The purpose was to provide initial training in strategic financial planning for the water supply and sanitation sector, using experiences from the project in Lesotho. There were 15 participants from Cameroon, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo and São Tomé and Principe representing government departments (senior officials from the ministries in charge of water and finance/economic planning) and water utilities. The training focused on practical guidance for implementation of strategic financial planning. The principal lecturer, Johan Holmberg, past chair of EUWI-FWG and past GWP executive secretary, said that participation was lively and participants expressed interest in further assistance in this area. “This is clearly an area where more support from the EUWI and other sources would be justified,” he added. The training was carried out with the support of EUWI-FWG, GWP Central Africa and CapNet. Strategic financial planning was also included in a CapNet training course in Mombasa, Kenya in November 2011. GWP at the World Water Forum 2012 GWP participated actively in the 6th World Water Forum in Marseille 2012. Pictures and programme can be found here: http://www.gwp.org/en/gwp-in-action/Events/6th-World-Water-Forum/ The Water World Speaks with One Voice http://globalwaterpartnership.wordpress.com/2012/03/13/water-world-speaks-with-one-voice/ GWP celebrates World Water Day 2012 Dr. Ania Grobicki, GWP Executive Secretary, spoke at a World Water Day press conference at the United Nations in New York, calling on governments to recommit to IWRM and Water Efficiency Plans at the Rio+20 Conference in June 2012. GWP Calls for Recommitment to IWRM Plans at Rio+20 The GWP network celebrated the World Water Day with activities such as a photo contest, water walks, water debates, competition among school pupils on water use, and public meetings on water management.
DENR spearheads World Water Day celebration (The Online Zambogea Times, The Philippines) http://www.zambotimes.com/archives/45221-DENR-spearheads-World-Water-Day-celebration.html
Central and Eastern Europe GWP Latvia and its partner Daugavas Savieniba prepare guidelines for restoration of water streams. (Case Study No. 412) http://www.gwptoolbox.org/index.php?option=com_case&id=300&Itemid=47
Coming events
1 April 2012: Call for entries on WASH Media Awards, http://www.wsscc.org/media/wash-media-awards/2011-2012.
10-14 April, 2012, India Water Week, New Delhi
13-18 April, 2012 Water Security, Risk and Society, St Hugh’s College, University of Oxford, UK
http://www.eci.ox.ac.uk/watersecurity/
20 April 2012, 7th Annual General Meeting of GWP Caribbean
25-26 April 2012, Third workshop on water and adaptation to climate change in transboundary basins: Making adaptation work, Geneva, Switzerland
13-18 May 2012, IWA World Congress on Water, Climate and Energy 2012, Dublin, Ireland, http://iwa-wcedublin.org
20-24 May 2012, 4th Africa Water Week, Cairo, Egypt
22-25 May 2012, Green Week in Brussels is dedicated to water http://ec.europa.eu/environment/greenweek/
1-3 May 2012, Mekong2Rio International Conference on Transboundary River Basin Management, Phuket, Thailand www.mrcmekong.org
5-8 June 2012, Global Symposium, The 1997 UN Watercourses Convention – What Relevance in the 21st Century?, University of Dundee, Scotland, UK, : http://www.dundee.ac.uk/water/unwc/
11-14 June, 2012, 3rd Annual International Law and Transboundary Freshwaters Workshop 2012, GWP/Dundee University, Scotland, UK, http://www.dundee.ac.uk/water/workshop/ 20-22 June 2012, Rio+20, United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2-4 July 2012 Global Action Networks, MOPAN (Multi-Organisational Partnerships, Alliances and Networks), Wageningen University, The Netherlands
New Resources
The triennial World Water Development Report (WWDR) http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/environment/water/wwap/
Water and Climate Change Adaptation in the Americas; Solutions from the Regional Policy Dialog (RPD)”. It is available in English http://waterclimatechange.org/en/index.php and Spanish http://waterclimatechange.org/es/index.php
New OECD video on water policy, based on recent OECD publications/research. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbCwZyJEb8Y
Southeast Asia Evaluation of the Status of IWRM Implementation books (Vol 1 & 2), GWP South Asia
No one Left Behind - Good practices to ensure equitable access to water and sanitation in the pan-European region (ECE/WHO) http://www.unece.org/index.php?id=29255
New Perspectives for the Management of Water Projects, Models and applications from 8 transboundary water projects http://oxyo-water.com/publications GWP Slovakia Launches Sustainable Sanitation Study http://www.gwp.org/en/GWP-CEE/gwp-cee-in-action/news-and-activities/sustainable-sanitation-study/
Prizes and calls
GWP Caribbean Media Awards on Water, deadline 11 April 2012
http://www.gwp.org/GWP-Caribbean/GWP-C-IN-ACTION/News-and-Activities/GWP-C-Media-Awards-on-Water/. Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) welcomes applications for the position of Executive Director http://www.siwi.org/sa/node.asp?node=404
GWP Regions CARIBBEAN Activities GWP-C Shares Knowledge on Rainwater Harvesting in Rural Community Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) has steadily continued building awareness on the usefulness of rainwater harvesting and the importance of water conservation with the help of its Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) model which was developed in late 2010. Since the development of the model, GWP-C has been able to use it as an educational tool in the region and at a number of public exhibitions in rural communities. One such event was the Tabaquite Community Science Week held in Trinidad on February 6th - 11th, 2012. The Community Science Week is an initiative of GWP-C’s partner, the National Institute of Higher Education Research, Science and Technology (NIHERST) aimed at promoting science education in rural communities in a fun, creative and meaningful way. Taking into account the expected target groups that would visit the Community Science Week, apart from displaying its RWH Model and using it has a tool to share information on the benefits of rainwater harvesting, GWP-C wanted to ensure that it developed educational material for a wide cross-section of stakeholders. These stakeholders included:
Students (primary, secondary and tertiary level)
Teachers (at the primary and secondary school levels)
Representatives from government ministries/agencies
Representatives from non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
Members from community groups
Residents from Tabaquite and surrounding areas With the use of its RWH model, GWP-C was able to explain to students and visitors how a RWH system works in an interactive way. While the water in the model was channeled through the rainwater harvesting system, students, teachers and other visitors were asked various questions related to the processes taking place.
The GWP-C exhibition booth at the Tabaquite Community Science Week
on
February 6th - 11th, 2012 in Trinidad.
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When the water in the system fell on the roof on to the guttering, students were able to identify reasons why the initial run-off would be contaminated. What is somewhat unique to the GWP-C rainwater harvesting model that is not common to a typical RWH system is the first-flush diverter. The first-flush diverter is part of the downpipe configured to remove the initial wash off the roof so it does not enter the water tank. This allows the first flow of water containing roof debris to settle at the bottom of the downpipe with the cleaner water settling on top, allowing clean water to enter the tank. After explanations of the first-flush device, students and other visitors were able to explain the process in the device themselves and explain its benefit on a RWH system. Flyers on the various components of the RWH system were shared with students and other visitors, particularly on the first-flush device and its role in protecting water quality. A question and answer game on the uses of rainwater was played with many of the primary school students at the Science Week; students that answered correctly were given stickers on ways rainwater can be used and ways to conserve water. Teachers that visited the GWP-C display at the Science Week were all given a GWP-C Water Education Package which included water conservation tips; water education activities for the classroom; and online water education resources. Other material shared at the event included GWP-C flyers, RWH posters, RWH bookmarks and water conservation bookmarks.
Cross-section of the GWP-C Rainwater
Harvesting model at the Tabaquite
Community Science Week, showing the
various components of the model including
the first-flush diverter.
Some of the students that visited the GWP-C booth to learn about rainwater harvesting and
water conservation.
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The Community Science Week afforded GWP-C the opportunity to share knowledge on rainwater harvesting and water conservation with more than 800 students, over 40 teachers and more than 200 other visitors over the week-long period. Follow-up Actions
GWP-C to conduct a Monitoring and Evaluation (M & E) exercise in at least four months (June 2012) to assess how the Water Education Packages given to teachers have been utilised in the classroom since the Tabaquite Community Science Week.
Water Stakeholders Focus on IWRM Implementation in Trinidad and Tobago Representatives from government ministries, non-governmental organanisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) all convened on February 15th, 2012 for the 8th Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Stakeholder Meeting put on by the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) and the Water Resources Agency (WRA) of Trinidad and Tobago. Since the IWRM Stakeholder Meetings began on November 25th, 2009, it has maintained its objectives to implement IWRM, facilitate a sustainable water supply, and resolve issues and challenges in the water sector in Trinidad and Tobago. With the involvement of a wide cross-section of stakeholders in the country, progress has been made in the IWRM Stakeholder Meetings in selecting key IWRM focus areas in relation to the water sector needs of the country. These critical areas include:
1. Watershed Management 2. Wastewater Standards 3. On-Farm Water Management 4. Public Education and Awareness 5. Information Management
The 8th Meeting provided an opportunity to review the IWRM meetings and activities put on by the WRA and the WASA in 2011. Among those activities highlighted was the national IWRM Media Orientation workshop put on by the WRA, the WASA and the Global Water Partnership-
Cross-section of stakeholders at the 8th Integrated Water Resources Management
(IWRM) Stakeholder Meeting held in Trinidad on February 15th, 2012.
