GWP

Country Consultations on Water Speak to post-2015 Agenda

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:29:00 GMT

A series of 22 country consultations took place from February to May 2013 to address the importance of water to national development. These national stakeholder consultations were part of the process taking place to listen to country needs and priorities regarding the post-2015 agenda for water and sustainable development.

New video: Managing Water for Climate Resilience in Africa

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:29:00 GMT

Register now for the 2013 World Water Week

Fri, 03 May 2013 17:03:00 GMT

This year's World Water Week takes place in Stockholm 1-6 September 2013.

GWP Launches Rapid Assessment of Capacity Building Needs

Fri, 03 May 2013 16:41:00 GMT

As a key step in the overall process of implementing the Water and Climate Development Programme (WACDEP), a rapid capacity needs assessment in Africa was launched on Tuesday, 23 April 2013. The assessment will initially target eight countries and five river basins/aquifer systems currently implementing WACDEP: Burundi, Rwanda, Burkina-Faso, Ghana, Cameroon, Tunisia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique; Limpompo Basin, Kegera Basin, Lake Chad Volta Basin and the North Western Sahara Aquifer System.

Climate Change Takes Central Focus in Nile Basin

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 17:08:00 GMT

The nine countries sharing the Nile Basin may have specific variations in cultures, policies, and institutional frameworks, but climate change continues to be a cross-cutting factor impacting their socio-economic livelihoods – whether agriculture, energy production, mining safety, or water quantity and quality.

IWRM for Universities in Kyrgyzstan

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:59:00 GMT

GWP Kyrgyzstan organized a workshop on 22-23 March 2013 in Bishkek for university lecturers to help them understand how to use the GWP IWRM ToolBox in education. Supported by the GWP global secretariat, the workshop was attended by 15 participants, mainly professors of the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavic University and the National Agrarian University in Bishkek, the leading universities in preparing Kyrgyzstan’s water resources graduates.

Dialogue Sets Stage for Addressing Climate Change in Peru

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:34:00 GMT

GWP Peru carried out the First Dialogue on National Development and Water Security in the context of Climate Change Adaptation on March 1, 2013, at the National Water Authority Auditorium in Lima. Its aim was to involve and sensitize actors across all sectors on the tight links among water management, adaptation to climate change, and sustainable economic growth.

Benefits of Rainwater Harvesting in Caribbean and Mediterranean

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:13:00 GMT

GWP Caribbean (GWP-C) and GWP Mediterranean (GWP Med) are building awareness on the importance of water conservation by implementing rainwater harvesting techniques. With islands surrounded by salt water, the rainwater harvesting model is critical for access to fresh water in both regions.

GWP at UN General Assembly on Water Cooperation

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 16:26:00 GMT

Responding to the invitation of Member States, a High-Level Interactive Dialogue during the sixty-seventh session of the General Assembly in New York on 22 March 2013 World Water Day, was held at the same time as the official celebrations in The Hague, to mark the 2013 International Year of Water cooperation and the twentieth anniversary of World Water Day (A/67/204).

Kenya Addresses Post 2015 Water Agenda

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 09:00:00 GMT

Public institutions, Civil Society Organizations, Academia, Media and other national stakeholders from Water Sector, Agriculture and Energy discussed about key priority water issues that need to be incorporated in the next development agenda termed as Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs).

Changing Our Thinking about Water – Urban water management in Focus at GWP Workshop in Manila

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:44:00 GMT

Water security in many urban areas is under threat due to the stresses of population growth, urbanisation, water pollution, the over-abstraction of groundwater, water-related disasters, and climate change. Current planning and management have proven insufficient to address the challenges of water security. There is a need for a paradigm shift, which was introduced during a GWP workshop attended by more than 200 participants at Asia Water Week on 13 March in Manila, Philippines.

Cooperation: the key to a water secure future

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 06:31:00 GMT

On World Water Day, the Global Water Partnership calls for increased cooperation to manage shared water resources.

High-Level Support for Water Management Investments in Nigeria

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:37:00 GMT

Around 100 participants, representing 50 different organizations around Nigeria, attended the General Assembly of Partners of the Country Water Partnership of Nigeria held on 14 February 2013. The General Assembly was opened by the Minister of Water Resources Mrs. Sarah Reng Ochekpe, also co-Chair of AMCOW for West Africa, who urged GWP Nigeria to strengthen and expand their activities towards achieving adequate management of water resource in the country.

Stakeholders Contribute to New Climate Information Resource for the Caribbean

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:33:00 GMT

The Caribbean Weather Impacts Group (CARIWIG) is a new initiative setting out to create tools that will enable access to climate change information which are specifically applicable to the Caribbean region. To support the development of the Project, key regional stakeholders including GWP Caribbean, gave input at a Regional Stakeholder Consultation workshop on 6-7 February, 2013 in Jamaica.

Urban Water Management in El Salvador

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:31:00 GMT

Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) is an important issue for Central America because of the growing population in the cities and the effects of climate change on urban water resources.

Ensuring Water is a Key Part of Post-2015 Agenda

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 17:01:00 GMT

GWP Southern Africa has participated in national and international dialogues focusing on water in the post 2015 development agenda. The dialogues form part of the UN national dialogue (post Rio +20) process which will feed into the development of the UN post 2015 Sustainable Development Goal(s).

Promoting Transboundary Cooperation in Southern Africa

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:58:00 GMT

Sharing sub-regional experiences on water cooperation and learning about designing and conducting negotiations on transboundary water-related issues were the topics of a SADC/ UNESCO workshop to “Promote Cooperation and Conflict Prevention in Transboundary Water Resources” on 25-27 February, 2013 in Gaborone, Botswana.

Evaluating IWRM in Southern Africa

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:53:00 GMT

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat is implementing the SADC Regional Strategic Action Plan on IWRM – III (SADC RSAP III) which is designed to provide a programmatic approach to facilitate the implementation of the Protocol on Shared Watercourses through the application of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM). GWP Southern Africa is an implementing partner for SADC providing programmatic support to the implementation of the RSAP III and is providing support to increasing engagement of stakeholders within the Phase III of the Transboundary Water Resources Management Programme.

Building Climate Resilience in the Bangladesh Delta

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:50:00 GMT

Climate change in Bangladesh is critical and according to National Geographic, Bangladesh ranks first as the most vulnerable nation to the impacts of climate change in the coming decades.

Water Use Efficiency in India

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:47:00 GMT

A National Round Table conference on Water Use Efficiency was organized by IELO at New Delhi on 27th February, 2013. The National Round Table mainly focused on “Model National Framework on Water Use Efficiency” for the National Bureau with regard to industry, commercial, domestic urban sectors.

Upgrading Flood Information in Pakistan

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 16:38:00 GMT

In 2010, the devastating floods in Pakistan directly affected about 20 million people, mostly by destruction of property, livelihood and infrastructure. GWP Pakistan is now collaborating with UNESCO to launch a project in cooperation with the Government of Japan that aims to upgrade the flood forecasting and early warning systems of Pakistan, and to conduct risk mapping of flood plains along the Indus River.

Transboundary Law and Economic Value of Water: New Background Papers from GWP Technical Committee

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 16:56:00 GMT

International Law - Facilitating Transboundary Water Cooperation

GWP Technical Committee Background Paper No 17, by Prof. Patricia Wouters

Published in the International Year of Water Cooperation (2013), this paper explores how international law facilitates transboundary cooperation in a manner that is accessible to the wider transboundary water community. It discusses the norms and principles contained in treaties and rules of customary law, and examines how these work in selected case studies from across the GWP network.

The Economic Value of Moving Toward a More Water Secure World

GWP Technical Committee Background Paper No 18, by Dale Whittington, Claudia Sadoff and Maura Allaire

In a period where public financial resources are particularly limited, how do we prioritize investments in water security? Which aspects are most critical for enabling growth? What are the most significant investments needed to increase water security? And how can economics inform policy-makers who must decide how to allocate resources to water management? This paper provides a synthesis of current thinking about these complex issues and guidance for what has to be done.

Order print copies via gwp@gwp.org.

More resources by the GWP Technical Committee.

Responding to Drought – WMO-GWP Integrated Drought Management Program Launched

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 14:33:00 GMT

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and Global Water Partnership (GWP) have launched a joint Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP) on March 13, 2013, to improve monitoring and prevention of one of the world’s greatest natural hazards.

Integrated Drought Management Programme to be Launched

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:25:00 GMT

Global Water Partnership (GWP) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) will launch a joint Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP) at a Side Event on March 13, 2013, at the High-level Meeting on National Drought Policy (HMNDP) in Geneva, Switzerland.

2013 IRF European Riverprize

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 08:30:00 GMT

The International River Foundation has recently formed a partnership to deliver a European Riverprize in 2013, the first of its kind.

Managing Central American transboundary basins

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:37:00 GMT

In Central America there are 23 transboundary basins which represent approximately 36.9% of the territory. But in most there are no joint agreements for their management. That is why GWP Nicaragua and the Latin American Water Tribunal (TLA) coordinated the regional forum, "Water in Central America: Opportunities for conflict resolution."

Suriname Launches IWRM Initiatives

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:29:00 GMT

Suriname has taken a major step to manage its water resources by launching the country’s first Water Forum on 12 December 2012. The forum aims to promote an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) approach as the means of attaining water sustainability, as well as fostering regional and international partnerships with stakeholders sharing a common objective of sustainability.

Media Exposed to Cameroon’s Water and Climate Challenges

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:19:00 GMT

Climate change and the role of water in socio-economic development was the theme of a workshop for journalists organized by GWP Central Africa in Douala, Cameroon, 17-20 December 2012. News reporting, writing techniques and tools for effective storytelling and reporting were also on the agenda for the 21 participants who came from print media and broadcasting.

IWRM at Local Level in Honduras

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:12:00 GMT

In December, GWP Honduras helped organise a workshop on IWRM to contribute to the development of the annual plan for the management of rural water systems in southern Honduras.

Burundi and Rwanda Come Together Over Shared Waters

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:51:00 GMT

Local ownership and information are keys to success in water resources management. A project in the Cyohoha water catchment, shared between Rwanda and Burundi, shows that IWRM works in a region which suffered from disastrous conflicts only twenty years go.

Integrating Water and Climate in Development

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 14:58:00 GMT

A major impetus has been given to the Water, Climate and Development Programme (WACDEP) for Africa at a wide-ranging Technical Coordination Workshop held in Pretoria, South Africa, January 28 to February 1, 2013. Participants from the eight implementing countries and seven key partner agencies shared achievements to date, lessons learned, and challenges to come in implementing the Programme.

New Publications for Water Management

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 17:16:00 GMT

The role of Decision Support Systems and Models in Integrated River Basin Management

This Technical Focus Paper provides for guidelines for elaborating and validating modelling/DSS tools to assist decision-makers in implementing IWRM. It is a joint knowledge product of GWP, UNEP-DHI Center, DHI and SIWI.

More Technical Focus Papers and GWP Technical Resources.

Manual para la GIRH en Cuencas Transfronterizas, Ríos, Lagos y Aquíferos

Handbook for Integrated Water Resources Management in the Basins of Transboundary Rivers, Lakes and Aquifers (GWP/INBO).

Available here in English, French and Spanish.

La gestion de la demande en eau: L'experience méditerranéenne

Water Demand Management - The Mediterranean Experience (GWP and Plan Bleu)

More Technical Focus Papers and GWP Technical Resources.

GWP at Water Consultations in Liberia

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 10:15:00 GMT

On the margins of the outreach meeting of the Post 2015 UN High Level Panel of Eminent Persons, the global water community held thematic consultations on water on 29th and 30th of January 2013 in Monrovia, Liberia with the participation of The President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

GWP Video Release: Water Cooperation for a Water Secure World

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 12:52:00 GMT

Water Cooperation is at the heart of GWP’s mission to support the sustainable development and management of water resources at all levels. That mission can only be achieved if a partnership of government, civil society, and the private sector work together to solve water challenges.

Water Agenda Consultations in Costa Rica

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:18:00 GMT

Costa Rica has made significant progress in the past decade in expanding access to water supply and sanitation, but the sector still faces challenges in low sanitation connections, poor service quality, and low cost recovery. GWP Costa Rica is organizing workshops as part of a consultation process to be carried out from November 2012 through January 2013 for the elaboration of the Water Agenda 2013-2030.

Transboundary Water Management in Baltics

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:12:00 GMT

GWP Lithuania and GWP Poland took part in a consortium led by the Stockholm International Water Institute to support sustainable water resources management of international rivers shared by countries in the eastern part of the Baltic Sea.

IWRM improves the Yellow River

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:05:00 GMT

More than 100 participants from over 40 organizations participated in a workshop on implementing an integrated approach to managing the Yellow River in Zhengzhou on 6 November 2012.

WACDEP: Rwanda-Burundi Team of Experts Team Discuss Water issues

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 11:00:00 GMT

Team Experts from Rwanda and Burundi discussed water and climate adaptation and resilience issues in the drier Nile Basin, specifically around Lake Cyohaha trans-boundary water of Bugesera region for the two East African countries.

Transboundary IWRM in the Drin

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 10:21:00 GMT

The Drin River Basin covers Albania, Greece, FYR Macedonia, Kosovo (UN administered) and Montenegro. The Drin River is the connecting body of this water system, linking the lakes, wetlands, rivers and other aquatic habitats into a single ecosystem of major importance. A work programme for the project “Enabling Transboundary Cooperation and Integrated Water Resources Management in the Extended Drin River Basin”, in which GWP Mediterranean participates, was adopted in November.

Gender Awareness in Bangladesh

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 09:44:00 GMT

Gender equity and women’s empowerment in water resources management is one of the cornerstones of the Dublin-Rio principles on which the GWP network is founded, and is accepted as one of the essential pillars to poverty eradication and sustainable development.

Climate Change and Food Security in India

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 09:37:00 GMT

More than 55% of India’s population is practicing agriculture in climate sensitive areas; 53% of the area suffers from serious degradation; 30 million hectares of land experience haphazard grazing and the fall in per capita availability of water is 70 percentage points.

New Thinking in Water Management

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 09:18:00 GMT

To stimulate new thinking to improve Sri Lanka’s natural resources management, the first Young Water Professionals Symposium for the country was organized by GWP Sri Lanka in association with IWMI and Unilever on 22-23 November in Colombo with the participation of the Hon Minister of Water Supply and Drainage Dinesh Gunawardene and Prof Mohan Munasinghe, Nobel Peace Prize winner 2007 (IPCC), and over 150 participants.

COP 18 at Doha – it’s now about adaptation

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 15:49:00 GMT

One thing became clear at the Doha climate negotiations. As governments struggle to reach any agreement on climate mitigation, the urgency and importance of agreement on adaptation is now coming to the fore.

GWP Eastern Africa Contributed to Adoption of Water Declaration for ‘Future Leaders’

Sat, 15 Dec 2012 09:30:00 GMT

As a co-organizer of the East Africa Young Water Professionals Conference held in Rwanda’s capital Kigali, December, 2012, GWP Eastern Africa contributed to the adoption of Water Declaration directed to government decision-makers in East Africa and beyond.

GWP at European UNECE Meeting on Transboundary Waters

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 09:33:00 GMT

More than 50 countries and numerous international organizations, including a GWP delegation, met at the sixth session of the Meeting of the Parties to the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’s (UNECE) Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes in Rome, Italy, on 28-30 November 2012.

De-polluting the Mediterranean

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:59:00 GMT

More than a 120 Members of Parliament, journalists and NGOs from 22 Mediterranean countries met on 22-23 October 2012, in Athens, Greece, and pledged to accelerate their efforts towards de-polluting the Mediterranean by the year 2020.

Transboundary management in the Buna/Bojana catchment

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:57:00 GMT

The preparation of the Buna/Bojana Transboundary Integrated Management Plan aims to assist in identifying steps towards the reduction of pollution and the preservation of biodiversity in the area. Through multi-stakeholder consultations, the Plan will identify problems and issues in this basin shared between Albania and Montenegro. The Plan is prepared in the framework of the GEF MAP UNEP MedPartnership Programme by UNEP MAP PAP/RAC, GWP Mediterranean and UNESCO

Youth Act for Water

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:46:00 GMT

GWP Chair Dr Letitia A Obeng participated in the side event ‘The Water We Want: Youth Act for Water’ on 12 October 2012 at the UN General Assembly in New York. The event was a partnership between the Belgian Youth Delegates to the UN and the World Youth Parliament for Water, hosted by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Pressing Need for Urban Water Management

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:34:00 GMT

Two-thirds of the Central American population lives in urban areas which is why GWP Central America, with the support of CapNet and LAWETNet, organized a regional workshop on Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) at the Pan-American School for Agriculture (Zamorano) in Honduras from 29 October to 1 November 2012. Participants included representatives of the six countries of the region from municipalities of major cities, water and sanitation agencies, and universities.

Caribbean Stakeholders Develop a Water and Climate Programme

Thu, 22 Nov 2012 09:29:00 GMT

“Water and climate change is more than an environmental issue,” said Mr. Sylvester Clauzel, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Sustainable Development, Energy, Science and Technology of St. Lucia. “

2013 GWP-University of Dundee International Water Law Scholarship Programme

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 16:10:00 GMT

As capacity-building support to its Partner organizations, GWP, together with the University of Dundee, will offer scholar-ships for 30 participants to undertake a module in International Water Law, in Dundee 10-21 June 2013.

Deadline for applications: 15 February 2013.

African Journalists Learn About Mining’s Impacts

Tue, 06 Nov 2012 17:33:00 GMT

Mining is an important industry in West Africa. It contributes to economic and social development, but it also disrupts the natural and human balance, raising questions about the risk it poses to communities living near mining sites.

Towards Water Sustainability in Chile

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 10:55:00 GMT

The Second Water Sustainability Summit was held 27 September 2012 in Chile and gathered more than 900 people. It brought together national key players and international experts to discuss actions towards national water sustainability.

IWRM in Education in Central Africa

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 10:52:00 GMT

In October 2009 Central Africa adopted a Regional Water Policy. Within the Secretariat of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) a unit responsible for coordinating the management of water resources was created.

20 Years of Water Cooperation in Central Asia

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 10:48:00 GMT

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination (ICWC) among Central Asian countries, a Central Asian International Research and Practice Conference took place 20-21 September 2012 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, to discuss past experience and future challenges of water cooperation in the region. GWP Central Asia and Caucasus, which celebrated its 10 years at the conference, has been instrumental in regional water cooperation and took active part in the conference.

IWRM for Municipalities in Honduras

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 10:41:00 GMT

GWP Honduras together with Fundación Vida and the Association of Municipalities of Honduras (AMHON) coordinated a workshop to train representatives of 25 municipalities of western Honduras on IWRM in the city of Danli, on September 6, 2012. This activity was part of a broader program led by AMHON and the National Forest Conservation Institute (ICF) on the protection of forests. The objective was to impart knowledge on the main concepts of IWRM to increase its use in local settings.

Water Use Efficiency in Barbados

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 10:36:00 GMT

Twenty practitioners from the Agriculture Sector in Barbados had the opportunity to be trained in Water Use Efficiency at a workshop put on by the GWP Caribbean and its partner, the Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute, on 5-7 September 2012. The workshop was developed by GWP Caribbean to build capacity for improved water management through water use efficiency techniques in agriculture.

GWP Vision is Achievable— RSC Acting Chair Tells Country Water Partnership Delegates

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 07:00:00 GMT

The acting Chair of the Regional Steering Committee for Global Water Partnership Eastern Africa, Prof Munguti Katua, told 15 delegates from Country Water Partnerships that GWP’s vision—‘a water secure world is achievable, if the present momentum is kept.”

Climate Change for Bangladesh

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:00:00 GMT

To increase awareness about key critical issues related to climate change challenges that Bangladesh is likely to face in the future, a training on “Climate Change Adaptation” was organized by the Institute of Water Modeling (IWM) and GWP Bangladesh, on 23-25 September 2012 in Dhaka.

“Your Organisation is Our Organisation”

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 12:11:00 GMT

President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj of Mongolia visits GWP in Stockholm

Photo: President Tsakhiagiin Elbegdorj of Mongolia, GWP Chair Dr Letitia A Obeng, and Ambassador to Sweden Dr Baldan Enkhmandakh.

Nine Caribbean Ministers Sign Declaration for Addressing Regional Water Security

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 14:47:00 GMT

Nine (9) Caribbean Ministers with responsibility for water resources management have committed themselves to making all essential efforts in addressing water security and climate change in the region.

‘Duty to Cooperate’ for Water Security

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 13:36:00 GMT

– GWP at UN Round-table on Water Security

GWP participated in the UN High Level Round-table Discussion on Water, Peace and Security on Tuesday, 25 September 2012, at the UN Headquarters in New York. The round-table was a side event during the annual meeting of the UN General Assembly, and was hosted by the European Union, the United States, and UN-Water.

Preparing for Droughts to Come

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:18:00 GMT

- International Expert Workshop in Bratislava 5-6 Oct 2012

One of the most severe consequences of global warming and climate change is increasing and widespread drought which will affect a large number of nations, especially those in regions already prone to such phenomena.

Caribbean Ministers to Discuss Water and Energy

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 12:12:00 GMT

More than ten Government Ministers and senior officials with responsibility for water resources management in the Caribbean will meet at the 8th Annual High Level Session (HLS) Ministerial Forum on Water, to be held in The Bahamas on October 4th and 5th, 2012.

Balancing Growth and Environmental Protection

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:52:00 GMT

GWP participated in the “COP 11 of the RAMSAR Convention”, the 11th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Wetlands entitled “Wetlands: Home and Destination” on 5-10 July in the Parliament Palace in Bucharest.

Rainwater Harvesting in Trinidad

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:45:00 GMT

GWP Caribbean together with its partner the Water Resources Agency (WRA) has established a Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) system within the Fondes Amandes community in St. Ann’s Trinidad. The RWH system is patterned after a system based on best practices. The installation of the system is part of GWP Caribbean’s contribution to the project Water for Life: The Trinidad and Tobago Initiative.