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Caribbean (GWP-C) in March 2011 in Trinidad. The workshop helped to educate and sensitise local media practitioners on the importance of reporting on water issues in the country. In light of the activities undertaken to work towards IWRM implementation in the country, the 8th IWRM Stakeholder Meeting sought to continue to build on these efforts by critically examining the five major IWRM focus areas so that stakeholders could develop projects within them. Stakeholders were split-up into five sub-groups and were given the choice of deciding which of the five IWRM focus areas they wanted to be a part of and work with throughout the year. The following is an overview of some of the initial project ideas presented by the working groups at the meeting:
Watershed Management
This group discussed potential watershed protection projects and looked at exploring a database
collation initiative on watersheds in Trinidad and Tobago. They explained that they would identify
relevant stakeholders in the country for information and analyse gaps where the WASA and NGOs
have missed.
Wastewater Standards
This group looked at developing potential projects on wastewater re-use and pre-treatment
standards.
On-Farm Water Management
The on-farm water management group discussed the need to focus on water for agriculture and
pushed the idea that farmers should pay for water. They also pitched the idea of developing
communal ponds that could store a large amount of water as a short-term measure on farms. They
also placed emphasis on optimising on-site storage.
Public Education and Awareness
This working group explored various project ideas in building greater awareness on IWRM among
stakeholders at all levels. Some of the ideas explored included:
- Developing an IWRM/water calendar which would include water facts and information on
IWRM.
- Developing a promotional campaign on IWRM and getting a public figure from Trinidad
and Tobago to endorse it.
- Going to village/community meetings and sharing knowledge on IWRM with residents.
Information Management
This working group proposed the idea of developing a “National Information Database” on
IWRM.
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GWP-C’s Regional Coordinator, Ms. Avril Alexander and Communications Officer, Ms. Gabrielle Lee Look participated in the meeting, contributing to the Watershed Management and Public Education and Awareness working groups. Apart from the constructive working group sessions, stakeholders at the meeting were enlightened about the WASA’s “Adopt a River” project which it aims to fully implement this year. Mr. Wayne Clement, Manager of the Water Resources Agency (WRA) who presented on the initiative, explained that the programme’s main objective is to bring awareness to local watershed issues and to facilitate the participation of public sector entities in sustainable and holistic projects aimed at improving the status of rivers and their watersheds in Trinidad and Tobago. The “Adopt a River” project when officially launched can seamlessly feed into some of the IWRM projects proposed by the stakeholder working groups as the programme will allow interested stakeholders to choose a watershed and design a project or activity for that river. Within the framework of the programme this can range from community based projects, environmental awareness activities, water quality monitoring projects, among others. The 8th IWRM Stakeholder Meeting also included presentations from the Environmental Management Authority (EMA) on “Water Quality Standards: The Approach to Developing Water Quality Standards for Trinidad and Tobago” and the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries on “Building Partnerships, Protecting Our Natural Environment.” Mr. Wayne Rajkumar from the EMA engaged stakeholders on the need to develop Water Quality Standards (WQS) for the country, looking at the justification of developing them and getting stakeholders’ feedback on the steps to be considered in moving forward with this plan. Mr. Rajkumar highlighted some of the major responsibilities of the EMA, noting the development of ambient water quality standards and the development and implementation of a Water Pollution and Management Programme. Moreover, he stressed the need to develop WQS for the country stating the following reasons:
Stakeholders are seen here in sub-groups discussing potential IWRM projects to be implemented this
year.
Mr. Wayne Clement, Manager of the Water
Resources Agency (WRA) is seen here speaking to
stakeholders on the “Adopt a River” project.
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- To protect and improve water quality end of pipe quality standards. - WQS for inland, coastal area waters are generally non-existent but necessary.
Essentially, the EMA representative explained that for the WQS to be developed it would require the support of IWRM stakeholders and other agencies. Stakeholders provided feedback on the WQS plan and interest was expressed in working with the EMA to help them achieve its mandate in protecting the water quality standards in the country. The other presenter, Mr. Beharry, Director of the Ministry of Energy and Energy industries spoke to stakeholders about the Ministry’s responsibility in the management of Quarry Industry and its expectations of quarry operations. Stakeholder discussions and efforts towards IWRM implementation in Trinidad and Tobago will continue at the 9th IWRM Stakeholder Meeting scheduled for May 2012. Follow-up Actions
- Working groups are to schedule meetings to further discuss and plan how and what IWRM projects they intend to implement this year.
- Working groups will report on their activities and plans at the next IWRM Stakeholder Meeting in May 2012
GWP-C Aims to Inspire Caribbean Journalists to Report More on Water Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) launched its first “Media Awards on Water” on March 5th, 2012 to inspire Caribbean journalists to report more on water issues in the region. The idea to establish the Media Awards on Water was also partly inspired by GWP-C wanting to commemorate the United Nations’ World Water Day (WWD) which is observed across the globe on March 22nd each year. GWP-C recognises the critical importance of the media in its ability to advocate and its influence in sharing knowledge on water issues. Through its Media Awards on Water, GWP-C aims to not only raise awareness on sustainable water management in the region but provide an avenue for journalists to be creative and enthused to tell stories on real water issues taking place in the Caribbean. The Awards which are open to journalists in the areas of print, television, radio and multimedia challenge them to produce original material on the 2012 WWD theme “Water and Food Security” or any of the topics lists below:
Water in Crisis Water Conservation
Water and Environment Water for All
Water and Poverty Water Use Efficiency in Agriculture
Water and Health Climate Change
Water and Sanitation Population Growth and Increased Demand for Water
Water Financing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)
The GWP-C Secretariat along with an appropriate panel of experts based on the competition’s themes will decide upon the winners of the competition. The overall winner of the GWP-C Media
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Awards on Water will receive US$750 and a commemorative plaque and two additional prizes of US$250 will be awarded to two other outstanding entries. The Awards end on April 10th, 2012. New GWP-C Partner GWP-C welcomes the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA) as a partner. The APUA is fully responsible for the management of Antigua’s water resources. Being the sole utility organisation of the country, the APUA is unique as it is also responsible for the provision of electricity, and telecommunications services (landlines, internet and cell phones) on the island. The overall objective of the APUA is to nurture the sustainable economic, environmental and social development of the nation by providing electrical power; telecommunication and water services affordably and reliably. GWP-C Releases the First Issue of Its Newsletter for 2012 GWP-C Member Awarded Water Law Scholarship Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) member, Ms. Judy Daniel is one of only thirty persons from across the globe that has been awarded a scholarship through the 2012 GWP-University of Dundee International Water Law (IWL) Scholarship Programme. The scholarship will enable her to undertake a module in International Water Law at the University of Dundee in Scotland from June 11th -29th, 2012.
GWP-C released the first 2012 issue of its
newsletter “Caribbean Water Insight” on
March 8th.
In the recent issue, GWP-C focused on the
topic of “Water Financing in the Caribbean”
and highlighted the water financing
experiences of various utility companies in
the region.
Ms. Judy Daniel, GWP-C Member and 1 of 3
Caribbean applicants to receive a 2012 GWP-
University of Dundee International Water Law
Scholarship.
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Ms. Daniel is the President and Founder of Environmental Advisors Inc.; one of the first Caribbean consulting firms that concentrates on sustainable development law and environmental management. Moreover, she is an Attorney-at-Law and Environmental Management Specialist with more than twenty years of experience in the areas of policy and institutional development; natural resources and environmental planning and management; environmental law negotiations; legislative drafting; civil litigation; and regional and international legal matters. In addition to Ms. Daniel, two Caribbean nationals were also offered scholarships through the 2012 GWP-University of Dundee Water Law Scholarship Programme; Ms. Nadia Joseph of St. Lucia and Ms. Alana Lancaster of Barbados. Ms. Joseph currently serves as the President of the St. Lucia Chapter of GWP-C’s partner, the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) and is also the Climate Change Focal Point for CYEN. She is also currently pursuing her Masters in Water and Environmental Management. The other awardee, Ms. Lancaster, is an Environmental Lawyer, Educator and Natural Resource Management Specialist. She presently lecturers in the areas of Marine and Environmental and Environmental and International Law at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus in Barbados. Participants who successfully complete the module’s assessments will receive a transcript from the University of Dundee and a certificate approved by both Global Water Partnership (GWP) and the University of Dundee. Caribbean Experts Look at Establishing a Regional Climate Outlook Forum The idea of a Regional Climate Outlook Forum (RCOF) originated out of a workshop entitled “Reducing Climate-related Vulnerability” held in Southern Africa in October 1996. Almost a year later, towards the end of 1997, the first RCOF was held in Zimbabwe in Southern Africa where the idea was birthed. Since then, the RCOF has grown considerably across the globe, maintaining its objectives of stimulating the development of climate capacity in National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and to generate decisions and activities that mitigate adverse impacts of climate and help communities to adapt to climate variability. The concept of a RCOF is not new to the Caribbean region as it had been initiated more than a decade ago in 1998 but could not be sustained. This was the impetus behind the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) mobilising regional NMHSs and other stakeholders to meet at the Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CARICOF) which was held in Barbados on March 1st - 2nd, 2012 to re-introduce the forum and discuss its potential implementation in the region. The Caribbean Climate Outlook Forum (CARICOF) was supported by international organisations such as the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) who were significant contributors to the development and activities of the Regional Climate Outlook Forums (RCOFs) around the world. A key feature of the RCOF is that it brings together experts in various fields such as local meteorologists and end users of forecasts in an environment that highly encourages interaction and knowledge sharing. In the Caribbean, there has been general consensus by NMHSs and other
Ms. Judy Daniel
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stakeholders that a RCOF should be developed in the region. Two of the major justifications being:
1. At a national level NMHSs have limited capacities to prepare seasonal outlooks and engage with stakeholder agencies in their applications to decision making.
2. There has been a considerable level of ongoing activities in the Caribbean region to generate, improve and use seasonal forecasts along with available teleconnections with tropical oceanic parameters and the associated predictive skills.
The meeting comprised of a mix of presentations, panel discussions and interactive sessions on both days which facilitated learning on climate change information and experiences at the national, regional and international levels. Some of the presentations covered included Climate Outlooks and Climate Services for the Caribbean; Climate Disaster Risk Management and the Caribbean; the Regional Climate Outlook Forums Process and the Global Framework on Climate Services; among others. The panel discussions comprised of themes such as Regional Perspectives on Climate Impacts in Water and Agriculture; Climate Forecasting Tools, Training and Outreach; Making Early Warning Systems Locally Relevant; among others. Global Water Partnership-Caribbean’s (GWP-C’s) Regional Coordinator, Ms. Avril Alexander attended the forum and served as a panellist on the first discussion “Regional Perspectives on Climate Impacts in Water and Agriculture.” On the panel she discussed climate change and its relationship with water pointing out that water is a medium through which many climate change impacts will be felt such as sea-level rise and changes in rainfall patterns. She highlighted the competition amongst various sectors for water such as agriculture and tourism along with the competing cost to provide water in terms of energy related costs. Ms. Alexander also provided inputs on adaptation options for water supply on a national and regional level, identifying the development of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) plans and policies as a major action. She also suggested that water security and climate resilience/adaptation should be integrated into development planning and decision making processes in national development plans. Other participating organisations at the forum included:
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) - Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) - World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) - Barbados Water Authority (BWA) - Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) - Caribbean Farmers Network (CaFAN) - Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI) - Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) - International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) - Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) - Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CARNARI) - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) - Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) - Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) - Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) - United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) - United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
- The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, Jamaica Immediate Outcome
The forum allowed stakeholders to critically assess and determine the next steps towards the implementation of a CARICOF.
Activities of Partners CYEN Members Chosen to Attend World Youth Parliament for Water in Marseille Two Caribbean nationals, Ms. Shanaz Bacchus of Barbados and Ms. Rolissa Ballantyne of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, both members of the Caribbean Youth Environment Network (CYEN) have been selected to be among eight-five (85) young people between 18 and 23 years of age for the World Youth Parliament for Water in Marseille, France. The event which takes place from March 6th - 17th, 2012 is embodied in the framework of the 6th World Water Forum. The aim of the Youth Parliament is to enable young people to share their solutions for water, encourage youth participation in the World Water Forum's debates and start new initiatives and projects. Both Ms. Bacchus and Ms. Ballantyne have also been awarded partial scholarships to support the cost of travel to France.
Twenty-one year old Rolissa Ballantyne has been a member of CYEN in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since 2010. Rolissa is currently a member of the National Executive Committee where she serves in the capacity of Assistant Secretary / Treasurer. She is a very active participant in the organisation and has played key roles in many activities including the the St. Vincent leg of the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice (KAP) study of youth and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in the Caribbean.
Ms. Rolissa Ballantyne
Ms. Shanaz Bacchus
Twenty year old Shanaz Bacchus is an Assistant National
Coordinator of CYEN in Barbados. She joined the organisation in
June 2010 and is very active member of CYEN.
She has undertaken major roles in the implementation of the
climate change information and advocacy programme for CYEN,
as well as the KAP study on youth and Integrated Water
Resources Management (IWRM) in Barbados.
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The CYEN encouraged its members to apply to attend the World Youth Parliament for Water, based on information on the event shared by GWP-C in September 2011. GWP-C’s partner the CYEN, is the largest youth environmental network in the Caribbean, spanning over 17 territories. Upcoming Event The 7th Annual General Meeting of GWP-C The 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) is scheduled to take place on April 20th, 2012 in Grenada. The AGM is crucial to the work of GWP-C as it provides a platform for GWP-C’s partners to provide strategic direction for the network, but moreover it allows partners to identify areas for collaboration in GWP-C’s activities/projects. CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE Estonian Water Association, host institute to GWP Estonia published “The manual of waste-water treatment for individual households in rural areas”. It has been compiled and edited by members of Estonian Water Association. Printed copies (total number 2,000) were distributed to local municipalities and Regional Offices of Environmental Board. Manual is available in Estonian language in PDF.
Members of Estonian Water Association participated in the kick-off meeting of Estonian-Norwegian project “Development of data-modeling system and the decision support tool for the integrated marine and inland water management” on 27 January 2012. Project coordinator is Estonian Ministry of Environment. During the meeting, Estonian Water Association proposed to take over coordination of the project publicity. Members of Estonian Water Association members made 4 presentations at Estonian-Latvian Expert Meeting on aspects of the river basin management planning (Kouva River Basin) in Pärnu on 31 January - 1 February 2012. Project coordinator is Baltic Environmental Forum. GWP Hungary organized the first round of the Danube Box on-line competition 2012. GWP Hungary greeted Mr. Árpád Göncz patron of GWPCEE during the early 2000's, at the occasion of his 90th birthday. http://www.gwp.org/en/GWP-CEE/gwp-cee-in-action/news-and-activities/Arpad-Goncz-90th-anniversary/ GWP Hungary made preparations for the celebration of World Water Day (24-25 March) in cooperation with the Budapest Water Works and the Budapest Zoo. GWP Hungary nominated Ms Edit Nagy Secretary General of the Hungarian Water Utility association for the Stockholm Industry Water Award jury. The design of the new website of GWP Hungary has been completed and only administrative procedure is needed to launch the site. GWP Latvia and its partner non governmental organization Daugavas Savieniba prepared a new guideline for practical restoration of water streams. Need for such guidance came up during implementation of a pilot project in the Venta and Vitrupe River basins where several challenges related to ecological, hydro-chemical and morphological features of rivers emerged. The
Guidelines, available in Latvian language, is the first attempt in the country to explain practical methods of river basin management. It addresses major problems of Latvian streams such as pollution by nitrogen and phosphorus, sedimentation, deterioration of buffer zones around streams and others. It also provides examples of innovative yet traditional methods tested during previous projects including “Place a Stone in the Stream” initiative utilizing stones to mitigate climate change and ensure survival of aquatic species threatened by lack of oxygen due to higher water temperature. Well placed stones slow down water flow and create favorable living conditions for water fauna. http://www.gwp.org/en/GWP-CEE/gwp-cee-in-action/news-and-activities/gwp-latvia-develops-river-management-guidelines/ CWP Romania participated in bilateral Romania-Italy Conference dedicated to the Danube Strategy on 8 February 2012 at the hotel Marriott in Bucharest. Main aim was to identify areas of possible cooperation between Romanian institutions involved in flagship projects already proposed for four priority areas of the lower Danube Region and Italian institutions represented by Chambers of Commerce such as CONFINDUSTRIA, UNIONCAMERE etc. Involvement of organizations like GWP, WWF, REC which can provide their expertise and capacity was discussed during workshops and also in the plenary session. GWP Romania will follow up discussion with Romanian Danube Strategy Focal Point about possible involvement of Country Water Partnership in future projects. GWP Romania disseminated translations of GWP publications “Handbook for Integrated Water Resources Management in Basins“, “GWP Strategy for 2009-2013”, TEC 15 “Social Equity and Integrated Water Resources Management” and “Financing for Water and Sanitation –a Primer for Practitioners and Students in Developing Countries” to Water Authorities Directorates and universities. In frame of Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP), national experts from Bulgaria, Hungary, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Ukraine continued preparations of a status report on drought management and monitoring in Central and Eastern Europe and submitted proposals for regional IDMP follow up. GWP Regional Secretariat started preparation of Danube Art Master 2012 competition for kids aged 6-19 supported by International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River and Green Danube Partnership with Coca Cola Hellenic and The Coca Cola Company. Contribution to publications presented at 6th World Water Forum Galia Bardarska and Liviu Nicolae Popescu of GWP Bulgaria and Romania made contributions to publication “New perspectives for the management of water projects: Models and applications from 8 trans-boundary projects” which will be presented at 6th World Water Forum. Specifically, the contribution mentions IWRM definition according to GWP (p.29), GWP IWRM book (Reference 45) and GWP ToolBox (p. 162). Publisher: Oxyo Water, France. Authors: Emeline Hassenforder, Pierre Daniel and Benjamin Noury
Galia Bardarska on behalf of GWP CEE made a contribution to book “No one left behind: Good practices to ensure equitable access to water and sanitation in the pan-European region” printed in English, French and Russian. The World Health Organization estimates that 13,000 children under the age of 14 die every year in the region from water-related diarrhoea, mostly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It is an outcome of active participating in ad hoc working group for preparation of the publication under Water and Health Protocol. Two boxes are about GWP CEE sustainable sanitation book and GWP Slovakia project in Richnava Village. Publishers are United