Improving Water Availability in Costa Rica

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:43:00 GMT

GWP Costa Rica has been invited to participate in a pilot project on the improvement of the availability of water. About 61% of the country’s 4.3 million people are located in urban areas, and while there has been significant progress in the past decade in expanding access to water supply and sanitation, the sector faces key challenges in low sanitation connections, poor service quality, and low cost recovery.

Water Financing in Brazil

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:39:00 GMT

Following on the series of successful regional workshops on Water Financing carried out in 2009 and 2010 by GWP and the EUWI in South America, the international seminar, "Water and Environmental Sanitation Financing" was held in Porto Alegre on June 11, organized by GWP Brazil in partnership with ABES-RS, the Brazilian Association for Sanitation and Environmental Engineering. Its aim was to identify and promote ways of funding water resources management.

Using the IWRM ToolBox in Education

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:19:00 GMT

To build a closer working relationship on knowledge sharing with universities, a workshop on the GWP Toolbox and IWRM Knowledge Centers was held in Stockholm on 25 August 2012. More than 16 lecturers and researchers from universities participated and shared experiences on teaching IWRM and other water resources-related areas, with examples of how the Toolbox can be applied.

Flood Management in Dhaka

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:15:00 GMT

Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is a city that faces a number of environmental challenges such as urban and river flooding, water logging, earthquakes, fire hazards, traffic congestion and various anthropogenic problems.

Training Trainers on IWRM and Ecosystems

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 16:10:00 GMT

GWP Malaysia and the Global Environment Centre co-organised a Regional Training of Trainers course on Ecosystem Services and IWRM on 18-21 June 2012. It was targeted to enable greater awareness and understanding on ecosystem management based on a holistic and sustainable manner aimed at empowering relevant stakeholders in Malaysia with knowledge and skills needed to adopt the ecosystem services concept.

GWP Partners Trained at Annual Transboundary Workshop

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 14:40:00 GMT

Up to 45 participants from more than 20 countries participated in the the 3^rd annual ‘’International Law and Transboundary Freshwaters” workshop, organized by the University of Dundee on 11-14 June 2012. It was the second time GWP provided support to participants which are GWP Partners and 28 participants were from GWP Partner organizations.

GWP-Delta Alliance Initiative launched at World Water Week 2012

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 13:11:00 GMT

Enabling Delta Life, a collaborative initiative on water management and governance in deltas between the Global Water Partnership and the Delta Alliance, was officially launched on 29 August 2012 at the seminar “Managing the World's Deltas: Unique Systems, Unique Challenges” at the World Water Week in Stockholm.

New GWP Chair, Schaefer-Preuss, Appointed

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 13:30:00 GMT

August 28, 2012

The Global Water Partnership (GWP) Sponsoring Partners announced today the appointment of Dr. Ursula Schaefer-Preuss as its new Chair, effective January 1, 2013. Dr. Schaefer-Preuss’ latest assignment was as Vice President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Manila for Knowledge Management and Sustainable Development. She was responsible for ADB’s Regional and Sustainable Development Department and Economics and Research Department (Office of the Chief Economist).

Global Water Partnership launches new publications at World Water Week 2012

Tue, 21 Aug 2012 15:22:00 GMT

AMCOW President, Minister for Water Resources and Irrigation, Egypt and GWP Executive Secretary launch the Technical Background Document on World Water Week, 27 August 2012.

GWP IWRM ToolBox: Useful Tool for Academia

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 13:33:00 GMT

In 2000, GWP developed the IWRM ToolBox. Broadly defined, the ToolBox consists of a wide range of materials such as case studies and reference documents dealing with water resource management.

How to Finance Water Resources Management

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:06:00 GMT

The cost of managing water resources to reach social, economic and environmental goals is increasing due to increased demands from urbanisation, population growth and climatic threats – to name but some of the future challenges.

Mediterranean Project To Overcome Financing Challenges approved

Fri, 20 Jul 2012 10:20:00 GMT

Senior Officials from the 43 country members of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) recently approved a project entitled "Overcoming governance challenges to the mobilisation of financing for the Mediterranean water sector", aimed to identify and provide solutions to the lack of basic elements for a sound governance framework for the mobilisation of financing for the water sector in many Mediterranean countries, including absorption capacity at both national and local levels.

New Water Management Initiative: Enabling Delta Life

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 11:05:00 GMT

Deltas, where the river meets the sea, are dynamic and productive systems where people live and have built civilizations for millennia. Throughout the world they host dense populations and are important centers of food production, livelihoods and industry. These confluences of the sweet and the salty waters are of great ecological significance, featuring wetlands of high and unique biodiversity. Wise management of deltas is crucial for the integrity of ecosystems, economic well being and poverty alleviation.

High-Level Support for Cooperation in the Mediterranean Manifested at Rio+20

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 19:39:00 GMT

How consolidated efforts can help to reach sustainable development in the region of the Mediterranean Sea to ensure preservation and improvement of the environment and the rich biodiversity, was discussed and presented at the Side Event “Challenges and Opportunities for a Mediterranean Green Growth.”

No Sustainable Development without Water Cooperation

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:21:00 GMT

The pivotal role of water cooperation in sustainable development was in focus at a high-level event arranged by the Government of Tajikistan in cooperation with other UN Member States and UN-Water.

GWP Commitments to Gender

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 12:11:00 GMT

GWP Chair Dr Letitia A Obeng spoke at the”High Level event Leaders’ Forum on the Future Women Want: Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment for Sustainable Development” on 19 June 2012 at Rio+20, organized by UN Women, in collaboration with the Government of Brazil.

How to Address Climate Change Threats

Sun, 24 Jun 2012 14:43:00 GMT

“How to reduce the threats of climate change and to make threats into opportunities” was one of questions raised at the high-level side event “Climate Compatible Development for Sustainability and Climate Security”, organized on 21 June 2012 at Rio+20.

World Support for IWRM Reaffirmed by Status Report

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 11:51:00 GMT

The “Status Report on the Application of Integrated Approaches to Water Resources Management” was launched by UN-Water on 19 June 2012 at Rio+20 with GWP Chair Dr Letitia A Obeng as one of the panelists. This Status Report, prepared by UNEP in collaboration with UNDP and GWP, is one of the official UN reports to the Rio+20 conference, and is based on a survey of countries carried out in 2011. GWP facilitated the completion of level 1 and 2 surveys through the Regional and Country Water Partnerships, and is very proud to have been a partner in this endeavour.

GWP at Rio+20: Mainstreaming Gender - Together We are Stronger

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 12:44:00 GMT

One of the prerequisites to successful water resources management plans is the need for them to be gender sensitive. This point was emphasized at the Rio+20 Side Event: “Dublin Rio Principles: Where do we stand, what lessons learned “ on 18 June 2012, with Hon Rejoice Mabudafhasi, Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, South Africa and Chair of the Network of Women Ministers and Leaders for the Environment, as Chair of the panel.

GWP at Rio+20: High-Level Dialogue on Water

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 12:21:00 GMT

GWP Executive Secretary Dr Ania Grobicki was invited by the Brazilian government to speak at the Water Dialogue Panel which was broadcasted live on 19 June 2012. Ten recommendations were discussed by the panel and they will be transmitted directly to the roundtables of Heads of State and Government.

GWP at Rio+20: Putting Mountains on the Global Agenda

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 17:09:00 GMT

The importance of mountains for the provision of water was emphasized at the Rio+20 Side Event "Mountain Knowledge Solutions for Sustainable Green Economy and Improved Water, Food, Energy, and Environment Nexus" on 18 June 2012, in which the GWP Executive Secretary participated.

New Publication: Water in the Green Economy

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:15:00 GMT

Water and its management is becoming not just a local but a global priority. The UN Rio+20 Declaration emphasises the need to establish a green economy as the means to achieving sustainable development while protecting and improving the world’s natural resources. Water is increasingly seen as a central plank of the green economy. It is embedded in all aspects of development – food security, health, and poverty reduction – and in sustaining economic growth in agriculture, industry, and energy generation.

Progress in Water Reform in El Salvador

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 13:10:00 GMT

The Water Reform process in El Salvador has been advancing rapidly, thanks to the willingness of the government to work with different stakeholders committed to good water governance.

New Step in Financing Water Sector in Central Africa

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:19:00 GMT

The Ministers in charge of water of the Member States of the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) met on April 6, 2012, in Bangui, to discuss options for the establishment of a regional Water Resources Management Coordination Centre. One of the recommendations of the meeting was that the ECCAS General Secretariat, working together with GWP Central Africa and the Development Bank of Central African States (BDEAC), finalizes the strategic documents for water financing in Central Africa and submits them for adoption by ECCAS Members States.

Rio+20 Side Event: Dublin Rio Principles – Bridging the Gender Gap in Water Resource Management

Tue, 12 Jun 2012 15:20:00 GMT

– Where do we stand, What lessons have we learned?

18th June 2012 Time: 11:30-13:00

Venue: P3-6, RioCentro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Addressing Urban Water Demands – New GWP Publication

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:17:00 GMT

The GWP Technical Committee Background paper No. 16: Integrated Urban Water Management by Dr. Akica Bahri, Technical Committee member, discusses different aspects of the urban water cycle and highlights the challenges of how to integrate urban, land-use planning and water planning towards economic development.

First India Water Week Focuses on Water-Energy-Food Nexus

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:25:00 GMT

Under the theme, “Water, Energy and Food Security: Call for Solutions”, more than 1,000 water professionals from India and abroad participated in the first India Water Week in April, in New Delhi. In an indication of the role of water as of critical importance to economic prosperity, the week was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh. (Photo: GWP Executive Secretary Dr Ania Grobicki)

GWP IWRM ToolBox Introduced in Armenia

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:22:00 GMT

GWP conducted a training course on the “Application of the GWP IWRM ToolBox” at the Yerevan State University in Armenia, 25-26 April 2012. One of the main purposes of the training was to demonstrate how the GWP IWRM ToolBox can be used in university curricula.

Guyanese Journalist Wins Media Award

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:18:00 GMT

To inspire Caribbean journalists to report more on water, GWP Caribbean launched its first annual Media Awards on Water on 5 March 2012. The winner is Mr. Shane Hubbard, an Editor and Videographer from CNS TV6 in Guyana who produced a television piece under the theme “Water and Food Security”.

Implementing Rwanda Water Policy

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:15:00 GMT

On 25 April, GWP Rwanda took a first step to implement the Water Resources Management (WRM) Strategy of Rwanda by holding a workshop, jointly organized with the Netherlands Development Organization under the theme: "Towards IWRM through collaboration and partnerships between all actors at all levels".

High-Level Roundtable on Water in China

Tue, 22 May 2012 11:11:00 GMT

The High-Level Roundtable on Water Resources Management System Development in China was organized by GWP China on April 20, 2012, in Beijing. The meeting aimed at establishing water management mechanisms with well-defined duties, rights and responsibilities, coordination mechanisms for the development of river basins, and facilitating stricter and better water management through the integrated water resources management approach.

New Publication: Small-scale finance for water and sanitation

Mon, 21 May 2012 12:49:00 GMT

In the race to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the role of small-scale WATSAN (water and sanitation) providers is indispensable. However, as this report "Small-scale finance for water and sanitation" claims, there is little awareness or cohesion among external support sgencies (ESAs), including EU donors, on the best way to increase financing for small-scale providers.

The Future We Want

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:34:00 GMT

The GWP network has been invited by an initiative called “The Future We Want” to contribute solutions for Rio+20. The Future We Want is a global initiative to move beyond negative visions of the future and focus on the sustainability solutions that are ready to be implemented by 2030.

Africa Develops Response to Climate Change Threat to Water Security

Mon, 07 May 2012 13:35:00 GMT

‒ Launching of a Strategic Framework at Africa Water Week 2012

In an effort to address the twin challenges of water security and climate change, the African Ministers Council on Water launched The Strategic Framework for Water Security and Climate Resilient Development on May 14, 2012, at the Africa Water Week, in Cairo, Egypt.

(Photo: Honorable S.S. Nkomo, Vice President of the African Minsters Council on Water, and Minister of Water Resources and Development, Zimbabwe and GWP Executive Secretary Dr Ania Grobicki)

Water ‒ helping to grow the green economy, GWP contributes to Stockholm+40

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 10:02:00 GMT

Water, the vital source of life, is a cross-cutting resource, water an essential component in building sustainable energy, food and health systems – sustainable livelihoods; yet water lacks recognition among the development sectors and policy makers; it is impossible to reach our vision of a water secure world if we continue to manage water in the future the same way as we do today; we need to stop the fragmentation of its management we need to act now for water for the future: these were some of the points raised at the roundtable the Global Water Partnership organised together with Stockholm International Water Institute at the Swedish Government Stockholm+40 conference on 23-25 April 2012.

El Salvador Water Bill Goes to Congress

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 10:18:00 GMT

To celebrate World Water Day, the President of El Salvador through the Minister of Environment and Natural Resources, presented the General Water Bill to the National Congress on the 22^ndof March. The Bill recognizes the human right to water. GWP El Salvador has been advocating for this billfor several years.

Non-Conventional Techniques for Water Reuse in the Mediterranean

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:31:00 GMT

GWP Mediterranean presented the Non-Conventional Water Resources Programme in the Mediterranean at the World Water Forum in Marseille. The programme is implemented together with partner institutions, organisations and companies. It aims at advancing the use of Non-Conventional Water Resources in water scarce communities in the Mediterranean, as a cost-effective method for water availability and climate change adaptation. The traditional rainwater harvesting method is used and improved when combined with innovative techniques and methods.

Linking Good Water Governance And Financing

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:25:00 GMT

Until recently it was rare for water professionals to consider financing issues. Water advocacy and plans were often aspirational – neglecting to show where the money would come from, how activities would be financed or who would pay for them. It was as if finance was somebody else’s problem. Likewise, people from the finance sector have not given great importance to water related issues. However, this situation is changing and finance is becoming an essential topic in water management circles.

Stakeholder Consultations in Bugesera Transboundary Basin shared by Rwanda and Burundi

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:28:00 GMT

Within the framework of implementing the climate change related commitments of the Sharm el-Sheikh Declaration on Water and Sanitation, GWP and AMCOW are implementing the Water Climate Development programe (WACDEP). The WACDEP aims to support African countries develop No/low regrets Water Security and Climate Resilience Investment Strategies, Plans and projects, and promote the integration of water security and climate resilience into national development plans.

First Practical Guide of Water Management in Latvia

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:27:00 GMT

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.

Working Toward Transparency in Nepal

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:19:00 GMT

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.

Water Stakeholders Focus on IWRM Implementation in Trinidad and Tobago

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:07:00 GMT

Representatives from government ministries, NGOs and community-based organisations convened on February 15^th, 2012, for the 8^th Integrated Water Resources Management Stakeholder Meeting put on by the Water and Sewerage Authority and the Water Resources Agency of Trinidad and Tobago.

Financial Planning for Water Supply and Sanitation in Cameroon

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 13:01:00 GMT

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.

IWMI Wins Stockholm Water Prize

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 09:19:00 GMT

On World Water Day 22 March 2012, it was announced that a close partner organization of GWP, the International Water Management Institute, wins this year's Stockholm Water Prize “for for their pioneering research that has served to improve agriculture water management, enhance food security, protect environmental health and alleviate poverty in developing countries.”

GWP Calls for Recommitment to IWRM Plans at Rio+20

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 13:32:00 GMT

Dr. Ania Grobicki, GWP Executive Secretary, speaking at a World Water Day press conference at the United Nations in New York, called on governments to recommit to IWRM and Water Efficiency Plans at the Rio+20 Conference in June 2012. Governments agreed to such Plans in Johannesburg, South Africa, known as the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, at the World Summit on Sustainable Development (Earth Summit 2002).

New Handbook for Integrated Water Resources Management in the Basins of Transboundary Rivers, Lakes and Aquifers

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 07:44:00 GMT

This publication was launched at the 6thWorld Water Forum in Marseille by the International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO), the Global Water Partnership (GWP), UNECE, UNESCO, GEF, EVREN and AFD who worked together to produce it.

New Publication: GWP Wants Action on Water at Rio+20

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:44:00 GMT

GWP has developed a Policy Brief to emphasise key messages to policy makers at Rio+20:

GWP Signs New Agreement with Sweden

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:22:00 GMT

On Monday, March 5, the Global Water Partnership Organisation (GWPO) and the Swedish Government signed a new host agreement.

GWP Caribbean Media Awards on Water

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:40:00 GMT

To raise awareness on sustainable water management in the Caribbean, and to commemorate the United Nations’ World Water Day (WWD) 2012 which is celebrated on March 22nd each year, GWP-C has established its first Media Awards on Water. The Awards aim to inspire Caribbean journalists to report more on regional water issues.

Training the Next Generation

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 17:38:00 GMT

A key part of ensuring that future water practitioners take an integrated approach to managing water resources is to target those training young water professionals. GWP Central America is strengthening its work with universities to provide them with knowledge and information on water resources management. In recent months, Country Water Partnerships and the Regional Secretariat have organized events for the academic community.

GWP India Supporting Community Participation in Ganges River Basin

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:17:00 GMT

GWP India is supporting the Society for the Promotion of Waste Lands Development who, with key partners the Sach-Sach Society and Shramik Bharti, is undertaking a dialogue with community-based organisations across the Ganga River on the need to engage meaningfully with the National Ganga River Basin Authority and the Indian Institute of Technology consortium.

River and Lake Health in China Requires Action

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:15:00 GMT

Setting up of institutional mechanisms, legal status issues, and developing biological monitoring standards, were discussed at a workshop on monitoring and assessment methods for river and lake health, organized by GWP China on January 13, 2012, in Beijing.

Towards Integrated Management in Chile

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 09:13:00 GMT

GWP Chile organized a seminar "Towards an Integrated Water Resources Management” in Santiago on Tuesday, December 13 together with the Faculty of Law at Gabriela Mistral University. The workshop emerged as an initiative from the Diagnosis of Water Resources Management developed by the World Bank and disseminated by the General Water Directorate in June 2011.

Benin and Netherlands Strengthen Water Cooperation

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:47:00 GMT

Benin and the Netherlands signed a four year Memorandum of Understanding on water and pledged to establish a "technical advisory platform" with GWP Benin and the Netherlands Water Partnership playing the role of secretariat for the platform for 2012-2015. The MOU was signed by Mr. Ben Knapen, Dutch Minister for European and International Cooperation and Mr. Jonas Gbian, Beninese Minister in charge of water on Thursday, January 12, 2012.

New Country Water Partnership in Gambia

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 08:42:00 GMT

“This Partnership is very important and its implementation should support Gambia in the sustainable management of its water resources ... The government and my department will provide all necessary support to do so,” said Mrs Fatou Sosseh Jallow, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Minister in charge of water of the Gambia at the official ceremony establishing GWP Gambia on 20 December 2011.

Water Security for Development

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 14:45:00 GMT

Water security in the 21st century requires an integrated approach to water resources management.

Call for Nominations and Applications: Chair of the Global Water Partnership

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:20:00 GMT

Call for Nominations and Applications

The GWP seeks an outstanding and internationally recognized leader to serve as its Chair, guiding the global Network of water partners, and heading the GWP Organization. Given the scale of water-related challenges across the globe, the Chair has a unique opportunity to lead the GWP at an important time, as action now is essential for a water secure world.

Regional Approaches to Food and Water Security in the Face of Climate Challenges

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:08:00 GMT

The global focus on the threats posed by climate change has drawn attention to the fact that water will be the medium through which many of its impacts will be felt. In addition to the direct impacts of damaging floods and interruptions to water supply due to drought, a particular concern in many regions is the threat to food security, driven by changing rainfall patterns and increased aridity.

Climate change adaptation strategy for the SADC water sector launched

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:45:00 GMT

Developed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), a climate change adaptation strategy for the water sector was officially launched at COP 17 in December 2011 in Durban, South Africa. It effectively sees SADC take up the challenge of responding to the threat of climate change in southern Africa.

Chile's effort towards the integrated management of water resources supported

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:00:00 GMT

Recently, Chile's General Directorate of Water (DGA) has showed a keen interest in ensuring an integrated approach to water management, reflected in its 2005 document IWRM and Several Experiences of Organisations of Water Users and the most recent 2011 report: Chile – Diagnosis of Water Resources Management.

Knowledge shared among stakeholders on transboundary waters

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:57:00 GMT

Continuing a process launched in 2006, GWP Mediterranean organised four regional workshops during 2011 aimed at enriching knowledge, enhancing experience-sharing and strengthening capacity building on issues relating to transboundary water resources management in south-eastern Europe.

GWP CACENA to mediate in Aral Sea project

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:12:00 GMT

GWP Central Asia and Caucasus (CACENA) has received a grant from USAID to coordinate a consortium developing a regional economic model for the integrated use of water resources in the Aral Sea basin.

GWP Benin: supporting local and national development

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:30:00 GMT

GWP Benin was established a little over ten years ago. In recent years, it has been credited with helping to steer the new Water Law through parliament (2010), promote acceptance of the Water Policy (2009), and campaign for the national IWRM Plan among the country's water stakeholders (2011).

New GWP Technical Committee Members

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:21:00 GMT

The GWP Technical Committee consists of up to 12 internationally recognised professionals selected for their experience in different disciplines relating to integrated water resources management. The Committee Chair is Dr Mohamed Ait-Kadi of Morocco.

IWRM Plan for Panama approved

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 13:44:00 GMT

The National IWRM Plan for Panama was approved in November 2011. This is the culmination of a long process, under the National Environment Authority (ANAM), supported by GWP Panama. The Plan aims to improve the welfare of communities in the basins, without compromising the sustainability of their natural or cultural systems. The Plan will benefit 3.4 million people and contribute to the operation of the Panama Canal, which in 2011 contributed US$1.043 million to the country's economy.