Nations Economic Commission for Europe and World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe. The book will be launched during 6th World Water Forum. GWP Slovenia and GWP CEE Chair Martina Zupan have been asked by Bart Fokkens, Chairman of the European Centre for River Restoration (ECRR) to participate in the project Restore. At the workshop held in November 2011 in Ljubljana, Martina Zupan had a presentation of the methods used by the GWP in education and public awareness raising, including the Toolbox. The presentation was very well received by participants and the result is reflected in the report prepared for the 6th WWF. GWP is included as a partner to the project target action. Intentionally, there is the mentioned GWP and not GWP CEE, as it is expected that other regions will also cooperate, not only GWP CEE countries (Armenia, a pilot project). Martina Zupan was invited to prepare a presentation on the education at the 6th WWF session Specific European Region Priority Target 9, Protection and restoration of river ecosystems. Since she did not have the opportunity to participate, she agreed with Danka Thalmeinerova to present GWP and GWP CEE activities. CENTRAL AFRICA Training course in strategic financial planning for water and sanitation in Central Africa, Douala 1 – 3 February 2012 1. Summary A workshop on strategic financial planning for the water supply and sanitation sector was held in Douala, Cameroun, on 1 – 3 February 2012. The workshop was held at the request of GWP Central Africa. It was financed by the EUWI Finance Working Group, CapNet and GWP Central Africa. There were 15 participants from Cameroon, Republic of Congo, São Tomé and Principe, and the Central African Republic. The workshop covered contextual and theoretical aspects of Strategic Financial Planning as well as practical experiences from a completed SFP project in Lesotho. Participants were given guidance on how to launch a SFP process. The participants’ evaluations of the workshop were generally very positive. There was broad agreement that new and valuable knowledge had been acquired, and that presentations and documentation had been of good quality. There was also agreement that practical arrangements by GWP Central Africa had been excellent. Participants wished to have follow-up to the workshop, several would like to receive advice on how to launch SFP in their respective countries. Provided that some minor revisions and updates are done, the workshop documentation and PPT presentations could easily be used again for future training. 2. Background During the World Water Week in Stockholm in August 2011 Alan Hall, Chair of the EUWI Finance Working Group (FWG) was approached by GWP Central Africa (CAf). The region was interested in strategic financial planning (SFP) for the water supply and sanitation (WSS) sector and particularly keen to learn about the FEASIBLE approach to SFP. It was proposed to Alan that FWG should sponsor a course on the subject for his network. FWG could not on its own cover the full cost of the workshop, and an approach was therefore made to Themba Gumbo, the Director of CapNet. In March 2010 CapNet had organized a workshop in Pretoria to explore whether the experiences from the SFP project in Lesotho supported by FWG during 2008 – 2010 could be translated into a training course, but there had been no follow-up to that initiative. Themba agreed to co-finance the workshop with FWG and GWP CAf. 3. Workshop design From the outset it was evident that a centerpiece of any SFP training would have to be practical experiences from actual implementation on the ground. A number of African countries have
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practiced SFP for the WSS sector, often with support from the World Bank’s Water and Sanitation Program, but the methodologies have differed. Since the FWG support to the SFP project in Lesotho had as one of its objectives to test the applicability and relevance of FEASIBLE to African conditions, an obvious solution would be to invite one of the experts involved in the Lesotho project to participate in implementing the workshop. The workshop was designed by Johan HOLMBERG, past chair of EUWI-FWG and Jens Vad, the Team Leader from PEM Consult, the Danish company contracted by FWG to support the SFP project in Lesotho. Johan and Jens were also trainers during the workshop. 4. Documentation The following documents were issued to participants in both hard and digital form:
(1) EUWI FWG (2010): Planification financière stratégique pour l’alimentation en eau et l’assainissement en Afrique; (2) EUWI FWG (2011): Financing for Water and Sanitation: A Primer for Practitioners and Students in Developing Countries; (3) L’OCDE (2007): Des stratégies de financement réalistes pour les systems de distribution d’eau et d’assainissement; (4) L’OCDE (2009): De l’eau pour tous – perspectives de l’OCDE sur la tarification et le financement, messages clés pour les décideurs; (5) EUWI AWG (2011): L’efficacité de l’aide en Afrique (resumé); (6) GWP (2008): Financement et gouvernance de l’eau; and (7) EUWI FWG (2011): Modèle de Termes de références pour un projet de renforcement des capacités de planification financière stratégique du secteur d’AEPA
The basic document for the course is # 1, “Planification financière …” , a very useful first guide to those interested in starting a SFP process. Perhaps the most important document for decision-makers is # 4, the OECD report written for the 2009 World Water Forum. The French version “De l’eau pour tous” is not a strict translation of the English version “Water for all”, it is shorter and more readable. There is a useful section on pages 14 – 17 in the French version on SFP and the “3Ts”. I said at the workshop that if there is any text that participants might convey to their decision-makers to justify SFP, it would be those pages. Practitioners would wish to know how to proceed to design a SFP process, and to that end reference document # 7 was included. This is essentially the terms of reference used for the project in Lesotho translated into French (originally intended for use in Niger). It would obviously need to be modified to suit the circumstances in each particular country, but it could help the start of a SFP process. These documents were provided in French (except # 2 which has not been translated), but all are equally available in English. 5. Assessment At the end of the workshop participants were given an evaluation form and invited to rate the usefulness and quality of the workshop and to provide comments on possible follow-up. A summary of the participants’ replies is at Annex 3. The following points may be noted:
All participants wished to see a follow-up, although views on the nature of such activity varied considerably.
All felt that they had learned something new of good quality, almost all felt it was highly relevant .
Most (over 70 per cent) felt that the documentation was very good , and most were satisfied with the presentations .
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Almost all felt that the workshop objectives had been clearly explained beforehand .
Participants were generally pleased with the organisation and implementation of the workshop.
Overall, it may be concluded that participants appreciated the workshop and felt that they had acquired valuable knowledge. Observations made by them during the workshop and the concluding reception bear out this conclusion. 6. Options for follow-up For future use all workshop material, documentation and PPT slides for the presentations, is available in both English and French. However, it should be updated, incorporating findings from the OECD publication that was issued in November and which I have not read (“Meeting the Challenge of Financing Water and Sanitation: Tools and Approaches, 2011”). Judging from the table of contents shown online, it appears to be an update of the OECD report from 2009 which, in a French version, was used for the workshop. The nature of SFP is that it cannot be seen as a one-off activity, it is a process that needs to be accompanied and facilitated over some extended period of time, easily a year and perhaps more (the project in Lesotho took 18 months). If the interest of the participants in this workshop persists, the EUWI AWG should consider how that might be done. CapNet might also consider support to future workshops on SFP. If possible, they should be designed to include follow-up support to participants. To promote SFP in Sub-Saharan Africa a suitable methodology should be developed and made widely available to interested governments. Apparently, not even representatives of the Danish company COWI, that developed FEASIBLE in the early 2000s, believe that this model with its computerized simulations is suitable for use in Africa. An alternative methodology, based on FEASIBLE but using Excel sheets in lieu of the computerized simulations, should be described in a user’s manual. Using experiences from the Lesotho project this could be done with an input of about four weeks of consultant time. But it is not clear where the funding would come from. CHINA The Monthly Report of GWP China of February, 2012 1. The China Launch Event of Sustainable and Livable Cities Initiative The China Launch Event of Sustainable and Livable Cities Initiative was organized by China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), The World Resources Institute (WRI) and the Caterpillar Inc. on February 28th, 2012, in Beijing, which marked the initiation of this five-year project that will focus on two pilot cities, namely, Qingdao City of Shandong Province and Chengdu City of Sichuan Province. The event was firstly addressed by Mr. Su Wei, Director General of the Department of Climate Change Adaptation of the NDRC; Mrs. Elizabeth Cook, Vice Chair of the WRI and Mr. Richard P. Lavin, President of the Caterpillar Inc. The addressing was followed by the introduction of the project, respectively presented by Mrs. Tan Xiaomei, Director of Sustainable and Livable Cities China Project and Deputy Chief Representative of the WRI China and the general information of Qingdao and Chengdu by the representatives from these two cities. On the invitation of the WRI, the partner organization of GWP China, Mr. Zheng Rugang, Coordinator of GWP China, participated in the event and exchanged views on cooperation between two organizations with Dr. Zhong Lijin, Senior Associate of China Water Project People & Ecosystem Project of the WRI. Both parties expressed the wishes to further strengthen the cooperative relationship in the future. EASTERN AFRICA
I. GWP –UNEP project ‘Adapting to climate water stress in the Nile basin’
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The following activities have been achieved: 1. GWP EnA Dev Com and TA: Narrative report for financial reporting to the donor, i.e. SIDA,
May 2011-January 2012. 2. GWP EnA Dev Com and TA: Email, phone and meeting exchanges with UNEP and NBI
partners to prepare the agenda of the 26th of February; 3. GWP Dev Com and TA: Co-drafting of the matrix of the project and focus on the next
step, i.e. what has not been done. Proposition for a review of the Logical Framework of the project, with support from NILE TAC and CWPS, and during the nextcoming workshop, 27-28th March. Aim: To agree on an interface between research and policy-making areas linked to NBI sustainability framework.
4. GWP Dev Com: Drafting of a methodology for the development of the awareness raising strategy and first part of a desk review
5. GWP Dev Com: Drafting of a note on the project, with proposed involvement of Country Water Partnerships in the Project Steering Committee of the project, and objectives and outputs for the capacity-building workshops and round tables.
6. GWP Dev Com: Drafting of a back to office report after a contribution to the AfricaInteract workshop – 29 February 2012 -1st March, with options for partnerships with International Development Research Center of Canada and the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, to be linked to the project.
7. GWP Dev Com: Fund raising exchanges with Western and Central Africa Research Council for an adaptation of UNEP/GWP/NBI project to the AfricaInteract project during IDRC workshop -29February to 2nd of March, and afterwards up to the 8th of March.
8. GWP Dev Com: Fund raising phone and email exchanges with Climate and Water Programme, IDRC – 5th and 8th of March - to develop a youth component of UNEP/GWP/NBI project, and/or a transboundary component to IDRC existing project ‘ICT use for adaptation to water management in Uganda’.
9. GWP Dev Com: Fund raising meetings with UNHABITAT headquarters – Week 26th February to 2nd of March, Nairobi - to develop a youth radio component for climate water adaptation of UNEP/GWP/NBI project in the transboundary area of the Greater Virunga, which fits the media and youth calendar of UNHABITAT up to September. Results: Facilitated meeting with UN Resident Coordinator of Uganda on the 5th of March, with a proposed presentation in March -between 20 th and 26th - and/or April to UN agencies that operate at the national level in Uganda.
SOUTH ASIA PART 1: REPORT BY GWP-SAS REGIONAL OFFICE
The Regional Office coordinated the completion of Audit Reports for 2011 and liaised with the Host Institution and Regional Auditors to meet the targets related to financial reporting and auditing. Accordingly, the Regional Auditors have sent the 2011 Audit Report to GWP Auditors. The Minutes of 17th Regional Council Meeting was finalized with an Addendum to the Minutes, after wide discussion within the Region.
The Regional Office, in collaboration with the CWPs, completed a Briefing Note titled “Promoting livelihoods and influencing policies through Area Water Partnerships in South Asia” and published the note. Work related to Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN) is proceeding, and the Regional Office coordinated the inputs from CWPs. Financial requirements for 2012 under APAN were notified by the Regional Office.
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Regional Office disseminated the information and announcements related to GWP Tool Box and regional and global events to the Region. Action was initiated to modify the GWP South Asia website.
PART 2: REPORT BY BANGLADESH WATER PARTNERSHIP 1. Workshop on “Capital Dredging of Rivers in Bangladesh with Emphasis on Spoil Management”
A workshop on “Capital Dredging of Rivers in Bangladesh with Emphasis on Spoil Management” was held on 04 February, 2012 at CIRDAP Conference Room, Dhaka. Mr. Ramesh Chandra Sen MP, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh (GoB) was the Chief Guest and Mr. Mahabubur Rahman MP, Honorable State Minister, MoWR, GoB was the Special Guest of this workshop. Mr. AKM Shahiduzzaman, Director General, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) was the Guest of Honor of this workshop. Mr. Md. Shahidul Hassan, President, BWP was Chair, while Dr. Khondaker Azharul Haq, Vice President, BWP made opening remarks of the workshop. Mr. Md. Sazedul Karim Chowdhury, former Chief Engineer, BWDB was the Moderator of the workshop. In his opening remarks, Dr. Haq introduced GWP and its activities in Bangladesh. Then he explained the objective of workshop with special emphasis on IWRM as it relates to the theme of the workshop. The keynote paper was presented by Mr. Abdul Wadud Bhuiyan, former Additional Director General, BWDB. He described the river systems of Bangladesh, the challenges of Water Resource management and the achievements of MoWR through BWDB, vision of the Government, focused areas of Strategy of Sixth Five Year Plan (SFYP) in Water Sector (FY2011-2015), dredging of river system, capital dredging concept, program and status, dredging spoil management etc. Some key information is as follows: WRD Challenges
Left to right: Dr. K. A. Haq- Vice President- BWP, Mr. Shahidul Hassan-President- BWP, Mr. Mahabubur Rahman MP-Honorable State Minister-Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Ramesh Chandra Sen MP-Honorable Minister-Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. AKM Shahiduzzaman-Director General-BWDB
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These include; booming population, climate change, resource gaps, challenges in water resource management, arsenic contamination, salinity intrusion, sedimentation of rivers, natural disasters and unplanned urbanization
Achievement of MoWR through BWDB
Irrigation, Flood Control and Drainage Facilities provided by BWDB
5.9 million ha. (72% of Cultivable Land)
Ensured Protection from Flood and Salinity
No. of People
No. of households
85 15
million million
Area Reclaimed from sea 1000 Sq.km. (South Eastern Part of the Country)
Annual Increased food Production in BWDB Projects 10 million MT
Value of Increased Production 3 billion US $ (approx.)
Erosion Protection (Revetment) 575 km
Investment Cost
Benefit Accrued
0.7 6.4
billion US $ (approx.) billion US $ (approx.)
Protected: Major Cities and Towns
Small Towns (Upazila)
Important Installations
20 70 500
Global Water Partnership (GWP), Global Secretariat, Drottninggatan 33, SE-111 51 Stockholm, Sweden
Capital Dredging Concept of BWDB The concept is aligned with NWPo 1999 and MR006 of NWMP 2001. Implementation and Action Plan are in three phases. Short Term (5 Years): 7 Nos. of Projects Medium Term (10 Years): 13 Nos. of Projects Long Term (15 Years): Capital dredging of major river system in Bangladesh Dredging and Spoil Management Short Term Strategy
• In dredging programme location, level of river bed, quantity etc. to be determined on the basis of survey and investigation
• Use the dredged spoil for land filling in construction of Roads and Highway, Power Plant, Embankment, Flood Shelter, Industrial, Religious and Educational Institutes.
• Spoil Management issue must be included in the Feasibility Study and Development Project Proposal (DPP) of any dredging Project/Programme and spoil management cost shall be included in preparation of Revised Development Project Proposal (RDPP)
• A permanent Committee shall have to be set up to assess the international demand and cost for exporting dredged materials.
• Spoil dumping in water and wetlands shall be discouraged or prohibited
Long-Term Strategy
• Prepare long-term Sustainable Plan for Dredging and Spoil Management program on the basis of lessons learnt from pilot dredging and recommendation of Study on ‘Capital dredging and sustainable river management’
• Narrowing down the major Rivers from multi channel to single channel by capital dredging coupled with river training works. Use of dredge spoils in planned way for reclamation of agricultural land, Urbanization, Green Belt and Tourist Spot, Industrial park etc. in the both banks.
• Prepare “Dredging and Dredge Spoil Management Manual” based on site plan, distance of spoil dumping, River bed Sediment, River Bank and Floodplain Characteristics, Dredging
Volume per km, Period of dredging, Quality of soil in dredging site, Impact on environment and eco system and Demand of National and International Market etc.
Forward Looking- Proposed Channelization of Jamuna River
A pool of experts as designated discussants where open discussions took place. All of the discussants
made useful comments regarding the capital dredging and spoil management. Most of the participants were officials from government and non government organizations. Reporters and journalist participated in the program as well. Mr. Shahidul Hassan, President, BWP delivered the vote of thanks and closed the seminar. He expressed his high level of satisfaction by observing the participation of government & non government
officials, level of knowledge, level of interest and the excellent understanding on water and dredged materials management issues both in the rural and urban areas. He extended special thanks to BWP for successfully holding this seminar and hoped that in future BWP will play a vital role in management of dredged materials in Bangladesh. 2. APAN Activities (Phase I) To implement the APAN activities, BWP has engaged a consultant to identify and conduct the consultation meeting with national implementing partners/focal points working in water, agriculture and climate change sector. Consultant submitted the draft report which has been prepared by desk studies, literature review and consultation with some of the experts in the relevant Departments and Agencies under different Ministries which are related to activities concerning climate change in Bangladesh. The consultant prepared the CWP report through elaborate discussions on the issue of climate change and its implications particularly on the Water Resources and Agricultural Sectors of Bangladesh. The discussions were held between 22 and 25 January, 2012. National Implementing Partners for adaptation to climate change in water and agriculture in Bangladesh are as follows:
Department of Environment (DoE), Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF)
Bangladesh water Development Board (BWDB), Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR)
Centre for Environmental and Geographic Information Services (CEGIS) , Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR)
Institute of Water Modeling (IWM) , Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR)
National Agricultural Research System (NARS) , Ministry of Agriculture (MoA)
Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE) , Ministry of Agriculture (MoA)
The report highlighted the dilemma confronting the water managers amongst whom the water engineers play the pivotal role. On a global basis, they already face formidable challenges in planning for a time around the years 2040 when projected global demand for water will exceed availability. Big fluctuations in seasonal rainfall and river flow particularly in Bangladesh would play havoc with all calculations. Analysis of records from 29 of the World's biggest river basins has revealed that 100 year flood (as per present analysis) will become as frequent as once every 12.5 years if and when C02 levels quadruple in the future. Rainfall extremes even on a daily basis (like that happened in Nagoya of Japan in September, 2000 when 428mm fell in 24 hours whereas the previous such record was in 1890 when 240 mm fell in one day) shall put all calculations in dis-array. The whole world today is frantically trying to cut down the greenhouse emission. But for a country like Bangladesh which is not responsible for such emission (beyond tolerable limits), must adequately prepare itself to face the climate change. Precautionary investments in disaster preparedness and adaptation will help to protect developmental progress. Support for local adaptation pays dividends in savings on relief and recovery costs when the extreme event arrives. According to estimates made by International Red Cross, each dollar spent on prevention, saves from four to ten dollars in relief. The Report submitted to RO-SAS was well accepted. BWP also contributed to finalize the e-flyer (fact sheet)/ poster on GWP South Asia-APAN Initiative with Focus on Knowledge and people. 3. Training Workshop on “Hydro-Climatic Disasters in Water Resource Management in Bangladesh” A training workshop on “Hydro-Climatic Disasters in Water Resource Management in Bangladesh” was held on 26-27 February, 2012 at Rigs Inn Hotel, Dhaka jointly organized by Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies (BCAS) and Cap-Net Global (International Network for Capacity Building on Integrated Water Resource Management). Mr. Md. Sazedul Karim Chowdhury Former Chief Engineer, BWDB and Member of BWP participated on the first day of this workshop on behalf of BWP. Ms. Zeba Rahman, Executive Secretary, BWP and Ms. Mukta Akter, Accounts & Administration Officer, BWP participated on the second day of this workshop.