GWP Gambia launched

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:48:00 GMT

The Gambia officially launched a new Country Water Partnership (CWP) in 2011, joining the other 12 West African CWPs that have been formed since the beginning of GWP's activities in West Africa. Now, all countries in the region except Liberia and Sierra Leone have set up a CWP.

Wastewater management plan developed in Botswana using an integrated approach

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:43:00 GMT

While pollution problems have long been acknowledged in the Okavango Delta, it was the Botswana IWRM-WE Plan project (facilitated by GWP Botswana, led by Botswana's Department of Water Affairs, and funded by UNDP GEF) which brought stakeholders and institutions together to act on the issue. This contrasted with the isolated, ad hoc project and departmental actions that had gone before.

Urban flood risk management framework developed for Dhaka city

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:37:00 GMT

GWP Bangladesh has developed a flood risk management framework for Dhaka city, focusing on urban flooding in the north of the city. The study synthesized information from previous plans, programmes, reports and the scientific literature.

Capacity built for implementation of integrated approach in RajasthanCapacity built for implementation of integrated approach in Rajasthan

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:35:00 GMT

Although an IWRM approach was incorporated into the development of the new Rajasthan State Water Policy in 2010, it quickly became clear that few stakeholders had a clear understanding of how it worked. Now, GWP India and their NGO Partner, Jheel Sanrakshan Samiti, have created a better understanding of the IWRM approach by involving all stakeholders in a capacity building programme, enabling them to take the lead in the planning and management of water resources in the state.

Cooperation promoted in lower Indus Basin in Pakistan

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 15:33:00 GMT

Under the guidance of GWP Pakistan, the local water Partnership for the Nara canal in the lower Indus Basin launched a participatory programme to reduce poverty and improve agricultural productivity. This canal, the largest in Pakistan, irrigates 2 million acres (809,371 hectares) of land.

Rainwater harvesting pilot applications enhanced

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:54:00 GMT

Focusing on six water-scarce islands in the Cyclades, Greece, one grey water system and 11 rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems were installed or repaired. The total installed capacity reached about 2.2 million litres with an estimated annual water yield of 4.42 million litres, benefiting 8,500 permanent inhabitants in small and isolated communities.

Agreement to link IWRM and ICZM in the Buna/Bojana river

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:35:00 GMT

With a focus on the Buna/Bojana transboundary river (shared between Albania and Montenegro), a methodology is being developed that effectively links IWRM and ICZM (integrated coastal zone management). This work includes developing a joint IWRM/ICZM generic planning framework and working towards the launch, in 2012, of the joint IWRM/ICZM Plan for this specific transboundary basin.

Concrete actions identified on private sector participation

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:33:00 GMT

To involve the private sector more in developing water infrastructure, GWP Mediterranean continued with national assessments and multi-stakeholder dialogues. These were run within the framework of MED EUWI and the GEF MedPartnership, and in close collaboration with the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

African Development Bank highlighted success of IWRM planning in Burundi

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:27:00 GMT

The Africa Water Facility review mission to Burundi has concluded that the IWRM planning process has achieved its purpose and has recommended financial support to implement the plan. The mission also decided to use its experience in Burundi as a building block for other countries in Eastern Africa and transboundary water management.

High-Level Forum focuses attention on urban water management

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:24:00 GMT

Experts on water, urban construction, science and technology, forestry and agriculture agreed at a recent meeting that plans for an urban water environment should focus on the optimal allocation of water resources, be adequately funded and have an operational management system. Such a system must also play a functional role in flood control.

Awareness of the environment created through art

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:06:00 GMT

Raising awareness among young people and their teachers about the vital importance of the Danube Basin is the main aim of the annual Danube Art Master competition. Each child and school in the basin, covering 19 European countries, is invited to create a threedimensional work of art from material found near water, such as plants, shells, mud, grass and waste.

New edition published of the Status of Water Resources in Central America

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:59:00 GMT

In 2011, GWP Central America published an updated version of the Status of Water Resources in Central America, a compilation of data on water resources in Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama. This publication presents advances and challenges in water resources management at country and regional level.

Water and climate change put higher on regional agenda

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:56:00 GMT

Central America is one of the regions most vulnerable to climate change, so recognising that water is essential to adaptation is crucial to national and regional strategies. To this end, GWP Central America has contributed to the water component in the Action Plan of the Regional Strategy for Climate Change (ERCC) and organised a regional workshop on water and climate change.

Adoption of common climate change agenda in Latin America

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:52:00 GMT

Held in Buenos Aires in November, the 12th Conference of Ibero-American Water Directors (CODIA) confirmed the 11 targets and the key political messages initially proposed as part of the Americas' preparatory process for the 6th World Water Forum.

Watershed councils established in Honduras

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:39:00 GMT

The National Water Law, approved in 2009 (see GWP in Action 2009 Annual Report, p. 24), aims to establish a national framework for water management and stipulates the establishment of watershed councils to improve water governance through stakeholder participation.

Water Resources Information System developed in Suriname

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:30:00 GMT

The Suriname Water Resources Information System (SWRIS) Project has enhanced water resources management in the country. As well as the online information system, the project has developed a water video, a collection of hydro-meteorological field data, awareness programmes about water resources for primary and secondary schools, training, and academic courses at the BSc and MSc level.

Improved capacity enhances water use efficiency in St Kitts and Nevis

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:26:00 GMT

GWP Caribbean has contributed to improving water use efficiency in the agricultural sector in the twin-island state by providing training and a technical resource manual.

IWRM policy and roadmap for Guyana drafted by GWP Caribbean

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:22:00 GMT

GWP Caribbean offered to assist the Republic of Guyana in managing the country's water resources by developing an IWRM policy and roadmap, with the help of a consultant. Guyana has several existing policies which can be applied to water resources management; however, there is no single National Water Resources Management Policy for the country.

Ministers recognise IWRM as the mechanism for sustainable water resources management

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:19:00 GMT

Water Ministers representing four Caribbean countries endorsed recommendations for IWRM and water financing at the 2011 GWP Caribbean/Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) High Level Session (HLS) Ministerial Forum.

High-level agreement on a shared vision for the Drin River Basin

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 14:38:00 GMT

Following detailed assessment and a structured stakeholders' consultation at national and regional levels, the five Drin River riparian states signed a Memorandum of Understanding on a shared strategic vision for the benefit of about two million people who rely on the basin for drinking water, agriculture, fisheries, industry, and hydropower.

Stakeholders for a Sava River Basin Plan

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:30:00 GMT

A River Basin Management Plan of the Sava river basin is under development, the first attempt in the Southern European region to draft a River Basin Management Plan according to the EU Water Framework Directive. GWP Mediterranean and GWP Central and Eastern Europe have significantly contributed to the stakeholder involvement process related to development of the Plan.

Economic Model for the Aral Sea

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:20:00 GMT

A USAID project to develop a regional economic model for the integrated use of Aral Sea basin water resources was granted to a consortium of DHI, COWI and GWP Central Asia and Caucasus (GWP CACENA), with GWP CACENA being asked to coordinate the project. A working meeting was held on 7-9 December 2011 to elaborate specific assignments for national experts from five countries.

Basin Management Guidelines for Nicaragua

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:11:00 GMT

GWP Central America signed an agreement with the National Water Authority of Nicaragua (Autoridad Nacional del Agua - ANA) to help prepare guidelines for basin management plans. The agreement, signed October 14, 2011, is a contribution to the implementation of the Water Law approved in 2007.

Conflict Resolution in Vietnam

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 16:01:00 GMT

Conflicts over water resources exist in Vietnam as in many parts of the world where a large population have to share scarce water resources. To tackle these issues, GWP Vietnam organized a workshop on 29th November 2011, in Hanoi, to discuss solutions through and integrated approach to Food-Water-Energy Security.

Transboundary Waters, Climate Change and Good Governance

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 15:51:00 GMT

A joint position paper from GWP West Africa and GWP Mediterreanean, in view of Rio+20 in 2012.

Agreement on promotion of IWRM in Xiangjiang Basin of Hunan

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 14:16:00 GMT

Following the central government's policy document on Reform and Development in the Water Sector in early 2011, water resources management has become the top government priority at all levels in China.

International Water Law Scholarship Programme

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:40:00 GMT

The Global Water Partnership together with IHP-HELP Centre for Water Law, Policy and Science, under the auspices of UNESCO, at the University of Dundee, is looking to build on their successful 2011 International Water Law Programme, and offer scholarships for 30 participants to undertake a module in International Water Law, in Dundee 11-29 June 2012.

Georgia to Conduct Dialogues on IWRM

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:59:00 GMT

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

Urban Flood Framework for Dhaka

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:28:00 GMT

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

GWP Zeros in on Gender

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:10:00 GMT

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

Consultation on Groundwater in West Africa

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

West Africa has ten aquifers and some countries have no other alternative water resources than groundwater.

Caribbean Ministers Endorse Innovative Ways of Managing Water

Sat, 19 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

Caribbean Ministers with responsibility for water, along with regional water managers and other experts, met to discuss “Water Management Financing in the Caribbean” at the GWP Caribbean and the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association’s (CWWA) 7th Annual High Level Session (HLS) on October 6-7, 2011, in Guadeloupe. One of the major issues at the Ministerial Forum was the need for regional governments to decide whether water utilities are to be run as a social service or a business.

Road Map for Eastern Africa on Water and Climate

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:30:00 GMT

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

Capacity Building of Women in India

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 16:30:00 GMT

GWP India partner Jheel Sanrakshan Samiti (JSS), together with GWP India, convened Women Self Help Groups from 21 communities on 10 October 2011 to address the role of women in the management of water. The marginalized role of women is related to social, educational and cultural traditions, the participants concluded, noting that the State Water Policy stresses the importance of the participation and involvement of women in water management.

Protecting the water resources of the Yellow River Basin

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:21:00 GMT

The protection of the water resources of the Yellow River Basin, emergency response to environmental pollution and case studies of emergency response to water pollution in other countries were the main topics at a workshop on Water Resources Protection and Emergency Response Mechanisms to Water Pollution of the Yellow River.

Linking Climate Information Providers with Users

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:00:00 GMT

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

Regional Perspectives in the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:31:00 GMT

The priority questions presented by the Bonn2011 Nexus Conference Organizers were discussed during the GWP Consulting Partners Meeting in August 2011, attended by representatives from all 13 GWP Regions,

Preparing for Rio+20 in Asia

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:56:00 GMT

GWP Pakistan collaborated on a National Workshop on Pakistan’s Preparations for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Islamabad on 12-13 September 2011. GWP Pakistan held a side event to promote IWRM and water saving/recycling and environmental conservation measures at ground level. The workshop was organized by the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, UN One and the Rio+20 Secretariat.

Towards Country Water Partnerships in Gambia and Sierra Leone

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:53:00 GMT

At the request of the countries, a mission from GWP West Africa visited Gambia and Sierra Leone 19-28 September 2011, to follow up on the will expressed in 2009, during the development process of the IWRM roadmap, to set up GWP Country Water Partnerships. Exchanges on the importance of transboundary waters and their management mechanisms such as the UN Convention on International Water Courses were also discussed.

Asia-Africa Inter-regional Sharing

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:51:00 GMT

GWP knowledge and expertise was shared with an IUCN-Asia delegation that visited the Nile Basin Initiative Secretariat in Entebbe, Uganda, on 12 September 2011. GWP Eastern Africa presented its work on IWRM processes.

Evaluating 10 years of IWRM in Southeast Asia

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:45:00 GMT

GWP Southeast Asia recently organized country workshops to conduct a ten year (2000-2010) evaluation of IWRM implementation in Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia and Vietnam. The evaluations have provided platforms for Southeast Asian countries and stakeholders to exchange knowledge and experiences of the IWRM process and to promote international cooperation for better water resources management. A report with all the Southeast Asian countries will be available shortly at www.gwpsea.org.

GWP planning tool supports Kribi port

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:34:00 GMT

GWP Central Africa supported the Cameroonian Ministry of Economy and Planning to carry out a one-year survey of the proposed site of a deep-water port at Kribi. GWP Central Africa developed a forward-looking planning and decision-support tool to help ensure more efficient land use, to preserve the integrity of the port facilities, and to aid natural resources management and the preservation of vital ecosystems. This work shows how IWRM principles can be put into practice at the local level, as part of a major infrastructure project.

Danube River Arts Competition

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:34:00 GMT

The International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) organized, in cooperation with GWP Central and Eastern Europe, the youth competition “International Danube Art Master”.

GWP Champion Appointed Director in Cameroon

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:25:00 GMT

Prof Mathias Fru Fonteh, Chair of GWP Cameroon, was appointed by the Prime Minister in September to be the Director in charge of hydraulics and hydrology in the Ministry of Energy and Water. Prof Fru Fonteh is one of the five founding champions of GWP Central Africa.

Central America Takes on Water and Climate Change

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 13:21:00 GMT

In order to place climate change adaptation higher on the regional agenda, GWP Central America co-organized a two-day workshop on “Regional development and its relationship to water and climate change.”

Caribbean Water Ministers to Discuss Water Financing

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 15:20:00 GMT

Government Ministers with responsibility for water in the Caribbean are scheduled to meet at the 7th Annual High Level Session (HLS) Ministerial Forum on October 6th and 7th, 2011 in Guadeloupe. The HLS is convened annually by the Global Water Partnership Caribbean in collaboration with the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA).

“When We Speak about Economic Growth We Speak about Water Resources”

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:50:00 GMT

– Report from GWP’s Side Event at Astana 2011

At the Seventh “Environment for Europe” Ministerial Conference in Astana, Kazakhstan, GWP convened a side event titled, “Economic Growth and Water: An Integrated Approach Helps” on September 23, 2011. GWP Chair Dr Letitia A Obeng emphasized that “When we speak about the economy and economic growth we speak about water resources.”

New Global Soil Partnership Complements GWP

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 11:01:00 GMT

A Global Soil Partnership was launched at the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) on 7 September 2011. It will help to implement the provisions of the World Soil Charter, adopted in 1982, and to raise awareness and motivate action by decision-makers on the importance of soils for food security and climate change adaptation and mitigation. As such it will complement the work of the Global Water Partnership.

GWP China-Fujian Surveys Drinking Water

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:08:00 GMT

GWP China-Fujian, with support from the Fujian Provincial Water Resources Department, carried out a survey on water resources, including rural drinking water safety. The purpose of the investigation was to ensure an integrated and sustainable approach to water resources management for the planned construction of an economic zone.

Sand Mining in Bangladesh Requires Integrated Approach

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 10:11:00 GMT

A Seminar on the “Importance of Integrated Management in Mining Sand from the Riverbeds of Bangladesh” was conducted by SOUL (Save Our Urban Life) on August 24, 2011, with financial assistance from GWP Bangladesh.

GWP–University of Dundee Training 2011

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 09:59:00 GMT

Thanks to an innovative partnership between the Global Water Partnership and the IHP-HELP Centre for Water Law, Policy & Science, under the auspices of UNESCO, based at the University of Dundee, the first joint group of International Water Law Scholars from Cameroon, China, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mozambique, Ukraine and Zambia were able to begin their studies by attending the 2nd Annual Workshop on International Law and Transboundary Freshwaters, held at the University of Dundee.

Launch of GWP/AMCOW Programme at SWWW 2011

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:05:00 GMT

The Global Water Partnership and the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW) launched a joint programme to support water and climate change adaptation in Africa.

Towards Integrated Urban Water Management

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 21:37:00 GMT

The twin engines of urbanisation and resource depletion will undermine efforts to achieve water security: water availability will be eroded and conflicts will escalate. The assumptions underlying conventional urban water management must be revisited.

Social Equity and IWRM - New Background Paper by the GWP Technical Committee

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:17:00 GMT

Social equity is the least understood of the 3 E’s (equity, economic efficiency and environmental sustainability) in the concept of integrated water resources management. This new Global Water Partnership Technical Committee Background Paper No. 15, “Social Equity and Integrated Water Resources Management”, sets out an overarching framework for the analysis of equity in the context of water development and management. It is intended as an aid to decision makers in designing policies, interventions, and programs aimed at the equitable distribution of benefits from water resources.

Water Security a Development Imperative, says Prince of Orange

Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:57:00 GMT

HRH the Prince of Orange of the Netherlands, and a Patron of the Global Water Partnership (GWP), delivered the GWP Annual Lecture on Friday, August 19, 2011, in celebration of GWP’s fifteenth anniversary.

Girl Guides get IWRM training in Sri Lanka

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 09:49:00 GMT

Twenty-three Girl Guides participated in a residential programme in Colombo on August 5-6, 2011, to receive a “Training of Trainers” in Integrated Water Resources Management.

Small water service providers in the Philippines now officially recognised

Thu, 18 Aug 2011 15:40:00 GMT

Involving small water service providers (SWSPs) as partners in sustainable water service provision has undergone a major change. Prior to the efforts of GWP Philippines and its Partners, SWSPs were not formally recognised as government partners in achieving the MDG target on water service provision.

Climate Change and Freshwater Resources

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 12:56:00 GMT

As part of GWP's collaboration with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), GWP supported the UNFCCC secretariat in producing Climate Change and Freshwater resources.

Gender Mainstreaming for Africa

Sat, 30 Jul 2011 09:28:00 GMT

On July 12, 2011, at the start of the African Sanitation Conference, the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW) launched its “Policy and Strategy for Mainstreaming Gender in Africa’s Water Sector.” The strategy development process, facilitated by AMCOW, GWP, UNEP, the Gender and Water Alliance, and the WSP-World Bank, involved more than 40 African countries.

Stakeholders Consultation for Indus River

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 09:31:00 GMT

GWP Pakistan collaborated with WWF Pakistan in holding a Stakeholders Consultation in Islamabad on July 16, 2011, on Integrated River Basin Management for the Indus River and Water Stewardship Study.

Honduras creates platform to manage Rio Tulián Basin

Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:38:00 GMT

With the support of GWP Honduras, a coordination platform was established on June 7, 2011, to manage the Tulián River Basin.

Agreement on establishment of River Basin Council in Armenia

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 14:08:00 GMT

At a roundtable organised by GWP Armenia in June 2011, aimed at drawing attention to the problems of transboundary river basins, participants agreed to work towards the establishment of an independent Aghstev River basin council to implement an integrated basin plan. Issues facing the basin include legal frameworks, deforestation and water quality. The meeting took place in Dilijan City on the banks of the transboundary Aghstev River, a tributary of the Kura-Araks (also a transboundary river).

Engaging Students on Rainwater Harvesting

Sat, 16 Jul 2011 09:26:00 GMT

Global Water Partnership Caribbean continues to engage in a series of public education activities targeted at building awareness on rainwater harvesting as a means of water conservation. Its latest outreach was to more than 1,000 students and teachers from 42 schools in Trinidad and Tobago.

GWP Armenia Advocates for River Protection

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 10:38:00 GMT

GWP Armenia organized a roundtable devoted to the Kura-Araks River on June 2, 2011, a day designated as the Kura-Araks Rivers Protection Day. The round table was aimed at attracting the attention of participants to the problems of transboundary river basins. The key message of the roundtable was to apply “Common river – Common Opportunities” approaches.

Kaliningrad Takes Up Water Issues

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 11:32:00 GMT

On May 18, 2011, a report was launched on improving water resources management in Kaliningrad, Russia.

Pakistan Accepts Draft Climate Policy

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:13:00 GMT

The Pakistan Ministry of Environment accepted in May the first draft of the national climate policy and it is now ready to be forwarded to the federal cabinet for approval.

Water Management Progress in India

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 19:03:00 GMT

GWP India, through its Area Water Partnerships, is contributing to the improvement of water resources management.

Roadmap for Water for Cambodia

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:54:00 GMT

In May, GWP Cambodia launched a report on river basin management in Asia together with the Asia Development Bank (ADB) and the Cambodia National Mekong Committee, outlining results from a 4-year programme, including an investment roadmap for water and related development. The report, which will serve as a case study for the application of IWRM in Cambodia, is available in Khmer or English and can be ordered on the GWP Cambodia website.

Building Capacity in Grenada

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:49:00 GMT

GWP Caribbean and Caribbean WaterNet in collaboration with the Government of Grenada, the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA) and the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), held a three-day workshop in Grenada on ‘Hydro-Climatic Hazards in Water Resources Management’, May 16-18, 2011.

Cleaning up Sri Lanka’s water

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:49:00 GMT

Water quality is a major issue in Sri Lanka. Pollution and waste dumping contaminate water supplies, leading to serious health impacts for nearby water users. In one of the country’s most serious cases of water pollution, 300,000 people in Gampula were at risk when an epidemic of viral hepatitis broke out; several people died. But GWP Sri Lanka has achieved some results. (In photo: GWP Sri Lanka Chair Kusum Athukorala)

Water Management in Motion

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:58:00 GMT

This package includes six DVDs containing videos and learning material on several water related themes. It was produced by the Water Channel and supported by GWP and other agencies.

Water is Not a Sector – It’s a Cross Cutting Resource

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 14:54:00 GMT

June 14, 2011 — Yesterday a coalition of water advocates organized a side event at a United Nations climate conference to highlight the urgency of recognizing water resources management as central to climate change mitigation and adaptation.

How to Manage the Transition to Water Security and a Green Economy?

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 09:52:00 GMT

This question was addressed by GWP Technical Committee Chair, Dr Mohamed Ait-Kadi, who spoke at “Green Week”, the largest annual conference on European environment policy, in Brussels, in May 2011. His presentation “Water Security & Green Economy: links through IWRM” was given at the session on “The United Nations conference on sustainable development in 2012: Can it deliver on resource efficiency?”

GWP Contributes to Water Cooperation in Central Asia

Tue, 24 May 2011 10:02:00 GMT

Recognised as the most appropriate platform in the region, GWP Central Asia and Caucasus (CACENA) was asked by the Uzbek Ministry of Agriculture and Water to co-organize an international conference in Tashkent as part of the process leading up to the 6^th World Water Forum in 2012. GWP CACENA also led a session on integrated water resources management.