There were three sessions on first day. Session I: “Water Related Disasters and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Concept” presented by Mr. Golam Rabbani, BCAS. Session II: “Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR)”, presented by Mr. Shah Mohammad Ashraful Amin, Christrian Aid. Session III: “Impact of Climate Change and Variability” presented by Mr. Golam Rabbani, BCAS. Group exercise and group presentation was carried out by the participants after each session. Another five sessions were delivered on Day 2. Session IV: “Case Study on Drought & Agriculture” presented by Abu Wali Raghib Hassan, DAE (Department of Agricultural Extension). Session V: “Flood Risk Management” presented by Dr. Mashfiqus Salehin, Institute of Water & Flood Management (IWFM). Session VI: “Emergency and Humanitarian Response” presented by Mr. Adith Shah Durjoy, Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRCS). Session VII: “Institution for Disaster Management” presented by Dr. Dwijen L. Mallick, BCAS. Session VIII: “Economics of Disaster” presented by Khandaker Mainuddin, BCAS. All the presentations were informative and helpful for capacity building of young professionals. Participants from BWP especially Ms. Zeba Rahman and Ms Mukta Akter benefited immensely from the training program. PART 3: REPORT BY BHUTAN WATER PARTNERSHIP BhWP organized a meeting to celebration World Water Day 2012. The meeting was attended by organizations and agencies working for water and water conservation. The group agreed that unlike in the past, during this year the World Water Day celebration would focus on action on the ground and encompass activities such as stream cleaning, awareness raising and community involvement. The activities will be carried out in few identified districts where there is need for such interventions. Besides Bhutan Water Partnership, several agencies will support the program. Part 4: REPORT BY INDIA WATER PARTNERSHIP (Prepared by : Dr. Veena Khanduri, Executive Secretary, IWP & Mangla Rai, Research Assistant)
2nd
Day of Workshop on “Hydro-Climatic Disasters in Water Resource Management in Bangladesh”
Activity-1 : Consultation Meeting on Water, Agriculture and Climate Change under Linkage of GWP-South Asia and Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN) Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN) was launched in 2009 as the first regional network under Global Adaptation Network (GAN). The Network aims at building capacity, facilitating policy, planning, access to finances and actions, and knowledge dissemination in climate change adaptation. The Regional Hub (RH) of APAN functions as a knowledge center and provides technical assistance for adaptation. The RH assists and collaborates with its sub-regional Nodes (SRN) and thematic nodes to implement the APAN activities. GWP South Asia was selected in 2011 as the APAN’s Thematic Node for Water in South Asia. Mr Upali Imbulana, Regional Coordinator, GWP-SAS is the Thematic node contact person for the region and Dr Veena Khanduri, Executive Secretary, is India’s thematic node contact. The GWP South Asia’s activities as APAN’s thematic node for water envisages to:
Lead the activities of APAN in the water sector in collaboration with Sub Regional Nodes and national implementing partners
Assist in the knowledge generation activities of the APAN Regional Hub that serves as the regional knowledge centre for adaptation.
Efficiently utilize and leverage GWP South Asia’s comparative advantage of access to grass-roots level through Area Water Partnerships.
Keeping in view the above objectives, India Water Partnership (IWP) organized a Consultation Meeting on “Water, Agriculture and Climate Change” on 9th February, 2012 at the Institute for Human Development, New Delhi to identify and prioritize the major issues and challenges regarding water, agriculture and climate change at sub-regional and national level. Before commencement of the consultation, Dr. Veena Khanduri explained about the GWP-South Asia-APAN initiative about focus on knowledge and people with regard to increasing the resilience of water sector to climate change in South Asia and India in particular. In the consultation meeting, senior officials Mr. A B Pandya, Director General, National Water Development Agency (Ministry of Water Resources), Mr. M S Agrawal, Adviser (Water Resources), Planning Commission, Dr. A K Singh, Dy Director General (Natural Resource Management), Ministry of Agriculture, Prof. Santosh Kumar, National Institute of Disaster Management (Ministry of Home Affairs), Government of India, Ms. Suruchi Badhwal, Associate Director, Tata Energy Research Institute (TERI), Prof. Prem Vashishtha, Sharda University, Prof. V K Sharma, Indian Institute of Public Administration, Mr. P L Diwan, Head, Water Resources Division, Intercontinental Consultants and Technocrats Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, Mr. G N Kathpalia and Ms Aditi Kapoor of Alternative Futures, New Delhi , experts on water, agriculture & climate change, research institutions & academic institutions and partner organizations from GWP-India participated. The consultation meeting was chaired by Prof. S R Hashim, President, IWP, former member, Planning Commission, Government of India. A
report on the consultation meeting prepared by IWP was sent to the Regional Office on 15th February, 2012. Activity-2 : Formation of Area Water Partnership namely “Shivana Area Water Partnership
(AWP)” in Madsaur Town, Madhya Pradesh
In continuation of the India Water Partnership efforts for formation of Shivana Area Water Partnership” in Madsaur Town, Madhya Pradesh, Mr. Ravindra Shukla, Coordinator of Central Zone Water Partnership made a visit to Madsaur town on 9th February, 2012 and held meetings with the various stakeholders and local community. In the meeting it was felt that the local community and even administrators/policy makers do not have a clear idea about the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) as IWRM is not publicized or practiced in the area. At the meetings, the local community was informed that the river Shivana is becoming polluting quickly and if due care is not taken, in time it would lead to health hazards for the human being and animals. This is the reason IWP has taken the initiative of forming Shivana AWP so that attention of the government is drawn to make the Shivana river pollution free and also rejuvenate it, with the help of stakeholders, volunteers and the community. The people of the area have good expectations of the Shivana AWP. Activity-3: Consolidating & Broadening Water-action of Parimal Area Water Partnership in Dhenkanal District of Odisha PAWP which was formed in June 2010 with the initiative of IWP and support of coordinating agency AIRA has been registered as a trust in February 2012 under the name of “Peoples Area Water Partnership, Kamakshyanagar, Dhenkanal”. In the recently held general election of the 3 tier Panchyati Raj Institutions in Orissa, members of Micro Area Water Partnership (MAWP) and Local Area Water Partnership (LAWP) under PAWP actively participated in the election. During the campaigns, members of LAWP and MAWP strongly put forward their demands to maintain the natural resources in the villages falling under PAWP. As newly elected representatives (both male and female) have taken over the charge of offices at the Gram Panchayat and Block Panchayat level, the PAWP shall be seeking their cooperation for their support to take up PAWP’s issues at appropriate level for addressing the needs of water and natural resources at local level. A sensitization-cum- consultation workshop is planned to be organized during March-2012 for newly elected PRI members. Activity-4 : Participation in Workshops, Seminars, Meetings
Initiation for formation of Shivana AWP
reported in local daily news paper of
Mandsaur dated 9th Feb, 2012
4.1 Panel Discussion “Managing Water for Scarcity” at Australian High Commission On the invitation of Australian High Commissioner H.E. Mr. Peter Varghese AO, Dr. Veena Khanduri, Executive Secretary, IWP participated in the above panel discussion on 1st February, 2012. The Panel discussion brought together leading minds to discuss how this precious resource can best be managed. Discussions centered on the importance of setting and understanding a water reform agenda, the challenges in implementing water reform and managing water entitlements, and the impact of climate change on scarce water resources. Panel speakers included ; (i) Dr Don Blackmore (AM), Former Chief Executive of the Murray Darling Basin Commission and Adviser to the World Bank and United Nations; (ii) Mr. Mike Rann, Former Premier of South Australia, Chair of The Climate Group’s States and Regions Network ; (iii) Dr Subho Banerjee, Deputy Secretary, Adaptation, International and Regulatory Group, Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency; and (iv) Dr. Alok K Sikka, Technical Expert, Watershed Development, National Rainfed Area, Authority, Planning Commission, Government of India. 4.2 Meeting to discuss setting-up of an India Water Hub
On the invitation of Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India, Dr. Veena Khanduri, Executive Secretary attended a meeting at the Ministry’s Conference Room on 13th February, 2012. The meeting was called by the Ministry to discuss setting-up of an India Water Hub with the aim of networking with various stakeholders in the water sector and to act as a knowledge highway so as to aid the water governance in the country. This meeting was chaired by the Secretary (Water Resources), Government of India. At the meeting the Mr. Srikanta Panda, Director, E-gov/Vig.), Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India made a presentation on the concept of India Water Hub and held discussions on the institutional framework. During discussions participants provided their views on institutional framework, governance, capacity building and knowledge generation and dissemination. 4.3 Dialogue to discuss Draft National Water Policy-2012
The Draft National Water Policy (DNWP) of India-2012 has been brought out and the same was released by the Government on 31st January, 2012. After release, the DNWP has been posted on the Ministry’s website and the Ministry of Water Resources invited suggestions/comments from all (Policy makers/ Scientists/ Experts/ NGOs, etc.) by 29th February, 2012.