Ministers Declare Support for Drin Basin Dialogue

Tue, 24 May 2011 09:42:00 GMT

On April 18, 2011, Ministers issued a Declaration expressing their support for the continuation and enhancement of the Drin Dialogue with the assistance of GWP Mediterranean and the U.N. Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and for the preparation of the Shared Vision for the management of the Drin Basin.

New project in Sustainable Water Integrated Management

Tue, 24 May 2011 09:32:00 GMT

GWP Mediterranean is a Consortium Member and the Technical Director of the regional technical assistance project Sustainable Water Integrated Management – Support Mechanism (SWIM-SM) that was launched by the European Commission in December 2010 to promote the extensive dissemination of sustainable water management policies and practices in the Mediterranean. SWIM-SM Partner countries are Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, the occupied Palestinian territory, Syria and Tunisia. As a Technical Director, GWP Mediterranean oversees all activities and contributes technically to the implementation of the project.

Water Evaluation and Planning System for Lebanon

Tue, 24 May 2011 09:25:00 GMT

GWP Mediterranean, as the Secretariat of the Mediterranean Component of the EU Water Initiative (MED EUWI), has since since 2005 supported the efforts of the Lebanese Ministry of Energy and Water towards an Integrated Water Management Planning in the country. Through technical assistance by the MED EUWI and GWP Mediterranean, the Lebanese Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW) aims to put in place a decision support system to examine alternative water development and management strategies to support IWRM Planning.

Knowledge Sharing Between Baltic and Danube

Tue, 24 May 2011 09:21:00 GMT

GWP Hungary and GWP Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) organized a knowledge-sharing workshop on “Water Resources Management Aspects of European Union Strategies for Baltic Sea and Danube Basin Regions” on April 5, 2011 in Budapest, Hungary. The focus was on sharing experiences and expertise from the implementation of the Baltic Sea Strategy. During the workshop, experts identified similarities and differences concerning water management issues and discussed implementation mechanisms and institutional roles such as selection of projects and partnerships in the Danube Region.

Yangtze Key to Regional Development

Tue, 24 May 2011 09:13:00 GMT

Participants at the Fourth Yangtze River Forum April 18-19, 2011 in Nanjing discussed the development, management and protection of the Yangtze River. The theme of the Forum, “Yangtze River and regional development”, was jointly initiated by GWP China and organizations.

Policies addressing water and energy nexus in the context of climate change adaptation advocated

Wed, 18 May 2011 15:02:00 GMT

The close nexus between water and energy, and the importance of policies integrating both sectors, were highlighted during multidisciplinary discussions leading to a preliminary evaluation of the state of water-related policies on adaptation to climate change throughout South America.

Recommendation to improve water resource management for better climate adaptation

Wed, 18 May 2011 14:19:00 GMT

Building resilience through improved water management to better prepare for the impact of climate change is the best short-term strategy to combat the effects of climate change on water-related sectors of the national economy.

The Danube basin recognised as a political and economic space

Wed, 18 May 2011 14:02:00 GMT

In April, GWP Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and GWP Hungary organised a workshop that brought Baltic Region Strategy experiences to the newly formed Danube Region Strategy. The workshop, Parallels: Water Resources Management Aspects of European Union Strategies for Baltic Sea and Danube Regions, held in April 2011, built on previous GWP work on strategy development and focused on new financing mechanisms for macro-regional economic development.

GWP India Contributes to Government Water Charter

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:30:00 GMT

On Wednesday the 6th of April 2011 the Union Cabinet Ministers of India approved a comprehensive charter for the National Water Mission, one of the eight national missions which form the core of the National Action Plan for Climate Change.

Volta Basin Development Challenge

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:19:00 GMT

The Challenge Programme for Water and Food (CPWF) research in the Volta basin has been developed to respond to challenges in the river basin of “improving rainwater and small reservoir management to contribute to poverty reduction, and improved livelihoods resilience in Burkina Faso and Northern Ghana while taking account of implications for downstream water users including ecosystem services”.

European conference about IWRM

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 16:05:00 GMT

GWP representatives from Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova attended the "Integrated Water Management in the Balkans and Eastern Europe" Conference on 20-23 March in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. Participants from 15 countries shared experiences and best practices in the field of integrated water management and climate change and discussed major topics regarding regional and transboundary waters.

Demystifying Climate Finance in Southern Africa

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 15:48:00 GMT

GWP Southern Africa is actively involved with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Water Division and other Partners in preparations for the 5th SADC Multi-stakeholder Water Dialogue which will be held in Swaziland in June 2011.

GWP Central America signs agreement with Regional Bank

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:58:00 GMT

For the first time, GWP Central America signed an agreement with a regional development bank to advance IWRM as an essential approach for water security, climate change and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals in the region.

The Urban Challenge – Beyond Water Supply

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:53:00 GMT

A report on the GWP Side Event at World Water Day 2011, Cape Town, South Africa

Water and finance inseparable

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:23:00 GMT

Since 2007, GWP and the EU Water Initiative Finance Working Group (EUWI-FWG) have worked together to organise workshops across the world to raise awareness and build capacity on financing for water and sanitation.

Building capacity among water users in Rajasthan

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:08:00 GMT

The new State Water Policy of Rajasthan, the largest state in India by area, puts the emphasis on two components: an integrated water resources management approach and the efficient working of Water User Groups (WUG). During 2010, GWP India with the support of its Northern Zone Water Partner, organized two workshops for the capacity building of NGOs involved in the implementation of the new policy.

GWP El Salvador part of climate change dialogue

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 11:02:00 GMT

GWP El Salvador, together with the National Foundation for Development and Lutheran World Relief, organised the National Forum on Climate Change in San Salvador on 23-24 February 2011.

GWP contributes to UNECE transboundary process

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 10:51:00 GMT

The assessment of transboundary water cooperation in Central and Western Europe was the topic of a subregional workshop in Budapest on February 8-10, 2011, organized by the Ministry of Rural Development of Hungary, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) in cooperation with the International Water Assessment Centre (IWAC).

No More Business as Usual in Face of Climate Change and Food Security

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:40:00 GMT

March 8, 2011 - Rising food prices and alarm over climate change was the context for a workshop in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on February 24-25, 2011. How water is managed is central to both issues.

Managing Water for Cities: Resources in the GWP ToolBox

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 16:43:00 GMT

The objective of World Water Day on 22 March 2011 is to focus international attention on the impact of rapid urban population growth, industrialization and uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems. This year’s theme, Water for cities: responding to the urban challenge, aims to spotlight and encourage governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to actively engage in addressing the challenges of urban water management.

Climate Change and South Asian Women

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 11:13:00 GMT

“Water Security and Climate Change ‒ Challenge for South Asian Women” was the topic of a meeting on February 2 organised by GWP Sri Lanka and its partner NetWater.

International Water Law Scholarships for GWP Partners

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 12:51:00 GMT

As capacity-building support to its Partner organisations, the Global Water Partnership and the University of Dundee, will offer scholarships for 30 participants to undertake a module in International Water Law, in Dundee, August 1-19, 2011. Applications will be accepted from
4 March to 30 April 2011.

Urban Water Partnership Solves Local Issues

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:47:00 GMT

Karachi, one of the world's largest cities with a population of more than 14 million, as with the rest of Pakistan, was severely hit by the floods last summer. The Karachi Water Partnership (KWP), whose founding in 2007 was inspired by the GWP model, has, through the Hisaar Foundation, raised significant funding to address the longer-term issues related to flooding and water management.

Pakistan Needs Billions for Climate Adaptation

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:42:00 GMT

As part of its response to last year’s devastating floods in the country, GWP Pakistan organised on 12 January 2011 a one-day seminar on water security in the face of climate change, with the support of the government’s Planning Commission and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

Argentine Provinces to Strengthen Water Financing

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:37:00 GMT

Provincial water directors at the “First National Workshop on the Economic Value of Water” in November 2010 agreed to promote the development of a legal framework incorporating elements of IWRM and water financing. GWP Argentina made a major contribution to the workshop by developing the agenda and drafting the framework and content for the discussion groups.

Ukraine Environmental Strategy includes IWRM

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 13:30:00 GMT

In December 2010, the National Environmental Strategy of the Ukraine was adopted by the Ukrainian parliament and contains a component on water management. In 2009, Ukraine decided to revise its main water planning document in accordance with European Union laws and the EU’s Water Framework Directive even though the country is not a member of the EU.

Water security is becoming a real issue

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:18:00 GMT

With water scarcity now a serious global concern, agencies involved in water resources management internationally are seeking to work together to promote efficient and sustainable solutions. Recycling and reclaiming water should be a key objective for both agricultural and urban supply, says Global Water Partnership’s Executive Secretary Dr Ania Grobicki in an interview with the magazine "Global - the International Briefing".

Networking among Mediterranean journalists reinforced

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 14:15:00 GMT

In 2010 GWP Mediterranean and the Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development continued, for the eighth year, to feed information and material on water issues and processes in the region to members of the Circle of Mediterranean Journalists for Environment and Sustainable Development (COMJESD).

Tackling an opportunity for IWRM in Sri Lanka

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 12:13:00 GMT

In 2009 the Uva Provincial Council and National Water Supply and Drainage Board sought help from GWP Sri Lanka to set up a provincial water resources committee. This request was prompted by a new government policy recommending that provincial water resources committees should be set up to manage drinking water at river basin scale.

Stakeholders adopted urban action plan in Moldova

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 10:53:00 GMT

The Chisinau city action plan, formally adopted in December 2010, involved multi-faceted consultations between urban planners, water authorities, transport agencies, monitoring institutes, universities, and other important stakeholders, all with their own interests and technical vocabularies. As a neutral facilitator, GWP Moldova helped this diverse set of stakeholders realize that good water management is important for all.

Videos on Competing for Water: Conflict and cooperation in local water governance

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 15:18:00 GMT

The "Competing for Water" research programme investigates local water conflict and cooperation in Africa, Asia and Latin America, and analyzes the consequences for the poor.

Beginning to serve 12 million people through cooperation

Sun, 09 Jan 2011 11:26:00 GMT

Dongting Lake is the second largest freshwater lake in China and its basin is home to nearly 12 million people. Due to overuse, silting, sedimentation and decreasing inflows from the Yangtze River during the dry season, the environment is deteriorating, water shortages are more frequent and wetlands are shrinking.

Future generations alerted to the need to use the Danube sustainably

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 11:02:00 GMT

GWP Hungary brought together a team of water and communication experts to organise the 2010 Danube Box competition, one of the most popular annual educational contests in Hungary.

Danube Strategy includes integrated approach

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 10:36:00 GMT

In December 2010 the European Commission adopted the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region, the first ever guide to medium-term development of the Danube area.

Harmonising training in water science in Francophone Africa

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:21:00 GMT

GWP West Africa played a key role in a series of meetings that agreed on a training module for water science for higher degrees – bachelors, masters and doctorates – throughout Francophone Africa.

Togo Parliament adopts new water law

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:18:00 GMT

In 2010, the Togo Parliament passed a new water law that embraced IWRM principles. Adoption of an IWRM plan to turn words into action is pending. These milestones on the path to better water management were achieved in part as a result of sustained effort by GWP Togo.

Encouraging participation in transboundary water resources

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:09:00 GMT

Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Serbia and Slovenia share the Sava River Basin. As the after effects of the devastating war in the region have subsided, these countries have started to cooperate on environmental issues.

Shared vision for the Drin Basin draws closer

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:06:00 GMT

The Drin Dialogue, a systematic process coordinated by GWP Mediterranean, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and other actors, has advanced consultation among Drin Basin countries and stakeholders on a shared vision for sustainable management.

Rainwater harvesting contributes to drought management

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:02:00 GMT

GWP Mediterranean promotes rainwater harvesting (RWH) as a way to manage drought on islands in the region. RWH can help islands become more water secure and adapt to climate change.

Private sector investment issues for water assessed

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 13:57:00 GMT

As part of ongoing national policy dialogues in Egypt and Lebanon within the framework of MED-EUWI and the GEF MedPartnership, GWP Mediterranean and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) assessed issues for governments to consider regarding private sector investment in the water sector.

IWRM and Coastal Zone Management framework established

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 13:55:00 GMT

The integrated methodological framework (IMF) for integrated water resources management and integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) in the Mediterranean was finalised in 2010, the outcome of specialist technical work and extensive consultation.

Rainwater harvesting for water security

Thu, 30 Dec 2010 13:49:00 GMT

GWP Caribbean developed a rooftop rainwater harvesting system as a way to address water security in rural communities.

Drought Programme Under Preparation

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:50:00 GMT

GWP, together with the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) organised a Consultation Meeting on the Proposed Integrated Drought Management Programme in Geneva, Switzerland, 15-16 November 2010.

Raising Awareness Among Media

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:44:00 GMT

Media is often a critical link between policymakers and the public. The media focus on environmental issues is increasing, especially in light of the global interest in climate change. This is why GWP regularly organizes awareness-raising workshops for journalists. GWP South America and GWP Caribbean recently organised workshops as a first step to creating journalist networks for knowledge sharing in water resources management.

Climate Dialogue in Sri Lanka

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:39:00 GMT

In November 2010, GWP Sri Lanka organised a Climate Change Adaptation National Dialogue, a joint activity with the Centre for Climate Change Studies of the Department of Meteorology, the Disaster Management Centre, and the Ministry of Disaster Management. The Dialogue was a follow up to two earlier activities undertaken with respect to the Southern and North Central Provinces of Sri Lanka.

IWRM for Sustainable Agriculture

Tue, 21 Dec 2010 13:30:00 GMT

‘Closing the Knowledge Gap: Integrated Water Resources Management for Sustainable Agriculture’ was the theme of an international seminar in Johannesburg, South Africa, November 22-26, 2010, which sought to discuss strategies for developing comprehensive information and knowledge support systems in integrated water management for productive agriculture in Africa, the Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) states.

Greece joins cascade towards global water treaty

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:59:00 GMT

New York: Greece has this month become the 21^st country to ratify a global water treaty designed to reduce conflict and guide joint management over rivers and lakes forming or crossing international boundaries.

Climate Change is about Water, but Missing from Agenda

Sat, 11 Dec 2010 14:56:00 GMT

GWP was invited by the UNFCCC to make statement to COP 16 climate conference.

Moving towards water financing in Argentina

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 11:51:00 GMT

The Consejo Hídrico Federal (COHIFE) delegate, one of the participants in a regional meeting on finance in the water sector held in March 2009, was instrumental in arranging for a workshop on the issue in Argentina in November 2010.

Water and Climate Connection, interview with GWP Chair at COP 16

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 15:17:00 GMT

Comments from GWP Chair, and our allies, in a Circle of Blue Circle story from Cancun, COP16.

As the 16th meeting of the parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change enters its second week in Cancun, Mexico, some advocates feel that water is getting more attention–though perhaps not yet from negotiators–than it did last year.

Climate change mainstreamed in the Zambia Development Plan

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 13:42:00 GMT

The Zambian Government mainstreamed adaptation to climate change in the water chapter of the 6th National Development Plan. This is the result of close collaboration between the Ministry of Energy and Water Development, the Water Sector Advisory Group (WSAG) under the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, and other stakeholders fostered by GWP Zambia.

Research feeds into planning in the Limpopo River Basin

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:45:00 GMT

Dedication to consultation and communication paid off in 2010 as policy makers established and consolidated a relationship with researchers in the Challenge Programme on Water and Food (CPWF) in the Limpopo River Basin.

Bridges built across sectors

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:36:00 GMT

From 2007, the annual Southern African Development Community (SADC) Multi-Stakeholder Water Dialogues, organised by GWP Southern Africa on behalf of the SADC Water Division, have informed action plans at regional, river basin, national and local levels. Although the Dialogues encourage cross-sectoral integration, until now they have largely been regarded as meetings for 'water people'.

GWP Laos accredited

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:30:00 GMT

GWP Laos, established in 2003, passed an important milestone in 2010 when it became an accredited Country Water Partnership.

Sharing knowledge on conflict resolution and negotiation in Vietnam

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 13:25:00 GMT

The Vietnam Water Partnership brought together trainers from the Vietnam Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, UNESCAP and Cap-Net for the first time.

Integrated flood management dialogues underway in Malaysia

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:38:00 GMT

In 2010 GWP Malaysia organised the second pilot national workshop on integrated flood management. This brought together staff from the Department of Irrigation and Drainage, the National Safety Council, Town and Country Planning Department, the Malaysian Remote Sensing Agency and town councils.

Ties with UNESCAP strengthened

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:35:00 GMT

In 2010, for the first time, GWP Southeast Asia and the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) jointly organised the Expert Group Meeting, Monitoring Investment and Results in the Water Sector in Asia and Pacific, strengthening ties between the two organisations.

Cooperation in ASEAN reinforced

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:33:00 GMT

In 2010 the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and GWP Southeast Asia held their first joint workshop, Risks and Impacts from Extreme Events of Floods in ASEAN Countries, setting a clear precedent for future cooperation.

Debating the role of cultural and traditional systems in managing water

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:48:00 GMT

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) International Hydrological Programme (IHP) and GWP Eastern Africa held consultations on the role of traditional and cultural value systems in enhancing cooperation over national and transboundary public goods.

Tools for effective agricultural water management developed

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:45:00 GMT

GWP Eastern Africa has helped the African Development Bank Agricultural Water Management initiative develop tools for agricultural water management, and indicators to measure their effectiveness.

GWP and AMCOW Unveil Water, Climate and Development Programme for Africa

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 11:42:00 GMT

The Global Water Partnership (GWP) and the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW) have unveiled a joint programme to support climate change adaptation in Africa.

Managing Water for Green Growth

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:00:00 GMT

The UN climate negotiations in Cancún, Mexico, will be an opportunity to take a sober look at the state of the world’s climate and our collective capacity to respond to the changes which are already visible: more extreme weather events, floods, droughts, glacier melting, polar ice caps shrinking, and sea levels rising, GWP Executive Secretary Dr Ania Grobicki writes in a publication issued for the COP16 delegates (click on link at right).

Efficient water use incorporated in 12th five-year plan

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 11:32:00 GMT

GWP China Hebei and Hebei Provincial Senior Scientists Association jointly organised a workshop, Low-carbon Economy and Rational Use of Water Resources, in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, in October.

Leaders act on recommendations of 4th Wei River Forum

Sat, 20 Nov 2010 11:21:00 GMT

Government leaders attached great importance to the recommendations of the 4th Wei River Forum, held in October 2010 and organised by GWP China-Shaanxi together with Shaanxi Principal Water Resources Department.

International Development Hub Inaugurated in Stockholm

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:52:00 GMT

Sweden’s Ambassador to the UN Secretary General’s Global Sustainability Panel, Torgny Holmgren, inaugurated a Stockholm-based development hub on Wednesday, November 17.

GWP a Significant Contributor at ADB Water Conference

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 14:33:00 GMT

GWP Patron Margaret Catley-Carlson delivered the keynote speech at this year's Asia Development Bank’s (ADB) water conference held October 11-15, 2010 in Manila, Philippines. Her focus was on “cutting through red tape in order to achieve better water security.” The GWP delegation participated in a variety of sessions and gave presentations.

GWP Costa Rica Facilitates Dialogues on Water Levy

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:59:00 GMT

Costa Rica is making progress in expanding access to water supply and sanitation, but the sector faces challenges when it comes to sanitation connections, poor service quality, and low cost recovery.

In China, Climate Change Requires Rational Use of Water

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:43:00 GMT

With China becoming one of the largest emitters of CO2 emissions, saving water and controlling pollution are key climate change adaptation strategies in the National 12th Five-year (2011-2015) Plan.

Coca Cola Funds Rainwater Harvesting in the Mediterranean

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:36:00 GMT

In September, the Coca Cola Foundation approved funding for the GWP Mediterranean project on ‘Rainwater Harvesting in the Cyclades Islands’. The project aims to contribute to local water security through a pilot installation of more than 10 rainwater harvesting systems in public buildings, training of technicians, and educational activities for local schools.

Guatemala Workshops Create Gender and Water Networks

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:27:00 GMT

An interregional workshop on “Women and Water Management” was held in Guatemala in October, organised by UNESCO and supported by GWP Guatemala, GWP Central America and GWP South America. (Photo: Participants at the workshop)

Water firmly on infrastructure agenda

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 11:42:00 GMT

In a breakthrough for water, the 7th African Development Forum held in Addis Ababa in October put water on the infrastructure agenda alongside energy, transport and communications. This marked a turning point in overcoming resistance to large water projects stemming from negative perceptions of social and environmental impacts.

Approval of IWRM action plan paves way for realising Congo Basin potential

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 09:41:00 GMT

The approval of the IWRM Strategic Action Plan for the Congo Basin by the International Commission for the Congo-Oubangui-Sangha basin (CICOS) in late 2010 paves the way for realising the vast potential of the catchment.

Flagship projects for European Union Strategy for Danube Region

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:24:00 GMT

GWP Romania participated at the Bucharest Business Forum at the World Trade Center, Bucharest, Romania on 18-19 October 2010. The goal was to offer a discussion platform for all stakeholders interested in developing flagship projects within the EU Strategy for Danube Region through Strategic Partnerships at European macro regional level.

GWP Lithuania Launches Campaign

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 15:03:00 GMT

With its experience of being a neutral platform for negotiating river basin management plans, GWP Lithuania has been asked to act as a national information center for water resources management.

Recommendations for better water management in the Loess Plateau

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 11:30:00 GMT

GWP China Yellow River, together with the Yellow River Research Institute, provided technical experts and speakers and organised the workshop, Efficient Use of Water Resources and Ecological Compensation, in September 2010 in Zhengzhou, Henan.