In this regard, IWP Partner; Neer Foundation organized a dialogue on 18th February, 2012 at Meerut to discuss the DNWP which was attended by experts, farmers and officials of Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India. Mr. Sompal Shastri, former Minister of Water Resources, Government of India was the Chief Guest. The meeting was convened by Dr. Veena Khanduri, Executive Secretary, India Water Partnership.
Initiating the discussion, Mr. Raman Kant, Director Neer Foundation said that since 1986 it is the third time in 2012 that the Indian Government has prepared this draft National Water Policy 2012 towards ensuring proper water management and its proper conservation. The first water policy of India was prepared in 1986 and the second in 2002. Due to a few gaps in the policy, over-exploitation of ground water increased, resulting in continuous
declination in ground water level and drying of rivers and streams.
Dr. Veena Khanduri said that much effort had been made by Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR) towards drafting this policy. Before preparing the draft, discussions were organized with experts and other stakeholders in different regions across the country.
Dr. Khanduri also added that over-exploitation and pollution of water is a serious problem. Increasing population, urbanization and changing weather is escalating the problem further. Hence NWP should put highest emphasis on a time bound implementation of reform measures which have been accepted for years but not implemented so far, such as establishment of basin organizations, multidisciplinary organizations, participatory management, etc. Ex-Cabinet Minister Mr. Sompal Shastri adding to the discussion mentioned institutional arrangements under clause 13.4 and stated that drinking water supplies i.e. in urban areas need to be considered under this provision. Private sector participation in irrigation sector especially in ground water irrigation will be a chaos and government needs to be cautious while promoting private sector participation in irrigation sector. National spokesperson of Bharatiya Kisan Union, Mr Rakesh Tikait stated that suggestions from farmers should also be considered in this policy. The Government should provide a platform to the farmers so that they can also share their views towards improvement in the policy and small check dams should be constructed over small rainfed rivers. The gaps identified in the DNWP on the following components:
(i) Need for Water Framework Law;
(ii) Uses of water;
(iii) Water pricing;
(iv) Institutional arrangements
It is worthwhile reporting that Prof. S R Hashim, President, IWP, Mr. S C Jain, IWP Board Member & Joint Secretary, Mr. Anil D Mohile, former IWP Board Member (former Chairman, Central Water Commission) are the members of Drafting Committee of National Water Policy-2012 among the others.
Activity-5 : Suggestions on Draft National Water Policy (DNWP)-2012 by GWP India
The Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India had sought comments/ suggestions from all, on the Draft National Water Policy (DNWP) by 29th February, 2012. Accordingly, IWP sent a mail to all its network partners along with the DNWP inviting their comments/suggestions. On receipt, a consolidated report prepared by IWP containing comments and suggestions received from the network partners was sent to the Ministry.
Part 5: REPORT BY NEPAL WATER PARTNERSHIP
Mr. Raman Kant, Mr. Sompal Shashtri, Mr
Rakesh Tikait and Dr. Veena Khanduri
participating in the dialogue
1. GWP Nepal/JVS submits Memorandum to Prime Minister
The Government of Nepal recently introduced a non transparent procedure for the award of hydropower development license to developers by replacing the previous which had a transparent bidding mechanism. Similarly, the Government had split the Ministry of Water Resources into two parts: Ministry of Irrigation and Ministry of Energy. Under this premise, a memorandum was handed over to Rt. Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Babu Ram Bhattarai by the
members of GWP Nepal/JVS led by Mr. Iswer Raj Onta and Mr. Surya Nath Upadhyay on 22nd
February, 2012. They requested the Prime Minister to provide necessary directions in order to maintain the transparent mechanism and a fair competition while bidding for the license. Similarly, they also drew his attention towards the integrated approach in water resources management and the need to re-establish the Ministry of Water Resources. 2. GWP Nepal/JVS bid to publish a journal
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between Media for Energy Nepal Pvt. Ltd. (MEN) and Jalsrot Vikas Sanstha (JVS) on 5th December, 2012 which will be valid for a period of 3 years. The MoU established the ownership of MEN and JVS with regard to the publication of HYDRO NEPAL, the journal of Water, Energy and Environment which is published twice a year (January and July). The journal was initiated on 5th June, 2007 and is the recipient of India Power Awards 2009 where it is accredited as an International Journal. The
MoU between two parties will promote the Journal to its highest potential maintaining standards of sound professional integrity so that it could contribute towards the conservation, management and sustaining of Nepal’s
abundant water resources and huge hydroelectric power potential, to ensure the overall enhancement of the country’s economy and quality of life of the people of Nepal.
Members of GWP Nepal/JVS with the Prime
Minister
Signing of MoU between GWP Nepal/JVS and MEN
3. Imbibing transparency and accountability in Morang Water Supply System (MWSS) GWP Nepal/JVS and Water Integrity Network, Berlin had undertaken a project "Assessment of the Morang Drinking Water Supply Corporation Functionality of the Water Supply Services" to inform the service providers and the consumers, about the transparency and the accountability in the functioning of MWSS and to explore its functionality. A program on sharing of the findings of the study was held on 25th February at Hotel Swagatam, Biratnagar, Nepal. Dr. Vijaya Shrestha shared the major findings of the study with her meticulous presentation. Mr. Surya Nath Upadhyay was the chief guest and provided a briefing about GWP Nepal/JVS and its objectives. Mr. Donal O'Leary, Senior Advisor, Transparency International, Berlin, took part in the program and spoke a few words on the short history of the approach taken in Morang. Another guest, Mr. Pashupati Pokharel, Local Development Officer, Morang, made some remarks on the emerging challenges posed to water supply due to population growth. After the presentation by Dr. Vijaya, , the floor was open for the discussion where representatives from Biratnagar Water Supply Corporation (Service Provider) and consumers from 17 wards of the municipality had the chance to become acquainted with each other's problems and issues. After the concluding remarks from Mr. Surya Nath Upadhyay, both parties agreed to form a group," Samyukta Tole Nagar Samanwaya Samiti " (Joint Co-ordination Committee) consisting of 5 members; 3 from the users and 1 each member from metropolitan city and MWSS. The Committee will jointly monitor the service, share the problems and make joint plans for improvement and co-ordinate with the municipality. The program proved to be an important step in developing the capacity to share knowledge and to promote a dynamic communications culture, so as to support better water management, which is one of the Strategic Goals of GWP Nepal's Workplan 2012. It is also an initiation towards strengthening water integrity through of Social Accountability. 4. Two Village Development Committees (VDCs) on the process of formation of Local Water
Parliament GWP Nepal/ JVS is in the process of implementing Local Water Parliaments (LWP) in two VDCs of Ilam district of Eastern Development Region of Nepal. In this regard, it is helping the local community to develop a Water Resources Master Plan in each VDC (Jogmai and Gorkhe VDC of Ilam) under the Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) concept and National Water Plan 2005.
The training and interaction program on (Rights and Responsibilities on Water Resources) was held on 16th February, 2012. Mr. Surya Nath Upadhyay, Secretary General, GWP Nepal/JVS made a presentation on Water Rights. Mr. Som Nath Poudel, Vice-Chair, briefed on the principles of IWRM and Dr. Vijaya Shrestha, Member (Executive Committee), made a presentation on institutional aspects of Local Water Parliament and its execution. Mr.
Trainers and Trainees at a
glance
Representative from MWSS delivering speech on the
service
Hirakaji Ghale, President of Namsaling Community Development Center (NCDC), the local water partner of JVS, talked briefly about the activities of LWP-Ilam and the role of NCDC in the proper use and conservation of water resources. GWP Nepal/JVS distributed one of its publication "Jalsrotma Hamro Adhikar ra Kartabya" (Our Rights and Duties on Water Resources) to each of the 40 participants. 5. GWP Nepal/JVS: A part of Nepal National Water Week (NNWW), 2012 GWP Nepal/JVS participated in the third Preparation Meeting of NNWW held on 7th February 2012. Nepal National Water Week Organizing Committee headed by the Secretary of the Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS), Mr. Bishwa Prakash Pandit, will organize the NNWW from 16th to 23rd March, 2012 with various relevant activities. GWP Nepal/JVS has committed to making a financial contribution for the program.
6. GWP Nepal/ JVS in Water Policy Formulation GWP Nepal/JVS submitted a technical and financial proposal for drafting water policy of Nepal to Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS) on 1st March 2012. 7. Participation at Book Launching Program A book "Nepalma Jalavidyut" (Hydropower in Nepal) by Mr. Bikas Thapa was launched on 25th February, 2012 at Mahendra Police Club, Pradarshangi Marg, Kathmandu. Hon'ble Minister of Energy, Post Bahadur Bogati was the chief guest of the program. On behalf of GWP Nepal/JVS, Mr. Som Nath Poudel, took part as a chief commentator at the program. Part 6: REPORT BY PAKISTAN WATER PARTNERSHIP
1. PWP collaborated with the World Bank’s Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) South Asia and held the Launch Workshop of Water Supply and Sanitation Sector Study on 7th February 2012 in Marriot Hotel, Islamabad. Over 115 delegates including all Water Utilities of Pakistan, and water supply & sanitation managing private sector organization from all over the country participated in the workshop. The Inaugural Session was chaired by Dr. Nadeem Haque, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission of Pakistan whereas the Technical Session was chaired by Sardar Muhammad Tariq, Regional Chair, GWP-SAS. Mr. Naseer Ahmad Gillani, Chairman PWP moderated all sessions of the workshop. As a follow up of the workshop, 6 sub-national meetings will be held in Provincial capitals during the year and a final concluding Seminar will be held in Islamabad where the final results of the water and sanitation sector study will be presented in the last quarter of 2012.