Countries Using Flood HelpDesk

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:55:00 GMT

GWP Executive Secretary Dr Ania Grobicki participated in a meeting of the Integrated Flood Management HelpDesk,with WMO and other Support Base Partners (SBPs) in Geneva on 4 and 5 October - to discuss achievements so far and what can be done in the future. Since the HelpDesk´s launch in June 2009, 26 requests from 14 countries have so far been received, and dealt with in various different ways depending on the level of the request.

Loess Plateau a Microcosm of China’s Urban Challenge

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:49:00 GMT

The challenges China is facing with the rapid growth of urban centres, and the corresponding demands on limited water and related resources, is immense. This is true on the Loess Plateau which covers an area of some 640,000 km² in the upper and middle of China's Yellow River. A workshop on “Efficient Use of Water Resources and Ecological Compensation” was co-organized by GWP China-Yellow River and the Yellow River Research Institute on 27-28 September 2010, in Zhengzhou, Henan Province.

Caribbean Ministers Define Water Management Priorities

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:36:00 GMT

Drought in the Caribbean is affecting national economies and key sectors such as agriculture, energy production, tourism and water supply. This crisis was the focus of the 6th High Level Session (HLS) of Water Ministers in the Caribbean on 3-4 October 2010 in Grenada. The gathering has been organized annually since 2005 by GWP Caribbean in conjunction with the Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA).

Myanmar Dialogue Addresses Governance

Thu, 21 Oct 2010 16:24:00 GMT

At a GWP Myanmar-organized dialogue on 19-20 August 2010 participants concluded that government institutions responsible for water must provide national legislation and policies to foster an integrated approach to managing the country’s water resources. The dialogue, “Formulation of Coordination Mechanism to Engage Institutional Reforms to Foster IWRM among Government Institutions,” was a follow-up to last year’s dialogue. Capacity building training workshops on IWRM were also organized by GWP Myanmar in September.

Hungary’s Toxic Spill Points to Vulnerability of Water Resources

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 16:04:00 GMT

The Central and Eastern Europe region of the Global Water Partnership (GWP CEE) has called for pollution prevention and the regular inspection of polluter operations in light of the toxic sludge disaster in Hungary.

Caribbean Water Ministers Meet in Grenada to Discuss Regional Water Security

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 16:09:00 GMT

Caribbean Ministers of Water will meet to discuss water security at the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean’s (GWP-C) and the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association’s (CWWA), 6th High Level Session (HLS) in Grenada on October 3rd and 4th, 2010.

New Documentary: Bridging Waters

Fri, 01 Oct 2010 14:13:00 GMT

This documentary series, "Bridging Waters", explains the importance of transboundary water management in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC).

Enhanced ToolBox with new tools and resources

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:12:00 GMT

Recently the GWP ToolBox, a free online database for those interested in better water management, has been improved with a number of new features and resources.

Knowledge and Sustainability Focus for Panama Canal

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 11:09:00 GMT

The Panama Canal, the 77 km long canal joining the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans is a key conduit for international maritime trade. In light of the decision to widen the canal, improvements in how the canal basin is managed has taken on increasing importance.

World Bank: Integrated Water Management Essential

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 10:42:00 GMT

A recently released study by the World Bank emphasizes the importance of better information and a more integrated approach to water management.

Training in Groundwater Management

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 10:08:00 GMT

GWP Partners in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Southeast Asia took part in a training course on “Groundwater Management in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM),”

Study informs report on water security

Mon, 13 Sep 2010 11:18:00 GMT

GWP CACENA made the first study of water supply and sanitation in the eight CACENA countries from an IWRM perspective.

Report Urges a Better Way to do Development

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:00:00 GMT

Sustainable development requires multi-stakeholder partnerships. That is the message of a new report on water security in Africa published by the Global Water Partnership. (Photo: GWP Executive Secretary Dr Ania Grobicki and Hon Buyelwa P. Sonjica, AMCOW President and Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs in South Africa)

IWRM Planning in Cameroon

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:37:00 GMT

Abundant freshwater resources caracterise Cameroon, yet the country faces severe water challenges as a result of management, legal and institutional deficiencies. Due to the fragmented water sector, development in Cameroon goes slowly. To increase the sustainability of water resources management, Cameroon has embarked on a process towards developing integrated water resources management plans.

Guidelines for Water Management

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:31:00 GMT

Located in the Baltic Sea Basin, water quality management is one of the Poland's key issues, creating problems for people’s livelihoods and the environment. Due to year-to-year variability in its water resources, devastating floods and local water scarcities are frequent.

Central Asia Towards Transboundary IWRM

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 11:06:00 GMT

Key challenges in Central Asia are the degradation of ecosystems and increasing water deficiency. It is a region of scarce water resources, many of which cut across national borders. The intensive use of the limited resources leads to conflicts of interest, making transboundary water resources management crucial to the sustainability of the region’s resources.

Benin’s National IWRM Action Plan in Progress

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 10:55:00 GMT

Benin in West Africa belongs to the group of Least Developed Countries (LDC) with a low per capita GDP. Its economy is predominantly dependant on subsistence farming (extensive cotton production) and regional trade. The country is drained by a dense hydrographical network made up of seasonal flow rivers and less than 3% of its renewable water resources are currently used.

Helping put water laws into practice

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 11:11:00 GMT

Building on the adoption of new water laws by Kazakhstan in 2003, Armenia in 2007 and Uzbekistan in 2009, GWP Central Asia and Caucasus (CACENA) pressed on to help put laws into practice.

GWP Pakistan Responds to Flood Catastrophe

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 15:48:00 GMT

While Pakistan endures one of the country’s most devastating floods—possibly its worst ever—GWP Pakistan is joining with others to help provide relief and rehabilitation to remote communities that have been particularly hard-hit. In addition, the GWP Partner Hisaar Foundation and the Karachi Water Partnership, has launched an appeal to raise Rs 10 million for immediate flood relief, largely for the provision of safe drinking water.

AMCOW recognises GWP's contribution

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:41:00 GMT

At the June 2010 meeting of the African Minister’s Council on Water (AMCOW) GWP's work for advancing the water agenda on the continent was recognised. The AMCOW Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) appreciated GWP's contribution and gave GWP an additional mandate to work in four key areas:

GWP Joins Sanitation and Water for All Initiative

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:38:00 GMT

GWP has joined the Sanitation and Water for All initiative as a Multilateral Partner, together with other GWP Partner organizations. Sanitation and Water for All aims to address the barriers to achieving universal and sustainable sanitation and drinking water for everyone, including poor water resources management.

Post-quake Lessons in China

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:30:00 GMT

In an effort to boost disaster control and prevention in the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake on May 12, 2008, GWP China proposed and the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) funded the project, “Evaluation of Post-quake Rural Water Supply Facilities and Capacity Building.”

GWP South Asia and WIN Sign Agreement

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 10:47:00 GMT

In July 2010 GWP South Asia conducted a 3-day dialogue and training workshop with the Water Integrity Network (WIN) during which they explored areas of possible strategic cooperation and were also exposed to water integrity methods, tools and materials.

Water Investments Long Overdue

Thu, 26 Aug 2010 09:35:00 GMT

At a regional workshop on financing the water sector in Central Africa, participants expressed the urgent need for investments in basin, national and regional organizations. In addition, participants validated the proposed regional strategy for financing the water sector and its mechanism as proposed by GWP Central Africa (GWP-CAf). One participant called the strategy “relevant, consistent and forward looking.”

Precedent for IWRM planning set in Wainganga River Basin, Maharashtra

Sun, 15 Aug 2010 12:05:00 GMT

For the first time the Government of India has selected a non-government organisation, GWP India West Zone Water Partnership (WZWP) Coordinating Agency, Gomukh Trust, to prepare an integrated water resources development and management plan.

High-level dialogue addresses Europe's sanitation woes

Fri, 13 Aug 2010 16:26:00 GMT

In January 2008, GWP-CEE – together with Women in Europe for a Common Future, the European Water Partnership, KIWA Water Research, Coalition Clean Baltic, and Coram Industries – organised a high-level policy dialogue on EU Sanitation Policies and Practices in the 2008 International Year of Sanitation in Brussels, Belgium.

Links between government and nongovernment bodies facilitated

Tue, 10 Aug 2010 11:05:00 GMT

Over the years, GWP Romania and GWP Ukraine have stepped in to facilitate communication between government and non-government actors on water, health and the environment. This has helped shape ways and tools to translate the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Water and Health Protocol Initiative into action.

Water quality during pilgrimages in Sri Lanka improved

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 12:21:00 GMT

The Menik Ganga Area Water Partnership (AWP) together with local and temple authorities, local traders and youth groups helped protect water supplies during the one-week Sella Kataragama festival in July.

GWP Submits Climate Change Pledge

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:57:00 GMT

The GWP submitted its pledge to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

GWP Technical Committee Member Interviewed on Climate Change

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:52:00 GMT

GWP Technical Committee member and economist Uma Lele shared her insights with Climate Change TV over why efforts on mitigation are more advanced and why adaptation is relatively overlooked. In this light, her observations of how developing countries need to take on political ownership of issues around water are particularly relevant. She also considers the implications of how aid has shifted from long-term to emergency assistance. Click here for the audio clip.

Dialogue on climate change policy kicks off

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:16:00 GMT

In 2010 the El Salvador Ministry of Environment started to prepare a climate change policy. GWP El Salvador and the National Foundation for Development (FUNDE), with financial support from Lutheran World Relief (LWR), arranged national consultations to encourage an exchange of ideas between the government and other stakeholders on a national climate change policy.

Sustainable use of water planned in El Salvador

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 10:09:00 GMT

In June 2010 the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) El Salvador proposed that GWP Central America and GWP El Salvador should facilitate processes to develop a water policy, a national water strategy and an IWRM plan.

Villages involved in basin water management

Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:09:00 GMT

Meetings of local water partnerships in June 2010 gave community groups in 45 villages in the Ramial and Indrajeet basins opportunities to present on-the-ground water issues that concerned them to revenue, irrigation, and agriculture and fisheries officials.

Economic instruments applied to transboundary basins

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 10:29:00 GMT

Central America has 120 major river basins, of which 23 (36 percent of the regional territory) are shared. In June 2010, GWP Central America and Zamorano International University, Honduras, organised a regional training workshop on how to apply economic and financial instruments such as tariffs, taxes and transfers in shared basins, some of which cross national borders.

Water: The development adaptation nexus

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:44:00 GMT

GWP Executive Secretary Dr Ania Grobicki wrote about water and climate change in a publication for the G8 meeting in Canada in June 2010.

China determined to secure its water resources

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:10:00 GMT

A high-level Roundtable on Climate Change and Water Security was held in Beijing on April 8 to address the critical issue of how to ensure water security in the face of climate change. Multiple stakeholder groups were represented by the 112 participants. The meeting was jointly organized by GWP China and the Swiss Development and Cooperation Agency.

Political tensions sink Mediterranean water strategy

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:54:00 GMT

The 4th Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Conference on Water failed to adopt a comprehensive and urgently needed Strategy for Water in the Mediterranean because of a failure to compromise on the wording of two key political issues: the reference or not to ‘occupied territories’ and the reference or not to the UN Convention on the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses.

Journalist training on water in Ghana

Thu, 01 Jul 2010 13:19:00 GMT

GWP West Africa and GWP Ghana organised a regional training for journalists and representatives of basin organisations on the "contribution of big water infrastructures to the sustainable development of countries in West Africa" in Accra, 17-21 May 2010.

Contribution to the Eritrean IWRM planning process

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:36:00 GMT

The Eritrean Country Water Partnership has played an important role in the planning process of the Eritrean IWRM plan, which started at the end of 2005.

From conflicts to joint planning

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:34:00 GMT

The Ethiopian Country Water Partnership and GWP Eastern Africa have implemented an IWRM pilot project in the Berki River Basin to establish a framework and to promote the application of IWRM at the catchment level.

Water supply improved in Cameroon

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:06:00 GMT

GWP Cameroon has cooperated with the Kumbo Urban Council and the locally managed Kumbo Water Authority to improve the management of water supply in Kumbo, Cameroon where the ownership of the water supply system has resulted in a more than thirty year long conflict.

Planning for IWRM in Senegal

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:53:00 GMT

As part of the PAWD (Partnership for African Water Development) project, Senegal engaged in a development process for an IWRM Action Plan.

Applying IWRM on Swaziland ground

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:52:00 GMT

As part of the PAWD (Partnership for African Water Development) program, the Swaziland Country Water Partnership embarked on an IWRM demonstration project to test how IWRM principles could actually be applied on the ground.

Planning for IWRM in Zambia

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:51:00 GMT

In 2004, with help from the Zambia Water Partnership, the Zambian Government began developing an Integrated Water Resources and Water Efficiency Plan for sustainable management of the country’s water resources.

Indonesia's water under policy reform

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:50:00 GMT

In order to assess how the new Indonesian water resources law adopts IWRM principles, it has been analysed according to the GWP ToolBox IWRM elements.

Stakeholder participation in the River Ocoña Basin in Peru

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:44:00 GMT

A group promoting an Integrated Water Resources Management Plan in the Ocoña River basin in Peru has been formed with the support of GWP Peru and other public and private organizations, seeking direct involvement of all stakeholders in the basin.

Institutional Reform in Kazakhstan when implementing IWRM plan

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:42:00 GMT

With support from GWP and UNDP the Kazakhstan government has drafted an IWRM plan and established river basin councils, realizing that management problems could be helped off by IWRM.

Dialogues - tool for improving River Basin Management Plans

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:40:00 GMT

In 2006-2007 the GWP Country Water Partnerships of twelve countries in Central and Eastern Europe organised national IWRM dialogues.

GWP Malaysia Accredited

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:36:00 GMT

The GWP Malaysia was officially accredited on 1 May 2010.

Minister of Water Resources in China stresses need for more cooperation with GWP

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 11:25:00 GMT

The GWP Steering Committee Meeting was held 18-21 May 2010 in Beijing.

GWP advocates for water at Bonn climate change talks

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:56:00 GMT

The Global Water Partnership participated in the UNFCCC climate change talks in Bonn, Germany, 1-11 June 2010 continuing its advocacy for placing water management at the heart of the adaptation agenda.

The World Water Crisis and Foreign Policy

Thu, 17 Jun 2010 10:49:00 GMT

At the UK Houses of Parliament on June 6 the Foreign Policy Centre (FPC) launched “Tackling the World Water Crisis – Reshaping the Future of Foreign Policy”. The FPC paper includes a chapter on “Water Scarcity and Global Megacities” submitted by GWP.

Progress towards IWRM in the journalism curriculum

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 10:27:00 GMT

In 2010 GWPCentral America approached the University of Panama to discuss putting water issues in the journalism curriculum.

GWP participates at Bonn climate change talks

Mon, 31 May 2010 15:01:00 GMT

The Global Water Partnership is participating in the UNFCCC Climate Change talks in Bonn as a follow-up to its participation in COP 15, continuing its advocacy for placing water management at the heart of the climate change adaptation agenda.

Adoption of Strategy waits for political resolution

Sun, 30 May 2010 13:59:00 GMT

With the technical and administrative support of GWP Mediterranean in the framework of MED-EUWI, the Water Expert Group of the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) put the draft Strategy for Water in the Mediterranean before the UfM Ministerial Conference on Water in April 2010.

Purna River Improves Quality of Groundwater

Tue, 18 May 2010 13:45:00 GMT

The Purna Area Water Partnership was established in 1995 and has since carried out extensive work in water resources development and management in the Purna River Basin, India.

IWRM planning in Weihe River Basin

Tue, 18 May 2010 13:45:00 GMT

GWP China and GWP China Shaanxi have been involved in the planning process of the Weihe River Basin Integrated Management Plan. The Weihe River Basin Integrated Management Plan addresses several water challenges and aims to establish a sound foundation for the effective development and protection of water resources in the region.

GWP CEE launches a new project

Tue, 18 May 2010 11:57:00 GMT

Tools for Better Transboundary Cooperation in Central and Eastern Europe.

GWP Consulting Partners Meeting 2010

Tue, 18 May 2010 09:06:00 GMT

The annual Global Water Partnership Consulting Partners Meeting will be held in the vicinity of the Arlanda Airport, Stockholm, Sweden on September 3rd – 4th immediately before the Stockholm World Water Week. The theme of the meeting will be: “Exploring the role of Water Security in Regional Economic Development”.

Mike Müller appointed to South African National Planning Commission

Mon, 17 May 2010 17:28:00 GMT

GWP Technical Committee member and Special Advisor Mike Muller was appointed to South Africa’s National Planning Commission.

Capacity Building for IWRM in Africa and the Caribbean

Mon, 17 May 2010 17:26:00 GMT

UNDP's Cap-Net Programme, in collaboration with GWP has completed the implementation of a three year project to strengthen capacity in water management in Africa and the Caribbean. Cap-Net worked closely with the GWP’s network of water partnerships and GWP participated in the preparation of activities and the identification of participants.

Decision makers trained in river basin approach in Southeast Asia

Mon, 17 May 2010 17:24:00 GMT

GWP Southeast Asia supported two Regional Training of Trainers Courses on Capacity Building in River Basin Organizations (RBO) in collaboration with other international agencies in March and April 2010.

Steps to decrease flood risk in Estonia

Mon, 17 May 2010 17:20:00 GMT

GWP Estonia participated in a roundtable discussion at the Ministry of Environment about damming and on April 17 hydropower use of Estonian rivers.

A step towards better climate policy

Sun, 16 May 2010 11:29:00 GMT

The High-Level Round Table (HLRT) on Climate Change and Water Security, held in China in April and jointly sponsored by GWP China and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), was another step on the long road to better water policies.

Basin governance strengthened in Peru

Thu, 13 May 2010 11:57:00 GMT

Melting glaciers and mining operations are just two of the challenges facing the Ocoña River Basin. GWP Peru and partner, the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru (PUCP), have worked unremittingly since 2003 to put the foundations for IWRM in place in the basin.

GWP Chile accredited

Sat, 08 May 2010 12:01:00 GMT

In April 2010, GWP Chile became an accredited Country Water Partnership.

GWP at UNESCO Oceans Conference

Sun, 25 Apr 2010 09:24:00 GMT

GWP Executive Secretary and Chair of GWP Mediterranean will participate in the Fifth Global Conference on Oceans, Coasts and Islands, May 3-7 in Paris, France. The Global Oceans Conference 2010 is hosted by UNESCO and the Government of France and provides a major opportunity for all sectors of the global oceans community to make progress in advancing the global oceans agenda.

New Water Partnership in Chile

Mon, 19 Apr 2010 17:33:00 GMT

GWP Chile was accredited as a Country Water Partnership on April 9. In response to a congratulatory letter from GWP Executive Secretary Dr Ania Grobicki, GWP Chile Chair Ms María Angelica Alegria explained some of the water-related challenges facing her nation in light of its recent earthquake.

GWP Signs MoU with CapNet

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:56:00 GMT

GWP and CapNet have collaborated for several years in IWRM capacity building. In March 2010 a formal Memorandum of Understanding was signed to increase coherence and transparency through knowledge sharing in advancing the IWRM approach.

1st Central American Fair on Community Water Management

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:04:00 GMT

GWP Central America and its partners participated in the First Central American Fair on Community Water Management, 19-24 March 2010, in San Jose, Costa Rica. The aim was to create interchange among the main actors dealing with community water management in the region.

GWP Caribbean Broadcasts Video

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 18:00:00 GMT

“Water: Is there enough for tomorrow?” a video produced by GWP Caribbean (GWP-C) in collaboration with its partners, began airing on television stations in Trinidad and Tobago as of March 15.

Local Water Management Committees Created

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 17:56:00 GMT

GWP India has supported the formation of five local Water Management Committees in the district of Bihar.

GWP Joins UNFCCC Programme

Sat, 17 Apr 2010 17:50:00 GMT

The Global Water Partnership has joined the Nairobi Work Programme, a UNFCCC initiative to assist countries to:

Rio+20 Must Include Water Security

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:35:00 GMT

The First Preparatory Meeting for Rio+20, which will discuss the substantive themes, will be held from May 17-19, 2010 at the United Nations ECOSOC in New York.

Danube Strategy Conference

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:53:00 GMT

The GWP CEE delegation will participate in the third Conference on the EU Strategy for the Danube Region.

IWRM emerging as key for development and addressing climate change

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 10:13:00 GMT

In 2010 the Central American Bank of Economic Integration (CABEI) and GWP Central America decided to draw up a formal agreement to advance IWRM as a fundamental approach to dealing with water security, climate change and achieving the Millennium Development Goals nationally and regionally.

CEE saves 2 tons of of CO2

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 11:52:00 GMT

Web based meeting of GWP CEE Regional Council takes place on 7 April 2010.

GWP Network Celebrates World Water Day 2010

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 19:19:00 GMT

The GWP Network with more than 2000 institutional partners worldwide, celebrated World Water Day through a number of activities: awareness campaigns on public radio, video releases, participation in seminars and workshops for students and policy makers.

Network resources pooled to build capacity in Myanmar

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 13:22:00 GMT

GWP Myanmar and GWP Southeast Asia organised a five-day regional training-of-trainers course on river basin organisations in Yangon, Myanmar, in March. In order to meet the considerable diversity of participant needs the course was structured around short presentations and sessions for sharing experiences.

Waste Water Roundtable

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:50:00 GMT

GWP CEE participated in the Roundtable on Decentralized Waste Water Treatment on 18 March in Sofia.

GWP Technical Committee Adds Three

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 09:56:00 GMT

Three new members of the GWP Technical Committee have been appointed. After a worldwide search in 2009, 95 nominations were received. Taking into account the Committee’s existing experience and expertise, its regional mix, gender (four women, three men) and its anticipated areas of work, the GWP Steering Committee approved the appointment of the following new members:

World Water Day in Bulgaria

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 11:45:00 GMT

Two major events take place - a national celebration in Sofia city on 22-23 March and a regional conference in Veliko Tarnovo town on 22 March.

GWP at European Policy Forum

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:38:00 GMT

The Global Water Partnership Executive Secretary Dr Ania Grobicki and the GWP Central and Eastern Europe Chair Dr. Liviu Nicolae Popescu will participate in the European event “Aquawareness Policy Forum” on World Water Day 22 March in Brussels, Belgium.

The GWP Network Celebrates World Water Day

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 10:20:00 GMT

The GWP network with more than 2000 partners worldwide, celebrates World Water Day with a number of activities and events in different regions of the globe: awareness campaigns on public radio, releases of video films about water security, participation in seminars and organisation of workshops for students, pupils and policy makers.

World Water Day in Slovenia

Sun, 21 Mar 2010 11:48:00 GMT

International organization Humanitas organized a conference "Water as a Global Challenge" on March 18 in Ljubljana, Slovenia.

Asian Ambassadors visit GWP Secretariat

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:49:00 GMT

Ambassadors from ten Asian Embassies in Stockholm visited the GWPO offices on 18 March at the invitation by the Executive Secretary, to talk about water and GWP’s work in their respective countries and regions.

Assessing IWRM Progress

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:55:00 GMT

In the last two years, UN-Water and GWP have conducted studies to assess progress made in IWRM planning and implementation. The UN-Water global assessment includes case studies with illustrations of the tangible benefits of an integrated approach.

GWP Zambia asked to use its ‘convening power’

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:54:00 GMT

Zambia is the first country in the GWP Partnership for Africa Water Development programme to successfully integrate an IWRM plan into a National Development Plan (2006-2010).

GWP Pakistan prepares Water Plan

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:50:00 GMT

GWP Pakistan prepared the 10th Five Year Plan 2010-15 on Water Resource Development and presented it February 22 to the Planning Commission of Pakistan for adoption and implementation.

Saving the Aral Sea

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:45:00 GMT

A regional process to save the Aral Sea has resulted in an “Action Plan for the realization of the Decisions of the Presidents” of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Beyond COP 15 Africa Climate Workshop

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:38:00 GMT

GWP Southern Africa and the African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW) organised a workshop to promote dialogue in Eastern and Southern Africa on water, climate change and national development.

Water Financing contributions to African and Med processes

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 19:32:00 GMT

A workshop on financing and water discussed the opportunities and priorities for North Africa, and the wider Mediterranean region, for water resources management and service provision.

Mekong Field Visit for Donors

Tue, 16 Mar 2010 09:44:00 GMT

Consultations on finance and water support Mediterranean water strategy

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:12:00 GMT

Experiences and recommendations from an Expert Consultation Workshop on Finance and Water in North Africa and the Wider Mediterranean Region held in February 2010, in Madrid, were fed into the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) Strategy for Water in the Mediterranean (SWM) process.

Water Talk, Vol 1-2, 2009

Mon, 15 Mar 2010 11:41:00 GMT

A new issue of Water Talk - the newsletter of CEE water stakeholders - is now available.

GWP Slovakia meets Consulting Partners

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:39:00 GMT

GWP Slovakia organised a consulting meeting on 17 February in Bratislava.

Water and livelihood dialogue in India

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:24:00 GMT

A major characteristic of the water-climate scenario in Eastern and North-Eastern India is the frequency of droughts and floods following each other in succession. In such an environment, low cost water-saving technologies for farmers and other water users becomes essential.

IWRM and Water Transport

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:20:00 GMT

In order to advocate for the application of IWRM principles in the design of waterways and their operation, GWP Romania took part in the government-organised 13th Shipping Conference on 2-3 December 2009.

Promoting GWP to stakeholders in Panama

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:17:00 GMT

In order to increase awareness among key stakeholder groups, GWP Panama presented its work to the Consultative Board on January 21.

GWP at the Ministerial Meeting

Tue, 16 Feb 2010 11:34:00 GMT

The GWPO Network Officer Mr. Bjorn Guterstam, accompanied by GWP CEE Chair Mr. Liviu Nicolae Popescu, presented the statement on behalf of observer organizations to ICPDR at the Ministerial Meeting on 16 February in Vienna, Austria. At the meeting, Ministers endorsed detailed actions for environmental protection in the Danube River Basin.

Domestic wastewater made safe for agriculture in Armenia

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:14:00 GMT

Since December 2009, GWP Armenia and its Partners have been deeply involved in solving household wastewater treatment problems. As a result of long-time lobbying, in 2010 funds from the United Nations Development Programme Global Environment Facility (UNDP/GEF) were granted to address wastewater treatment in Parakar, Armenia, where it was a serious problem.

Journalists trained at Americas interregional workshop

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:13:00 GMT

The first GWP Workshop for Journalists in Chile gathered about 30 journalists and communicators from the South American region to learn more about Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).

GWP Patron at Davos

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:09:00 GMT

The Global Water Partnership Patron Margaret Catley-Carson participated at the 40th World Economic Forum in Davos on 27-31 January 2010 to put focus on water issues in relation to economics.

Water Security in the Himalayas

Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:00:00 GMT

As part of its long-term commitment to contribute to the building of confidence and cooperation between countries that make up the Himalayan river basins, GWP Nepal participated in a workshop on the Himalayan Sub-Regional Cooperation for Water Security.

Global Secretariat Certified 'Green'

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:56:00 GMT

GWP Chair at the General Assembly of the International Network of Basin Organizations

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 11:14:00 GMT

GWP Chair Dr. Letitia A Obeng participated in the General Assembly of the International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO) in Dakar, from 20 to 22 January 2010. The theme of the General Assembly was “the adaptation to consequences of climate change in basins: tools for action”. The assembly gathered together around 250 participants from all continents.

Media workshops boost journalists' understanding of water issues

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:52:00 GMT

GWP Caribbean took a cue from the experiences of other Regional Water Partnerships – particularly GWP Central America and GWP West Africa – who have found that the media is one of the best channels for creating awareness about water issues among the general public.

IWRM Studies

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:25:00 GMT

Participants will be trained to consider water-related problems from an integrated and global point of view, derive and discuss possible solutions and propose potential activities in a local context.

They will improve their management and monitoring skills with regard to water projects in Developing and Transition Countries.

The CAS is endowed with 10 ECTS credits, has a modular structure and consists of a preparatory work, two ten-day courses as class instruction and a project work.

The class instructions will take place in Switzerland during the last two weeks of August 2010, respectively 2011:

16 August 2010 - 27 August 2010

15 August 2011 - 26 August 2011

Registration deadline: 14 May 2010

Contact and Registration: wb.ahb@bfh.ch

More info and program

Registration form

Changing the attitudes of farmers and local authorities

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 10:47:00 GMT

GWP Slovakia, GWP Hungary and GWP Ukraine worked with municipalities, river basin organisations, NGOs, farmers and urban planning authorities to develop a workable partnership to manage flood risks in the transboundary Bodrog River Basin.

Global Water Partnership on Water Security

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 13:23:00 GMT

Global Water Partnership Deputy Executive Secretary Mr Martin Walshe spoke at hearings in the UK on global water security. Read the submission.

Grass roots engaged in water needs of Slovak communities

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:44:00 GMT

GWP Slovakia has been introducing the IWRM approach to the Association of Municipalities, using the guide Sustainable Sanitation in Central and Eastern Europe prepared by GWP Central and Eastern Europe as a key resource.

GWP Chair Interview in Aqua Vitae

Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:32:00 GMT

Aqua Vitae is a Latin American non-profit magazine, specializing in water and sanitation which seeks to raise awareness of the challenges of water resources management and to propose innovative alternatives for their care. This is an interview with Dr Letitia A Obeng, Global Water Partnership Chair.

The interview is also available in Spanish.

About GWP Side Event at COP15

Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:04:00 GMT

Read about the COP15 Side Event "Bridging the Water and Climate Change Agendas", presented by Global Water Partnership (GWP), Global Public Policy Network (GPPN), and Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) on Wednesday 9 December, page 3 in ENB On the Side report from Copenhagen.

GWP releases film about water and climate change

Sun, 27 Dec 2009 14:11:00 GMT

"Managing Water to Adapt to Climate Change", a film about water management in Mali, produced by GWP, GWP Mali and the Swiss Agency of Development and Cooperation is being released at COP15.

New leadership for EU Water Initiative Finance Working Group

Sat, 26 Dec 2009 14:17:00 GMT

Johan Holmberg will be stepping down as Chair of the EUWI Finance Working Group after three busy and intensive years which have seen the FWG creating a strong niche in promoting a more strategic approach to water sector financing. Alan Hall has been appointed to take over as Chair from 1 December 2009.

Press briefing at COP15

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 14:22:00 GMT

The latest adaptation text does not hold water: Why the global climate challenge is a global water challenge - organised on Tuesday 8 December at 14 hrs at COP 15 by Global Water Partnership and the Global Public Policy Network on water management.

GWP at COP15

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:27:00 GMT

The programme for GWP participation at COP15, 7-16 December 2009 in Copenhagen is now available.

Side Event at COP 15

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 14:29:00 GMT

Information about a side event at COP 15 that GWP is co-convening with the Global Public Policy Network on Water Management, a joint initiative of the Stockholm International Water Institute and the Stakeholder Forum.

A sprint to the finish line

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 14:38:00 GMT

Address by GWP Executive Secretary Dr Ania Grobicki's at the 2nd Pan-African Implementation and Partnership Conference on Water Supply and Sanitation, 11 November 2009, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Water Security - Food Security - Climate Change

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:48:00 GMT

Summary from Africa Water Week

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:53:00 GMT

A pdf summarizing the Africa Water Week.

One of the events held at Africa Water Week was a speech by Minister Trevor Manuel.

GWP at Africa Water Week

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:25:00 GMT

This week in Midrand (9-13 November), South Africa, the Global Water Partnership's five Africa regional offices and its Mediterranean one are working with key allies to translate Africa's commitments on water into action. At the top of the agenda is financing water infrastructure, water supply and sanitation and climate change adaptation.

Comunicado de Prensa: El agua se evapora del texto de negociaciones del cambio climático.

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 15:39:00 GMT

3‐11‐2009, El agua se evapora del texto de negociaciones del cambio climático Gobiernos, agencias de Naciones Unidas, ONGs internacionales y la sociedad civil defienden reunidos hoy en Barcelona en la celebración del Día del Agua (Water Day), para instar a los negociadores a considerar el papel crítico que el agua juega en la adaptación al cambio climático.

IWRM incorporated into urban management in Cameroon

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:46:00 GMT

Although integrating IWRM into existing management structures is a long-term endeavour, taking a consultative approach raises awareness, fosters community participation and encourages different sectors to coordinate their efforts.

Press Release: Water evaporates from the climate change negotiating text

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:42:00 GMT

2009-11-03, Governments, UN agencies, international NGOs and civil society advocates gathered at a Water Day in Barcelona today, to urge negotiators to consider the critical role that water plays in climate change adaptation.

Water aid can solve the crisis

Sun, 13 Dec 2009 15:45:00 GMT

The solutions of many of the problems caused by climate change are within the sectors of society which manage water. Adaptation to climate change is about water and development – yet the world’s aid to improving water security decreases. Sweden must push to make sure that water issues are not overlooked in the climate change debate – and now or never is what it is all about, write water experts at Sida, UNDP, GWP, UN-Water, Stockholm Water House, and Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI)

Article published in the Swedish Newspaper Svenska Dagbladet on 3 November 2009,

This is a translation from Swedish.

International conference: Transboundary aquifers

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 15:55:00 GMT

Flyer of the First announcement and Call for abstracts 6-8 December, 2010, UNESCO, Paris, France

New Framework agreed for GWP cooperation with Asian Development Bank

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:02:00 GMT

Representatives of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Global Water Partnership (GWP) met in New Delhi on 2-3 November 2009 to review past cooperation activities and to set a new framework for future collaborative work.

2009 Water Day Flyer

Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:12:00 GMT

Flyer for the Water Day in Barcelona 3 November 2009.

2009 Water Day Agenda

Wed, 09 Dec 2009 16:28:00 GMT

Agenda for Barcelona, 3 November 2009. A day of dialogue, discussions and presentations on Water for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation alongside the climate change negotiations in Barcelona.

Water Day in Barcelona

Tue, 08 Dec 2009 16:35:00 GMT

On 3rd November a ‘Water Day’ will be held alongside the Climate Change negotiations in Barcelona. The day is being convened by the GPPN, a partnership of Stakeholder Forum and Stockholm International Water Institute, in collaboration with UN Water

Water, Climate Change and the Media

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:47:00 GMT

Report from a media breakfast meeting between the Kenya's Editors Guild and water sector managers in Kenya.

High level meeting leverages water cooperation in the Caribbean

Sun, 06 Dec 2009 16:50:00 GMT

The 5th High Level Session of Ministers with responsibility for water was co-convened by GWP-Caribbean and the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association's (CWWA's) in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands on 5-6 October 2009.

Dr Letitia A Obeng, GWP Chair speech

Sat, 05 Dec 2009 09:12:00 GMT

Dr Letitia A Obeng, GWP Chair speech at the 5th High Level Session of Ministers with responsibility for water was co-convened by GWP-Caribbean and the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association's (CWWA's) in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands on 5-6 October 2009.

Climate Change is Water Change

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:38:00 GMT

This article was published in the Swedish Newspaper GöteborgsPosten on 17 August 2009

“We are going forward together”

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:51:00 GMT

The annual Global Water Partnership Consulting Partners meeting took place in Stockholm 15-16 August 2009. With a network of more than 2000 partners spanning over 70 countries, a consultative approach in which Partners recommend actions to be taken is essential to the work of GWP.

Land management act in Argentina takes integrated approach

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:54:00 GMT

The Land Management and Land Use Act in Mendoza, Argentina, passed in July, is the first in the country to take an integrated approach to basin management. The new approach stems from advice given by GWP Argentina to the Mendoza Inspections Council and discussions with provincial legislative authorities while the law was being drafted. GWP Argentina has now been invited to sit on the State Council created by the new law to develop the Strategic Development Plan.

Honduras passes national water law

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:52:00 GMT

For nearly ten years, GWP Central America has been working with legislators in Honduras to explain the benefits of IWRM and advise on technical aspects as they drafted and refined water legislation.

Costa Rica adopts national IWRM plan

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:50:00 GMT

Costa Rica officially launched an IWRM plan in November 2009, the first country in Central America to do so and the result of six years of work.

Central American regional water strategy on its way

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:49:00 GMT

GWP Central America has had a major input into the Central America IWRM strategy and action plan.

Villages in Nepal resolve water problems

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:46:00 GMT

Perennial rivers, lakes and plenty of rain once blessed communities in the Ilam District in the eastern hills of Nepal with abundant water. But, with a growing population, small hydropower plants, capture of water resources by certain groups and less water in streams and rivers, some sections of the community are not getting the water they need. GWP Nepal worked in four villages, explaining rights and responsibilities under the national water policy and telling villagers about the benefits of an integrated approach. GWP Nepal also started consultations to show communities how to make inventories of water resources and water use. Communities have now set up Local Water Partnerships as a way to address their problems and find solutions.

GWP Bhutan drafted water vision, policy and legislation

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:46:00 GMT

In 2001, the Bhutan Government requested the newly formed GWP Bhutan to draft a water vision and policy for the country. By 2002, GWP Bhutan, with support from GWP South Asia, had involved stakeholders and prepared the draft. GWP Bhutan then drew up the Bhutan Water Act, subsequently taken up and finalised by the National Environment Commission.The bill has been delayed by political changes, but Parliament is expected to pass the Act in 2010. The whole process has embedded IWRM concepts firmly into national planning in Bhutan.

Push for low-cost water saving in India

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:44:00 GMT

Discussions on the water crisis in eastern and northeastern India between groups that seldom interact made them realise that they need to work together to come up with feasible solutions. Technical and financial support from GWP India and GWP South Asia helped to create an enabling platform for researchers and policy makers to examine low-cost water saving technologies through evidence-based research. GWP India is now funding a Partner pilot project in five villages in West Bengal.

Commitment to reduce dependency on groundwater in Bangladesh

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:42:00 GMT

Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority has undertaken to reduce dependency on groundwater from 87% to 50% by 2015. Ministries for rural development, cooperatives, water resources, environment, forests, shipping, industry, law, labour and other agencies committed their full support to this measure to address unsustainable extraction of groundwater. GWP Bangladesh will organise annual follow-up meetings of the new coordinating body set up to monitor progress. A dialogue organised by GWP Bangladesh at the request of local government was instrumental in rallying support for this move. Stakeholders were able to examine the potential for surface water to supply growing urban needs and reduce dependence on groundwater.

Vietnam recommends integrated approach

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:41:00 GMT

Government agencies in Vietnam recommended that river basin organisations should be strengthened by following an IWRM approach. This is important progress because it paves the way for a wide range of stakeholders to participate in water resources development and management. The dialogue on river basin management in September, organised by GWP Vietnam for scientists, NGOs and development partners to share experiences of river basin organisations from Vietnam and Southeast Asia, triggered this endorsement by the authorities of an integrated approach.

Wei River environmental problems get attention

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:40:00 GMT

Water scarcity, pollution, floods and soil erosion are problems affecting the Wei River, the largest tributary of the Yellow River. GWP China Shaanxi brought together representatives from government ministries, women's groups, scientific institutions and the media to decide on ways to address these problems. The group indentified four strategies:

1. Accelerate the Wei River Five-Year Integrated Management Plan.

2. Enforce regulations on pollution and construction.

3. Build infrastructure to increase water supplies.

4. Encourage integrated management practices to reduce silting and flooding.

The dialogue raised awareness of the need to use water efficiently and maintain water quality, particularly in the south to north inter-basin transfer scheme.

Rural development boosted by Provincial Water Partnerships

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:38:00 GMT

GWP Provincial Water Partnerships in Fujian, Hebei, Hunan and Shaanxi are key players in implementing two rural development policies – The Water Saving Society and The New Countryside Development.

Progress on ways forward in the Aral Sea basin

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:36:00 GMT

In response to a decision of Heads of the Central Asian States to address the critical issues of water resources, climate change and ecosystem loss in the Aral Sea basin, GWP Central Asia and Caucasus became the platform for policy dialogues in all eight Central Asian nations.

Bulgaria aligns local and regional basin plans

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:34:00 GMT

GWP Bulgaria is helping local groups see how they fit into broader regional perspectives such as the European Water Framework Directive (WFD).

First steps towards a Bic River basin management plan

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:32:00 GMT

Promoting the IWRM approach means first making those involved in water management aware of IWRM principles, how they can be applied in their context and the main benefits of doing so.

Pioneering consultations on Lebanese Water Plan

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:26:00 GMT

The review of the Lebanese National 2000–2009 Water Plan is being done through a ground-breaking multi-stakeholder consultation. Dialogues are leading to cooperation among Lebanese stakeholders in developing a National Integrated Water Resources Management Plan for the next ten years.

Informing cooperation on transboundary water management

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:25:00 GMT

GWP Mediterranean presented a set of assessments of the status of transboundary rivers, lakes and aquifers of south-eastern Europe during the fifth session of the Meeting of the Parties to the Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention), in November, in Geneva. This was part of a larger effort coordinated by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Water Convention Secretariat to inform cooperation on transboundary water management.

Integrating groundwater in water policies

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:23:00 GMT

In south-eastern Europe, water policies tend to neglect groundwater. GWP Mediterranean works to integrate groundwater issues into water policies, particularly transboundary karst aquifers, through programmes such as the Management of the Dinaric Arc Karst Transboundary Aquifer System (DIKTAS). GWP Mediterranean leads the component on Strategic Communication and Stakeholder Involvement.

Burundi validates IWRM Plan

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:22:00 GMT

In December, 120 people, including members of parliamentary committees, director generals, representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ), other multilateral organisations, and international and local NGOs validated the Burundi IWRM Plan and demanded immediate implementation.

Swaziland: Better water management helps thousands

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:20:00 GMT

Through Swaziland's National IWRM planning, GWP Swaziland facilitated a grassroots IWRM process to address water resource management challenges in Kalanga, Swaziland. The issues included pollution of water in the community earth dam, deteriorating health because of poor water quality and overexploitation of available water. GWP Swaziland showed villagers how IWRM could deal with these problems and, as a result, the community fenced off the earth dam, built a water trough for animals and drilled boreholes to tap additional reserves. A gardening scheme and sanitary facilities in homesteads further improved the situation. This grassroots IWRM initiative succeeded because GWP Swaziland catalysed support not only from the community, but also from service providers, the private sector and local authorities. More than 9,000 people now benefit from clean water.

Zambian IWRM Plan guides World Bank Country Assistance Strategy

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:18:00 GMT

As a result of the efforts of GWP Zambia, the Zambia Fifth National Development Plan, launched in 2008, takes an IWRM approach. The IWRM Plan guided the development of the World Bank Country Assistance Strategy that recommends supporting water resources management projects that have a direct impact on national development. GWP Zambia has been asked to facilitate the development of a National Investment Brief on water resources for agriculture and energy on behalf of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Zambian Government.

"To the facilitator of the process, Zambia Water Partnership … I have no doubt that you will lead the process effectively and efficiently and give us the product in time. I acknowledge your competencies in this area as you played the same role in the development of the [IWRM] Plan. I must state that, as Government, we cherish the partnership that we have established with you." - Zambia Minister for Energy and Water Development, Mr Kenneth Konga

Parliamentarians in Cameroon invite dialogue on IWRM

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:17:00 GMT

The Cameroon branch of the Central African Network of Parliamentarians for the Sustainable Management of Forest Ecosystems (REPAR) invited GWP Central Africa to discussions on IWRM and the environment. GWP Central Africa and the REPAR Secretariat are now identifying areas where they can work together to embed IWRM in national regulations.

Congo Basin: from navigation to integration

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:16:00 GMT

Central Africa is home to the largest river basin in Africa, the Congo Basin. The partnership between GWP Central Africa and the Congo Basin Commission (CICOS) has shifted the focus of the Commission from navigation to the broader perspective of integrated river basin management. GWP Central Africa is now helping elaborate a strategic action plan for the Basin.