2. PWP actively participated in the India-Pakistan Track II Seminar on Climate Change for Peace organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute of Pakistan at Best Western Hotel, Islamabad on 13-15 February 2012. Former Chairman PWP, Mr. Shams ul Mulk chaired the
first Technical Session on 13 February 2012. Regional Chair, GWP-SAS also attended the seminar on all three days and contributed to his valuable thoughts. 17 partners of GWP attended the seminar on different days and benefited from the highly informative presentations and discussions of the
seminar participants. Country Coordinator, PWP consulted many of the participating experts on the APAN assignment.
3. As a part of the Asia Pacific Adaptation Network (APAN) assignment, Country Coordinator, PWP held meetings with the National Implementation Partners during February 2012 and also consulted printed material on Agriculture, Water and Climate Change subjects. He contributed to the e-flyer, Strategy Paper and the Technical Report.
4. PWP’s Balance and Expenditure Reports 2011 audited and signed by the PWP Auditors M/s.
Riaz Ahmad, Saqib, Gohar and Company (Charter Accountants) a member firm of AGN International, was sent to GWP-SAS Regional Office, Sri Lanka on 8th February 2012 following the scanned copy which was sent by email on the same date.
5. The Regional Chair, GWP-SAS accompanied by Country Coordinator, PWP, invited the Girls Higher Secondary School, AOC, Morgah, Rawalpindi on 17 February 2012 in connection with an invited lecture on water conservation for future needs and granting prizes to the three
girls who won prizes at the PWP Essay
Competition on “Importance of Water Conservation for Human Life”. Prior to the ceremony, the Regional Chair visited the classroom of the nursery which was improved with the financial support of Pakistan Water Partnership (PWP). Prior to the improvement, the nursery Class had no seating facilities. This intervention has improved study standard of nursery class girls and has also provided an opportunity to teach water conservation to their parents.
6. Regional Chair, GWP-SAS and Chairman PWP participated in the National Seminar on Water Resources Management and Energy Crisis Management organized by Pakistan Muslim League (N) at Serena Hotel, Islamabad on 20th February 2012 and contributed their valuable suggestions to improve water management and use water resources to overcome energy crisis in Pakistan. Over a hundred parliamentarians and diplomats in addition to about 300 water and hydropower experts participated in the national seminar.
7. Regional Chair, GWP-SAS/Executive Director, PWP attended 63rd Board of Directors Meeting of Peshawar Electricity Company (PESCO) at Peshawar on 28th February 2012 and contributed to decision-making on energy management and administrative matters of the Company.
8. PWP office was visited by the following partners during February 2012 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, Islamabad. ii) Mrs. Hamida Masood Shah, President, Women Welfare Association/ Director PWP.
Part 7: REPORT BY SRI LANKA WATER PARTNERSHIP 1) The 2nd Programme Committee Meeting of SLWP was held on 3rd February 2012. The focus was on preparation for WWF 6 and the STF and Salinity Barrier activities planned for February. 2011 Audit Report of SLWP was ready to be forwarded to GWP SAS Auditors. 2) A sub committee meeting of the Uma Oya Water Resources Planning and Management Committee (RBO) set up through an initiative of the NWSDB and District/Provincial Secretaries two years ago was held in Welimada Division of the Uva province on 16th February with the participation of about 50 participants representing the various agencies and farmer interests to create awareness about the issues and to monitor progress to date. Welimada Division is the basin area responsible for major point and non point source pollution (urban/commercial and agricultural) of the river. Chaired by the Divisional Secretary the sub committee evaluated progress on the action plans prepared and agreed to continue to work with the local communities and trade chambers to further reduce direct pollution of the river. The Uma Oya is the first such RBO set up for water resources planning, allocation and management of water resources in a basin, outside the Mahaveli RBO System. However, unlike in Mahaveli primary focus is on water supply and pollution mitigation rather than agriculture. 3) The 2nd Training Programme for STF Police Officers of the Southern Province was held in Matara on 24th February. 48 participants including 42 from the STF Camps in Hiyare, Deniyaya, Ambalantota and Tangalle participated. The programme was highly appreciated and as in the earlier one the Director General of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau the regulator with respect to minerals and mining personally made a presentation and clarified issues for the participants. It was reported that offshore sand mining on an extensive scale was taking place at Ambalantota on an old river course of the Walawe river with severe environmental consequences, quite different from the usual riverbed mining. It was noted that notwithstanding the heavy penalties by the courts, this continued unabated. The major difficulty faced by enforcement staff was that the miming was on private land. The GSMB will urgently address this issue.
4) A discussion on the importance and urgency of constructing a Salinity Barrier on Nilwala River was organised by the Nilwala AWP on 24th February afternoon in Matara. Farmers opposed the construction of a barrier in the lower reaches as they feared that their paddy fields would have water logging problems and therefore the NWSDB had proposed a barrier further upstream to which there also seemed to be opposition by some farmers. The AWP arranged for the University of Ruhuna and the Irrigation Department to make presentations on the merits and demerits of these proposals. With the Gin Ganga Barrier as an example (next basin) and a visit by farmer leaders to see a barrier, the outcome was that in principle, the farmer leaders agreed to the necessity of locating a barrier at the lowermost point downstream for optimal effect. This is to be finally agreed to after endorsement by the farmers at a full stakeholder discussion. The AWP played the honest broker role and provided a platform for discussion which has now helped resolve the current impasse. It will organize the next meeting with the assistance of the relevant agencies and support of the University. The discussion was chaired and moderated by the Dean Faculty of Agriculture University of Ruhuna who is also the Chair of the Nilwala AWP. 5) A National Preparatory Consultation for WWF6 was organized by SLWP and NetWater on behalf of the Butterfly Effect of the Forum. The Hon Minister of Water Supply and Drainage who is leading the official delegation from Sri Lanka also participated at this event held at IWMI on 27th February. Both the Ministerial Meeting preparations and the presentations by those participating at the forum were discussed. The Hon Minister will Chair a side event being held at the forum by Sri Lanka. SOUTHEAST ASIA
Water Intervention for Improving Smallholder Farming and Rural Livelihoods in Asia
GWPSEA Program Coordinator – Mr. Djoko Sasongko, was invited by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) Regional Office, to participate in a Regional Consultation Workshop, which was held in Winsor Suites Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand. The workshop is a part of a study initiated and organized by FAO, funded by IFAD and implemented by AIT as consultant
To obtain guidance in the conduction of a regional study on the role of water interventions to improve rural livelihoods in the East-, South- and Southeast Asia were the objectives of the gathering. The objective of the study has been achieved at the end of the workshop when some ideas for the methodology of the study had been agreed. Typology of the region has been commonly laid down according to the topic of the study. Key steps have been indicated and what data to be collected have been listed, discussed up to when, where , how. Coordination meeting of IWRM target and sessions for 6th World Water Forum and 2nd Asia-Pacific Summit. GWPSEA, represented by Program Coordinator – Mr. Djoko Sasongko attended the coordination meeting of IWRM target and sessions for 6th World Water Forum and 2nd Asia-Pacific Summit. The meeting was organized by UNESCO, the lead organization of APWF for IWRM, on 6th and 7th of February at Bangkok. The meeting had come to agreement on outline of the IWRM Session. This session will promote the strengthening of River Basin Organizations (RBO) and stakeholders, and will enhance the effective development of capacity building by presenting the IWRM concept. The duration of the session will be two hours, where 15 minutes will be allocated for GWP-SEA Chair to deliver a presentation regarding Empowerment of Stakeholders.
1- The Ministry of Fisheries, Water Resources and National Assembly matters in collaboration with partners in the water sector in The Gambia held a sensitization programme for policy and decision makers on the UN convention on Transboundary watercourses. Addressing a meeting with the National Assembly Select Committee on environment, Yusupha Bojang of the Department of Water Resources, the focal point for the integrated water resource management and leading the CWP process said it was important to have the MP’s views and recommendations on the document. He noted that when ratified the document would help to guide and protect transboundary watercourses in all aspects. Mr Bojang also appealed for support from the National Assembly select committee in making the ratification of the document by The Gambia a reality. Honourable Bintanding Jarjue of Foni Brefet described the document as non-controversial. Honourable Adama Cham of Kombo north said water issues affect everyone and therefore the need to sensitize people at the grass root level on water management and protection as well as ecosystem. The MP for Kiang Central Hon Babanding K Daffeh spoke of the need for regional integration and called on all to ensure a proper ratification process. Similar meetings were held respectively for mayors, CEO of area councils, and councilors. Council members raised concern over the pollution of the waters which they say pose serious threat on water resources. They called on all to ensure that water in the country is properly managed and protected. A similar meeting will be conducted for the Navy. These activities are being done with support from GWP West Africa regional office in Ouagadougou.
2- GWP WAf took part in the annual review of the progress done in the frame of the implementation of the IWRM Plan in Burkina Faso. A meeting was held in Bobo Dioulasso in the Western part of the country to examine the progress and decide on strategic actions for the year 2012. It is organized by the Government in order to exchange with its technical and financial partners. It was an opportunity for participants to visit important water infrastructures in that part of the country and also local based water users association.