Central Africa adopts regional water policy

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:12:00 GMT

GWP Central Africa technical experts helped the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) draft the regional water policy aligning country water policies within a coherent regional framework.

Donors commit to Mali IWRM Plan

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:08:00 GMT

GWP West Africa helped GWP Mali respond to a Government request to organise a donor round table in February 2009 to secure funding to implement the Mali IWRM Plan. Donors committed to fund 85% of the envisaged cost of implementing agreed measures. The Government committed the other 15%. This was the culmination of a long process spearheaded by GWP Mali to involve major water sector and civil society stakeholders in the development of the Plan (see GWP in Action 2008 Annual Report, page 14).

Benin adopts integrated approach in new water policy

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:05:00 GMT

In Benin, four years of lobbying and workshops culminated in the adoption by the Government, in July 2009, of a new water policy based on the IWRM approach. GWP Benin led efforts, working with parliamentarians, ministries, civil society, local communities and water user organisations, and establishing a task force. GWP Benin also arranged for consultants to review the first draft of the policy and organised a national workshop to validate the final draft.

Water tariff reform in Grenada

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 15:02:00 GMT

Outdated legislation and ageing infrastructure in Grenada need to be addressed to meet rising demand for water and sewage services, and boost inadequate revenues.

Political backing for Caribbean water portfolio

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 14:51:00 GMT

Since 2005, GWP Caribbean and one of its Partners, the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA), have brought together ministers and other senior government officials every year to discuss water issues and explain the benefits of IWRM. At the last high-level session, in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, in October, these efforts bore fruit.

G8 Article on Climate Change Adaptation

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:05:00 GMT

In a G8 article GWP argues that investing in water delivers both immediate benefits and long-term resilience against climate change.

International Conference on Sustainable Hydropower in the Western Balkans

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:07:00 GMT

Global Water Partnership Appoints New Technical Committee Chair

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:14:00 GMT

The Global Water Partnership (GWP) has appointed Dr. Mohamed Ait Kadi as the new GWP Technical Committee Chair, effective October 1, 2009.

Global Water Partnership and European Water Partnership Sign Memorandum of Understanding

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:18:00 GMT

At the end of the Global Water Partnership’s (GWP) Consulting Partners meeting and the start of the Stockholm World Water Week, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the GWP and the European Water Partnership (EWP).

TEC Background Paper 14 soon to be launched

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 10:22:00 GMT

GWP Participation at World Water Week 2009

Thu, 26 Nov 2009 10:25:00 GMT

GWP Participation in DANIDA Climate Change Dialogue

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:45:00 GMT

An Overview of GWP Participation in DANIDA Climate Change Dialogue. Submitted by Prof. Torkil Jønch Clausen, Principal Advisor to the Dialogue & GWP Senior Advisor

GWP Consulting Partners Meeting 2009

Sun, 22 Nov 2009 10:48:00 GMT

GWP and WMO's Associated Programme on Flood Management Launch HelpDesk

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 10:59:00 GMT

A HelpDesk for Flood Management will be launched on June 17 at the 2nd Meeting of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction. The HelpDesk will assist countries in implementing an integrated approach to flood management and will provide guidance on flood management strategy and policy.

GWP Global Secretariat Certified 'Green' 2008

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:05:00 GMT

Green certificate

GWP Contributes to Climate Change Dialogue Process in Run-up to COP15

Tue, 17 Nov 2009 11:13:00 GMT

The Global Water Partnership Eastern Africa recently organised a workshop in Mombasa with a team of environmental experts and civil society members from the region to develop climate change adaptation strategies.

GWP participation at the 5th World Water Forum

Sun, 15 Nov 2009 11:30:00 GMT

The Global Water Partnership’s participation at the 5th World Water Forum in Istanbul 16-22 March contained active participation at multiple levels: planning and convening of topics and sessions; dynamic contribution to the regional days Africa Day, Asia Pacific Day, Day of Americas and the Day of the Mediterranean; introduction of the new GWP Executive Secretary Dr. Ania Grobicki; launch of two new books at two well attended side events "IWRM in Practice: Better Water Management for Development" and "A Handbook for Integrated Water Resources Management in Basins", a joint INBO/GWP book and the release and dissemination of the GWP Strategy 2009-2013 and the new double pack CD with Technical papers and an offline version of the ToolBox website: double CD pack "How to Manage the World's Water Resources".

Information about how to order the material.

The GWP booth was located in the Foyer 2 section with the World Water Council and the IUCN as closest neighbours. The interest for GWP was big and the stand had a great number of visitors from various organisations and sectors such as GWP partners and regional representatives, water experts, donor institutions, minister officials and ministers, students and educators. All the material brought to Istanbul was taken.

GWP played an active role in the preparatory and organisational work of the Forum programme and coordinated one topic and several sessions. All the GWP sessions were well attended.

Alan Hall (GWP) and Michael Rouse (International Water Association - IWA) were the coordinators of Topic 4.2 (Institutional arrangements and regulatory approaches for effective water management), including five sessions covering institutions and planning, regulation, management in federal countries, regulation for controlling risks, and improving openness and transparency. Topic 4.2. included session 4.2.1 “The big picture: how to make institutions and plans deliver progress?” about the success factors in delivering betterwater services and more integrated and sustainable resource management and session 4.2.3 “River basin management in federated countries: is this realistic?” about how to use an integrated approach to coordinate and balance responsibilities across the different levels to clarify who is responsible for what.

GWP participation also included:

- Session 1.1.2 – “Adaptation to Climate Change: waiting for things to happen or trying to be prepared?” with UNEP as a session co-convenor. The session dealt with practical guidelines for action in planning adaptation to climate change, with a focus on impacts to and through land and water and was chaired by. Dr. Letitia A. Obeng, GWP Chair and Roberto Lenton, Chair, GWP Technical Committee.

- “Beyond Water Bribes - How to Build a Corruption-Resistant Water Sector” with Dr. Letitia A. Obeng, GWP Chair as chair.

- “Climate change, Water Resources Management, Governance and Capacity Building issues in Central

- Asia and Caucasus”, an side event co-hosted by GWP Central Asia and Caucasus and Finland Ministry of Foreign Affairs

- “Meeting human and environmental needs through Integrated Water Resources Management: A Step

- Ahead: Improving water management by anticipating change?” with GWP, GEF (Global Environment Facility), CONAGUA (Mexico National Water Commission) as session convenors and GWP TEC Chair Roberto Lenton as chair

- Dr Ania Grobicki, GWP Executive Secretary chaired the wrap-up session for Topic 4.2 and presented the findings in the wrap-up for Theme 4 as a whole, focusing on the 10 priorities that were identified for good governance

- “Multiple Use and Functions of Water Services: Wrap up Session” with GWP Deputy Executive Secretary Martin Walshe as panellist

- “Corruption and water related disasters in Sri Lanka” with panellists from GWP Sri Lanka

- “UN Water Courses Convention” with GWP Chair Letitia A. Obeng as panellist

- “Impacts of Climate Change on water related disasters in South Asia”, a side event co-hosted by GWPBangladesh GWP was also approached by different media journalists and the following press interviews were organised:

The Voice of America interviewed GWP patron Margaret Catley-Carson and GWP Eastern Africa regional coordinator Simon Thuo in Good Governance Boosts Water Delivery.

Le Monde interviewed the GWP TEC Chair Roberto Lenton about Climate change in La gestion de l'eau à l'épreuve du changement climatique.

United Press International interviewed representatives from CACENA about their work in Analysis: International rivers and energy a volatile mix.

Arte TV Channel interviewed GWP Chair Letitia A Obeng. To be broadcasted on www.arte.tv in April.

GWP Patron Maggie Catley-Carson gave an interview to 42 journalists assembled by the Media 21 group.

GWP congratulates the Stockholm Water Prize winner 2009

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:51:00 GMT

On behalf of the entire Global Water Partnership, I congratulate Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of the Sulabh Sanitation Movement in India, on becoming the 2009 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate.

The award of the 2009 Stockholm Water Prize is important recognition of Dr. Pathak and the Sulabh Sanitation Movement's dedicated efforts to bring hygiene, safe sanitation and better health to millions of people in India and to set an example to be followed throughout the world.

The Global Water Partnership is proud that the Sulabh Sanitation Movement, led by Dr. Pathak, is a Partner.

Letitia A Obeng, GWP Chair

Global Water Partnership at the 5th World Water Forum: Full Program

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:40:00 GMT

New strategy, new books, new CDs, new Executive Secretary and participation in more than 10 sessions.

See the full programme!

GWP Sri Lanka Fights Corruption

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:43:00 GMT

In 2008, the Sri Lanka Water Partnership (SLWP) began working with the Water Integrity Network (WIN) to fight corruption surrounding illicit and unregulated river sand mining.

Mozambique and Swaziland Take Steps to Include IWRM in National Development Plans

Sun, 08 Nov 2009 12:51:00 GMT

Delegates from the two countries met at a GWP workshop on ‘Incorporation of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) into National Development Frameworks.’ Promoting water as a key part of sustainable national development is one of GWP’s major goals in its 2009-2013 Strategy announced on January 27, 2009.

The workshop, in Swaziland February 9-10, was held in response to requests from both governments, and attended by representatives of water ministries, senior economists from the Ministries of Economic Planning, and representatives of GWP in Southern Africa and in Stockholm.

Experiences in incorporating IWRM into National Development Frameworks and PRSPs were shared at the workshop. Principal Economist in Swaziland’s Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Ms Lonkhululeko Sibanda, commended GWP for the initiative which she said was essential for sustainable development.

In her message to the water sector in Swaziland and other countries, Senior Economist in Swaziland’s Ministry of Economic Planning and Development, Ms Thembie Zwane, stressed that, “The water sector must be assertive, forward-looking and aggressive in promoting the benefits of IWRM. A well co-ordinated and proactive sector strategy will go a long way in meeting national socio economic development objectives of countries.” “This is a wake up call for the water sector in the Southern African Region and beyond,” remarked GWP Southern Africa’s Regional Project Manager, Mr. Andrew Takawira.

Mr. Takawira mentioned that for a long time the water sector had been talking to itself and not actively engaging other key economic sectors such as Mining, Commerce, Agriculture, Energy, Finance and Economic Planning.“We need to actively move and engage key sectors,” Mr. Takawira said.

Representative of the Mozambican Water Department, Ms Anifa Ismail Soma, welcomed the sharing of experiences and highlighted Zambia’s process of integrating IWRM into its Fifth National Development Plan as worth emulating. “I now understand why as the water sector we can not be separate from other sectors, as water is a cross-cutting issue that is influenced by other sectors’ plans. Integration with the National Development Plan is critical as these are all interrelated.”

The Mozambican delegates emphasised that it was important for them to:

1. Review the PRSP II for IWRM-related actions and better understand how those actions would impact on water resources during their implementation

2. Assess impacts of PRSP II programmes on the water sector and identify areas for improvement

3. Involve the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development in the IWRM planning that is on-going

4. Get involved in the different working groups of other water-using and influencing sectors, to better understand their plans and potential impacts on water resources

5. Engage the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development to improve stakeholders’ understanding of the national development planning cycle.

In its action plan, the delegation from Swaziland committed to:

1. Support the establishment of a cross-sectoral water resources management committee to be anchored in the Ministry of Economic Planning and Development

2. Identify the water and IWRM-related actions in the National Development Strategy and PRSP and other water related sector plans, and develop coordinated programmes for implementation as part of the IWRM Plan

3. Incorporate water issues outlined in national development strategies into the IWRM plan and analyze the impacts and consequences on water resources

4. Participate in the working groups of other sectors to better understand the planned programmes that may impact on water resources

5. Develop and implement a collaboration strategy with other sectors

6. Implement awareness campaigns on the importance of water and an IWRM approach in development and implementation of other sector plans

In summing up, a representative of Swaziland’s water department, Ms Emelda Dlamini was optimistic about water taking a central role in the economy. “I am taking with me an important message to the water department. It is important for us to know and understand the contents of National Development Planning documents since they impact and influence budget allocation to the water sector. And as a water sector we need to advise Government on the constraints of water-related development programmes before huge financial resources are spent, only to find that there aren’t enough water resources to meet the demand.”

Engaging other sectors beyond the water sector was noted at the June 2008 African Union Summit in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt. During the Summit African Heads of States adopted a recommendation for a Pan African Conference between African Water Ministers and the Ministers of Finance.

On February 5, 2009, following up on the Sharm el Sheikh declaration, the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW),during the 3rd General Assembly of GWPWest Africa in Abidjan, agreed with GWP to work towards a joint meeting this year between African Ministers of Finance and their counterparts in ministries responsible for water.

The workshop was organised by GWP Southern Africa as part of GWP’s Partnership for Africa’s Water Development Programme II which is supported by the Dutch government.

Mozambique and Swaziland took steps toward developing action plans to address water issues in their national development plans and Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs), at workshop, in Swaziland February 9-10 February.

Speech by GWP Chair Letitia A Obeng

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 14:14:00 GMT

Speech, in French, at the West African General Assembly, Abidjan 26-28 January 2009

Assemblee Generale GWP WA, Ceremonie d'Overture, Abidjan 26-28 janvier 2009

Press release: AMCOW-GWP-Africa Consultative Meeting Abidjan

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:29:00 GMT

AMCOW-GWP-Africa Consultative Meeting Abidjan, 28 January 2009

The AMCOW president, Hon Bruno Itoua; Minister for Environment and Water, Daniel Aka Ahizi of Cote dIvoire; with GWP Chair, Letitia Obeng led over a hundred representatives of water institutions from government, civil society, research institutions and media from the west African region, and representatives of other GWP regions in Africa, in identifying opportunities offered by cooperation between AMCOW and GWP since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding in November 2007.

The purpose was to utilize the meeting of GWP West African partners to familiarize participants with the aspirations of both parties and operational requirements for effecting increased collaboration at the subsidiary levels where implementation takes place, and to find ways of positive feedback that will strengthen AMCOW’s policy oversight and support to Africa’s water needs.

The parties took stock of the cooperation between AMCOW subregions and GWP regional partnerships since 2003. They took note of the strategic importance of the MoU signed between AMCOW and GWP in 2007, and all parties confirmed their willingness and commitment to strengthen the cooperation and consolidate joint activities.

Parties to the partnership confirmed appreciation of the collaboration, which is appropriate to the demands from the regions. The cooperation was affirmed within the framework of the Africa Water Vision and in the pursuit of the AMCOW Programme of Action.

As a prerequisite to achieving the main goal of water security and the attendant economic and social benefits, it is necessary to develop physical infrastructure, enhance institutional capacities and human capital.

There was an agreement that synergies and collaboration will build on a closer cooperation with the Regional Economic Commissions at the sub-regions. AMCOW, GWP and the RECs will create the structures at subregional levels to consolidate the outputs from their collaboration in water issues. The message was confirmed by delegates of SADC and ECOWAS.

The need for a stronger relationship and better synergies are driven by the felt impacts of climate change and the variability that impact the water resources at continental level. This was also affirmed by the joint understanding that the people of Africa are amongst the most vulnerable from this impact.

Three main areas to focus the cooperation were agreed on:

1. Adaptation to climate change and mitigating the impact,

2. Ensuring funding for proper infrastructure that addresses the three Es for improved water security, and

3. Improving water governance.

The African Water Vision will be adapted to sub-regional context as appropriate, even where this may require engaging with national governments to enhance the shared basin development objectives.

There is an agreement to continue working under the current modalities where the AMCOW sub regions work closely with their respective GWP regional partnerships in addressing those three areas. Each region and sub region will work within the modality that best fits their regional perspectives, priorities, and capacities. The sub-regions were encouraged to exchange experiences and to replicate these where appropriate.

The parties agreed to prioritize realization of decisions made at Sharm el Sheikh, with the first set of actions to ensure Ministers of Finance meet their Water counterparts this year.

Global Water Partnership in Africa Reinforces Relationship with African Ministers’ Council on Water

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:23:00 GMT

February 5, 2009 – Leaders from the Global Water Partnership (GWP) and the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) met to address concrete water and climate change issues on the continent, and to build on the growing collaboration between the two organisations.

Press release: GWP lanza la nueva Estrategia Global

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:36:00 GMT

La Asociación Mundial para el Agua (GWP, por su sigla en inglés) anuncia su nueva estrategia global, la que se enfoca en el logro de cuatro objetivos principales durante el periodo 2009-2013.

“Reconociendo los nuevos retos, GWP ha desarrollado una nueva estrategia de intervención”, dijo el patrocinador principal de GWP, el Honorable Príncipe de Orange, Willem-Alexander. “Esta estrategia hace a la organización encajar para el futuro y garantiza la continuación del papel importante que GWP está jugando en el mejoramiento del planeamiento integrado y el manejo de los recursos hídricos del mundo. Es un honor para mí ser el patrocinador de tan influyente organización”.

En referencia a los nuevos retos globales, la Presidenta de GWP, Letitia A. Obeng, dijo, “la Estrategia ha sido desarrollada durante un periodo difícil. Esfuerzos de desarrollo son amenazados debido a la volatilidad económica y financiera sin precedentes, y al aumento en la incertidumbre que enfrenta el mundo. Sin embargo, estamos emocionados de que podamos construir sobre nuestro pasado, y posicionarnos para contribuir direccionando retos urgentes relacionados con el agua”. El papel educativo y de defensa que desde 1996 desempeña GWP hacia un enfoque integrado para el manejo y desarrollo de los recursos hídricos ha contribuido a cambios en políticas y legislación. La nueva estrategia intenta construir sobre esos éxitos empujando al agua más arriba en la agenda de desarrollo. “Hay pocos temas valiosos del desarrollo que pueden ser discutidos sin referirse a la seguridad hídrica”, dijo el Presidente del Comité Técnico de GWP, Roberto Lenton, “ya sea la pobreza, el hambre, la enfermedad o el ambiente. De hecho, la comunidad mundial tendrá una gran dificultad para alcanzar los Objetivos de Desarrollo del Milenio, si no colocan en el centro y al frente los temas de seguridad hídrica.”Martin Walshe, Secretario Ejecutivo Adjunto y actualmente actuando como Secretario Ejecutivo, enfatizó el proceso inclusivo que resultó en la estrategia. “La Estrategia es el resultado de un año completo de consultas, incluyendo dos reuniones de la red en el 2008. La estrategia verdaderamente representa los objetivos de la red de GWP,” dijo. “Los comentarios fueron recibidos de todo el mundo, incluyendo del personal y de la comunidad donante. Estamos agradecidos con cada persona que contribuyó.” Ania Grobicki, la recientemente designada Secretaria Ejecutiva de GWP anotó que “con comunidades, sociedades y naciones bajo presión de recesión, y de los efectos del aumento en la variabilidad climática, creo apasionadamente que la tarea clave de GWP es mantener el enfoque en la seguridad hídrica para todos.” La Sra. Grobicki asume su posición en Marzo 11.

La Estrategia 2009-2013

Press release: Global Water Partnership Launches New Global Strategy

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:44:00 GMT

The Global Water Partnership (GWP) announces its new global strategy, one that focuses on the achievement of four major goals during the period 2009-2013.

GWP in Africa To Further Cooperation with African Ministers

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:51:00 GMT

Ouagadougou, 19 January 2009 – The Global Water Partnership in West Africa (GWP/WA) is organizing its 3rd General Assembly of its Partners on 27 and 28 January 2009 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Funding allocated for development of Regional Water Policy

Sun, 01 Nov 2009 09:00:00 GMT

The Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and key donors such as the African Development Bank signed an agreement providing funds to translate the Regional Water Policy adopted by heads of state in October 2009 into action. The allocation of funding is a crucial step along the road to improving water management in the region.

Nueva Secretaria Ejecutiva de GWP

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 10:48:00 GMT

La Asociación Mundial para el Agua (GWP) anuncia el nombramiento de la Dr. Ania Grobicki como la Secretaria Ejecutiva de GWP, efectivo a partir del 11 de marzo del 2009.

Global Water Partnership Appoints New Executive Secretary

Sun, 25 Oct 2009 10:56:00 GMT

The Global Water Partnership (GWP) announced the appointment of Dr. Ania Grobicki as the GWP Executive Secretary, effective March 11, 2009

New Executive Secretary for the Global Water Partnership announced by GWP Chair

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 11:01:00 GMT

Dr. Ania Grobicki has been appointed as the Global Water Partnership’s Executive Secretary. Ania Grobicki is currently the Head of the Secretariat for the multi-stakeholder forum on strengthening research for health, development and equity worldwide which was established to prepare for the 2008 Global Ministerial Forum on Research for Health.

Interview with Dr Letitia A Obeng, GWP Chair

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 14:19:00 GMT

Dr. Letitia A. Obeng took over the reins as Chair of the Global Water Partnership (GWP) on 1st January 2008.

Given her strong background in water and development we asked her about GWP and its role in sustainable development.

Kosovo experts visit Bulgaria

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 11:21:00 GMT

GWP Bulgaria hosted a technical visit of 9 experts, including Kosovo Water Director, from Prishtina based Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning Water Department on September 29 - October 2.

With Partners, GWP-Med Builds Capacity on Transboundary Management

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:29:00 GMT

Fifty water professionals attended a Capacity Building Workshop on Integrated Water Resources Management on November 25-28, 2008 in Skhoder Lake, Albania. The focus was on the conditions in the transboundary Drin River Basin.

GWP on Water Documentary on Chinese Television

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:50:00 GMT

The Way Water Cries, the first documentary series about water issues in China, was broadcasted on CCTV-News Channel during prime time 14-21 October.

GWP Contributes to High-Level Forum in China

Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:54:00 GMT

GWP Chair Letitia A Obeng visited China 15- 19 October to participate in the High-Level International Forum on Water Resources and Hydropower in Beijing.

GWP at International Symposium on the Three Gorges Project

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:57:00 GMT

Acting Executive Secretary Martin Walshe, together with GWP Senior Adviser Khalid Mohtadullah and Du Zhenkun of GWP China, attended the International Symposium on the Three Gorges Project & Water Resources Development and Protection of the Yangtze River in Yichang City, 28-29 October.

GWP Moving Forward with Africa Partners

Sat, 17 Oct 2009 15:01:00 GMT

GWP Acting Executive Secretary Martin Walshe together with Network Officer Aly Kerdany and representatives of the GWP Southern Africa, Eastern Africa, Western Africa & Central Africa regions attended the Joint Meetings of the African Ministers’ Council On Water(AMCOW), African Development Bank (ADB), and UN Water in Addis Ababa 7-9 October 2008.

GWP present at UK launch of new policy

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 15:06:00 GMT

GWP Chairperson Letitia A. Obeng, GWP Senior Advisor Alan Hall, and GWP-Technical Committee member Patricia Wouters attended the Department for International Development's (DFID) launch of a New Water and Sanitation Policy for Africa and Asia on October 28 in London.

Regional Review Central Asia and Caucasus

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 14:33:00 GMT

This regional review of water supply and sanitation has been developed within the framework of activities of the Global Water Partnership of the Central Asian Region (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan) and the Southern Caucasus (Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia) in accordance with the Goal 1 of the Regional Strategy for the period of 2009-2013: Promote water as a key part of sustainable national development.

Global Water Partnership and European Water Partnership Sign Memorandum of Understanding

Sat, 29 Aug 2009 17:46:00 GMT

Consulting Partners meeting 2009 -videos and presentation

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:01:00 GMT

The GWP annual meeting in Stockholm over the 15-16 August 2009 was a great success. The theme, "Implementing the GWP Strategy 2009-2013" generated much debate, videos of the talks and presentations are available at the Global Water Partnership SlideShare website

Ministers focus on financing water in national development

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 09:30:00 GMT

In June, GWP Central Africa gathered senior officials from water, finance and economic ministries in nine out of ten countries in the region to discuss sustainable funding in the water sector for the first time ever.

ToolBox Workshop

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 11:15:00 GMT

GWP Inter-Regional Workshop will be held on 25-27 May 2009 in Kiev, Ukraine.

Earth Hour 28 March 2009

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 12:08:00 GMT

GWP encourages support to the fight against Global Warming through this WWF initiative.

Water Talk, Vol 2, 2008

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 11:12:00 GMT

A new issue of Water Talk - the newsletter of CEE water stakeholders - is now available.

CEE Presents at Water Dialogue

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:09:00 GMT

GWP CEE Regional Coordinator had a key note presentation on Water Crisis Dialogue on 20 November in Seville.

Building collaboration in transboundary hotspots

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:18:00 GMT

A significant step toward collaboration among riparian countries took place when GWP-Med helped organise a consultation meeting and workshop on IWRM in the extended Drin River Basin, held in November 2008 in Skhoder Lake, Albania. It performed this task in its role as Technical Facilitator of the Petersberg Phase II/ Athens Declaration Process for transboundary water resources management in Southeastern Europe, which includes the extended Drin River Basin and the Nestos River Basin. Fifty decision makers and experts attended the workshop, which included a special session promoting the GWP ToolBox as a knowledgesharing and capacity-building tool for IWRM. There was unanimous and formal approval by the riparian countries to launch systematic cooperation and action for joint management of the river basin. As a first step, a finalised work plan will undergo a full consultation process within the framework of the Petersberg process. Similar consultative activities were implemented in the Nestos/Mesta River Basin, with the active collaboration of GWP-Med and GWPBulgaria and with the support of the Swiss government. After three years of intensive consultative activities and capacity-building workshops, there is now an active community practising transboundary water resources management in Southeastern Europe. This community includes more than 150 decision makers and experts from 15 countries and has a wider audience of more than 300 other players. A knowledge base has been created and is available on a website facilitated by GWP-Med.

GWP boosts IWRM dialogue in Portuguese

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:19:00 GMT

The lack of information in Portuguese is a major constraint to promoting an integrated approach to water management. An important South– South initiative addressing this problem is the Lusophone Water Partnership (LWP), designed to promote IWRM among the almost 230 million people who are part of the Lusophone (Portuguese-speaking) community. The LWP, launched in 2006 by GWP in cooperation with Cap-Net Brazil, advanced in 2008 with training and knowledge-sharing events. These included technical meetings at ANA (Brazil’s National Water Agency) and with the Okavango River Basin Permanent Commission (Angola), which brought together representatives from Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau and Mozambique. Involvement of academic institutions such as the University of Cape Verde’s Higher Institute of Education reflects an in-creased recognition of the LWP as a platform supporting sound management of water resources in Portuguese-speaking countries. ANA, a member of GWP Brazil, has been instrumental in developing strong technical links with some African Portuguese-speaking countries. Since 2001, Brazil’s Ministry of Science and Technology has had a fund (CTHidro) to develop IWRM actions, and has opened a special financial line (Pro-Africa), for projects involving universities and research centres in Lusophone African countries. GWP Brazil and Cap-Net Brazil helped to set up this fund. Examples of this initiative are the technical cooperation between Brazil and Mozambique to develop information systems and decision support models for regional development, and a workshop in Cape Verde to be held in November 2009, supported by GWP, Cap-Net and CTHidro, and involving the Luso-Brazilian Network of Environmental Studies. GWP believes South–South cooperation is critical to an integrated approach that takes into account historical, social, environmental and cultural contexts. Moreover, such initiatives can complement and strengthen the inter-regional work of African RWPs in which Portuguese is spoken.

Lima Declaration for IWRM

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:18:00 GMT

With representatives from 22 Ibero-American countries present, the Declaration of Lima was adopted at the Seminar on national IWRM plans in the Ibero-American context held on 3rd and 4th March 2008. This Declaration urged nations to support and engage in IWRM planning and implementation, including through the establishment of a legal and institutional framework, and to strengthen capacity for financing water initiatives. The Lima Seminar, which had its roots in GWP proposals put forward in 2006, was hosted by the National Institute of Natural Resources of the Ministry of Agriculture of Peru (INRENA), with support from GWP, the Brazilian National Water Agency (ANA), the Community of Andean Nations (CAN), and the Spanish Ministry of Environment, which chairs the Ibero-American Conference of Directors of Water (CODIA). The event included GWP representatives from Central and South American countries. As a response to the commitments expressed in the Declaration, GWP and its partner, the EUWI Finance Working Group, intend to hold two water financing workshops in Central and South America. The Lima Seminar also helped to increase political will in El Salvador to develop a national IWRM plan. As well as having a regional impact, the Lima Declaration has also been important for IWRM in Peru. The Peruvian government created the National Water Authority on 13th March 2008 (just two weeks after the Lima Declaration was issued) as well as the National System of Water Resources in June 2008. These developments also followed on from a conference for legislators organised by GWP Peru with support from the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in June 2007.

Central american IWRM strategy reactivated

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:16:00 GMT

GWP Central America and other organisations have contributed to reactivating Central America’s IWRM Strategy (ECAGIRH), which had been lying fallow since 2006 due to lack of finances.

Research leads to increase in water and sanitation budget

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:15:00 GMT

Three El Salvadoran water networks, GWP El Salvador, the Network of Water and Sanitation of El Salvador (RASES) and Foro del Agua, worked together to produce a research study showing that spending on water and sanitation in the country had been steadily decreasing.

Guatemala puts water on national development agenda

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:14:00 GMT

GWP Guatemala was invited to participate in the Water Cabinet created by the President of Guatemala in August 2008. The Cabinet represents a national effort to promote IWRM at the highest levels and is coordinated by the country’s vice-president and made up of ten ministers.

Jamaicans address environmental degradation

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:13:00 GMT

Jamaicans in Somerset are building check dams to reduce soil erosion with funding from the European Union and the UK-based development agency Christian Aid.

Finding a gender balance in Haiti

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:12:00 GMT

When GWP-C and the NGO group Haiti Survie hosted the first IWRM workshop in September 2007, they were surprised to discover no women among its 30 participants.

A national water policy for Grenada

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:10:00 GMT

The GWP Caribbean (GWP-C) publication the Grenada Review of Legislation with respect to the Water Sector helped set in motion a process that led, in 2008, to Grenada becoming one of four Caribbean countries with a water policy.

First urban water partnership in Pakistan

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:54:00 GMT

2008 saw the consolidation of a new kind of GWP partnership: the Karachi Water Partnership (KWP). This urban water partnership was launched in April 2007 with support from GWP Pakistan. In December 2008, KWP completed its first phase in building the capacity of institutions to improve water management in urban areas. KWP signed seven memorandums of understandings with city-based institutions, including the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board. It also set up a Town Area Water Partnership in one of the 18 Towns of Karachi. This partnership served as a model, reaching over one million people with water-saving guidelines for homes, schools, factories and offices. It also began a school water rehabilitation programme, and set up ‘women and water’ networks.

Of the 300-plus partners in the KWP, each one signed a pledge to conserve and better manage water and sewerage at home and places of work/study, and in public spaces.

During 2008, three conferences (including a partners’ conference with 250 people) and six workshops and dialogues were held, as well as 35 stakeholder group meetings to institutionalise the programme. The partnership raised USD 70,000 in cash and in kind, of which only 17 per cent came from institutional sources (e.g. Cap-Net). The rest came from individual and corporate entities in Karachi, and city and town governments. GWP provided support to one Town of Karachi for its set of dialogues at the start of 2009.

Roundtable on Himalayan rivers

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:52:00 GMT

On 30th April 2008, a high-level gathering met in New Delhi to discuss the rivers of the Greater Himalayas. The objective was to increase understanding among stakeholders and decision makers about how the Himalayan rivers affect livelihoods in the Ganges–Brahmaputra basin. The common rivers flow into China, India, Bangladesh, Nepal Bhutan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Sharing this common source has the potential to heighten regional conflict. Participants agreed that all countries must manage transboundary rivers together to make the region water secure. The meeting also reviewed the potential consequences of climatic variability. The meeting was convened by the Chair of GWP-SAS, and was the first time that GWP-SAS formally played such a prominent role in this sensitive area.

GWP India restructures for greater effectiveness

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:51:00 GMT

In 2008, GWP India stakeholders agreed to establish Zonal Water Partnerships (ZWPs) so that IWRM could be made effective at the state as well as at the local and community level. This move was taken in light of India’s huge and diverse population, and multiple state identities, conditions and priorities that meant the country should be treated in similar conceptual terms to a region. The country established six ZWPs with strong governance structures that enable stakeholders to address particular issues. The zones are not based on rigid administrative boundaries, but configured according to hydrological units, so there is scope to address local contexts and issues that have inter-zonal implications. Membership in the zones covers about 150 cross-sectoral institutions. Some ZWPs include members of the GWP India board, allowing zones to highlight priority issues at the national level. As a first activity, the ZWPs helped generate information relating to inter-state water sharing and best practices in conflict resolution.

Flooding creates urgency for transboundary cooperation

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:44:00 GMT

The Kosi River, a Ganges tributary, regularly breaks its banks. However, the floods of 2008 brought unprecedented devastation to more than three million people, causing immense suffering in Nepal and India. Apart from environmental causes and human negligence, the flooding was exacerbated by a lack of coordination between India and Nepal. In response, GWPIndia, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation’s Disaster Management Centre (SDMC) and GWP South Asia (GWP-SAS) organised a multi-stakeholder forum in November 2008 to promote greater cooperation in flood mitigation. Participants included experts from each country in the region as well as representatives from the SDMC, the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), local NGOs, government officials, and researchers. The meeting created a sense of urgency and a willingness to continue the dialogue initiated by ICIMOD and the World Meteorological Organization in promoting regional cooperation for flood risk reduction. GWP-SAS completed a study on Regional Cooperation for Flood Disaster Management in the Ganges and Brahmaputra River Basins, the synthesis of which was shared at a regional meeting in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in January 2009. The study identifies the need for a basin-wide flood management strategy. It also emphasises the need to establish a flood information-sharing network between riparian countries and an appropriate institutional mechanism to improve forecasting reliability, and recommends capacity building of key institutions involved in early warning systems.

Knowledge sharing through local ToolBox

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:42:00 GMT

Partners and stakeholders in Southeast Asia now have a user-friendly, online IWRM database of case studies and reference materials. The idea for developing a GWP Southeast Asia (GWP-SEA) ToolBox was hatched in August 2005. Staff at GWP SEA thought that a ‘country gateway’ approach to the GWP ToolBox might help a user find country-specific information, covering river basins in his or her country, for example, or articles on water-related problems that the country was facing. A prototype GWP-SEA website was developed in 2006. The GWP-SEA ToolBox website was reconfigured in 2007 to host the online database of cases from other SEA countries. In 2008, country ToolBoxes for seven countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam) were set up. These

are now being populated with country-specific information, including water-related laws and descriptions of the institutions in each country that are involved in IWRM.

New Indonesian council for water resources

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:41:00 GMT

IWRM reform got a boost from the government of Indonesia in 2008, with a newly established multi-stakeholder National Water Resources Council, which replaces the National Water Resources Management Coordination Team (NWRMCT). The government also stipulated revisions of two regulations that deal with reform in surface and groundwater management, to encourage more public participation and to clarify institutional responsibilities at all levels. GWP Indonesia’s role in this process goes back to 2004–2006 when it organised several rounds of dialogue on various types of river basins, in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works and NWRMCT. The comprehensive framework document for advancing IWRM implementation, prepared by GWP Indonesia, was adopted by the government in 2006. The Minister of Public Works is following up on the new revisions at central, regional and river basin levels. Also, in August 2008, GWP Indonesia held a training workshop for 60 journalists. This fostered understanding in the media about the relationship between water resources management and environmental sustainability.

Mekong river in Cambodia to benefit from reform

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:39:00 GMT

In 2008, GWP’s Basin Functional Water Partnership (BFWP) secured the agreement of the Royal Government of Cambodia, through the Cambodia National Mekong Committee and the Provincial Governor of Kratie, to lay a foundation for IWRM reform in the four sub-basins of the Mekong River in Cambodia. The BFWP is jointly funded by GWP and the Asian Development Bank. The agreement was achieved by setting up, in 2007, a Basin Coordinating Committee for Development (BCCD) covering two of the shared basin provinces of Kratie and Mondulkiri. GWP Cambodia played an important role in the establishment of the BCCD by organising a series of multi-stakeholder dialogues on an integrated approach to water resources in 2007. It first organised a National Workshop on IWRM Awareness and Planning in Kampong Cham province, co-sponsored by GWP and Cap-Net/AguaJaring. This workshop exchanged knowledge, experiences and best practices on water resources development and management, and the application of IWRM in Cambodia, especially in the pilot project areas of Kratie and Mondulkiri. This was followed by basin level workshops and activities targeting a range of stakeholders. The BCCD is an important institutional development for promoting an integrated approach in the sub-basins of the Mekong River. It coordinates the development, management and protection of the basins, providing guidance to the provincial development committees, and overseeing the implementation of the Law on Water Resources Management in Cambodia. Even though Cambodia introduced IWRM through this water law in 2007, there was no application of best practice at the basin level. Some agencies resisted this initiative at first, but after training on the subject, became strong supporters. BCCD is expected to play significant role in Cambodia’s roadmap for IWRM implementation.

Partnership for the Yangtze river

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:35:00 GMT

In April 2008, GWP China Hunan was established following discussions on the environmental problems of pollution and shore erosion at Dong Ting Lake.

IWRM implementation in Fujian Province

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:33:00 GMT

The Fujian Provincial Water Resources Department has found that establishing Water Users Associations (WUAs) is one of the best approaches to improving the integrated management of small-scale water projects in rural areas.

Restoring the Yellow river

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:32:00 GMT

The rich biodiversity of the Yellow River estuary wetland needs protection against erosion, salinisation and desertification.

High-level roundtable takes on water and sanitation

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:31:00 GMT

In the context of the 2008 International Year of Sanitation, GWP China organised its 7th High- Level Roundtable Meeting.

Young professionals prepare to address water challenges

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:30:00 GMT

GWP CACENA has enlisted the support of the Helsinki University of Technology and the Water and Development Group to implement IWRM principles on the ground.

Water utilities seek assistance

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:29:00 GMT

At a regional meeting of the Uzbekistan Central Asia and South Caucasus Water Utilities Network (CASCWUN), held in Tashkent in March 2008, representatives of 14 water utilities from seven CACENA countries signed an agreement on the network’s statutes and a programme of joint activities for 2008–2009.

Two new country water partnerships

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:28:00 GMT

Since 2004 the Finnish government has provided support to GWP Central Asia and Caucasus (GWP CACENA). One result has been the establishment of five Country Water Partnerships, including Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in 2008.

Danube day gives IWRM higher profile

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:25:00 GMT

In June 2008, the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) for the first time entrusted GWP-CEE with the organisation of Danube Day at the World Water Expo in Zaragoza, Spain.

IWRM goes local in Slovakia

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:22:00 GMT

In May 2008, the Slovak Association of Villages and Towns (ZMOS) embedded the integrated approach and sustainable sanitation into its Strategy on IWRM in Municipalities and their River Basins.

Toward a comprehensive water strategy for the Mediterranean

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:20:00 GMT

GWP-Med helped prepare for the Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Conference on Water, held in December 2008 at the Dead Sea, Jordan. Within the MED EUWI framework, GWP-Med organised the preparatory Water Directors Conference in July 2008 in Athens. Participants at this conference discussed papers on four themes: water governance, climate change, water financing, and water demand management. The first two of these papers were drafted by GWP-Med. The Water Directors recommended that a comprehensive water strategy for the Mediterranean should be developed.

Also in preparation for the Ministerial Conference, GWP-Med together with other partners organised the Civil Society Conference in December. The conference offered stakeholders the opportunity to share experiences on issues such as public participation, technical matters and private sector engagement. A declaration from the ministerial conference provided important recommendations for IWRM and water supply and sanitation, stated an agreement to elaborate a new water strategy in the Mediterranean within the framework of the Union for the Mediterranean, and encouraged enhanced collaboration among water organisations and initiatives.

Contributing to IWRM and WSS plans in Lebanon and Egypt

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:16:00 GMT

During 2008, GWP Mediterranean (GWP-Med) helped Egypt and Lebanon with their water supply and sanitation (WSS) and IWRM planning respectively. The assistance was provided within the framework of the Mediterranean Component of the EU Water Initiative (MED EUWI), through country dialogues on water, and with support of the MEDA Water Programme of the European Commission and Greece that leads MED EUWI.

Saving the Okpara dam

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:15:00 GMT

GWP Benin has been working with all important water sector organisations and national authorities to deal with threats to the water supply of the country’s third largest town. The dam of Okpara that supplies the city with potable water is degrading seriously due to human activities that are polluting the water and silting it up. It is feared that, if nothing is done, the dam’s spillway may break, depriving 200,000 people of their only source of safe drinking water. The dialogue initiated by Benin’s CWP in partnership with the General Directorate of Water and the National Company of Waters of Benin has initiated immediate, mid- and longterm proposals to deal with the problem. Donors who were invited to three days of dialogue committed their support for GWP Benin and the Benin government in implementing the proposals.

IRWM plans underway in seven nations

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:14:00 GMT

The programme “Improving water management and governance in African countries through supporting the development and implementation of IWRM Plans”—co-funded by the EU and UNEP—is assisting seven countries to design their IWRM roadmaps and plans. In 2007, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia and Togo developed roadmaps, which collate available information and guide stakeholders on how to formulate national plans. In 2008, the programme helped these countries to implement their roadmaps, while assisting four other countries to develop roadmaps (Guinea, Sierra Leone, Bissau Guinea and The Gambia). This work is a joint effort among the UNEP, DHI Water and Environment, the Economic Community of West African States and GWP-WA. The Country Water Partnerships (CWPs) are key actors where they exist and actions are being taken to help countries without CWPs to set them up.

Mali and Senegal finalise IWRM plans

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:12:00 GMT

In 2008, the governments of Mali and Senegal moved closer towards more sustainable management of water resources by finalising their national IWRM plans. This also means a step towards meeting the UN Millennium Development Goal target on access to clean drinking water.

Malawi and Zambia finalise IWRM plans

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:11:00 GMT

In 2008, following a three-year facilitation process led by GWP-SA, Malawi and Zambia completed their IWRM plans in alliance with GWP’s Partnership for Africa’s Water Development (PAWD) and with financial support from the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Prospects for implementation in both countries are good because the plans were developed with broad stakeholder participation, creating a strong sense of national ownership. Both Zambia and Malawi have developed concept notes for a range of implementation projects. The Zambia plan is aligned with the country’s long-term National Vision and its Fifth National Development Plan. The four focal areas are water resources management; water infrastructure development; water utilisation; and capacity building, monitoring and evaluation. The Malawi plan focuses on five areas: the enabling environment for IWRM; integrated catchment management; water utilisation; institutional capacity building; and IWRM implementation and institutional coordination.

Research to inform policy in the Zambezi Basin

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:09:00 GMT

GWP-SA has been asked to spearhead an initiative to ensure that researchers get more involved in the implementation of the Zambezi IWRM strategy. Already, GWP-SA has played an important role in developing this strategy through stakeholder consultations. At the 2008 annual symposium for WaterNet (Water and Sustainable Development for Improved Livelihoods), the Water Research Fund for Southern Africa and GWPSA brought together researchers and policy makers from the eight riparian states located in the Zambezi basin. They discussed how research should play a pivotal role in implementing the Zambezi strategy. Participants acknowledged that policy makers should base their decisions on the knowledge provided by research and that a formal strategy should be developed to enhance collaboration between the two groups.

Dialogue on Climate Change

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:08:00 GMT

In May 2008, GWP Southern Africa (GWPSA) organised one of the region’s major annual events: the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) multi-stakeholder dialogue on water. The theme, Rising above the climate change threat towards security, targeted the energy, health, environment and agriculture sectors. Discussions focused on likely hydrological changes and how these will affect different sectors, especially those concerned with food, energy and water. The debates were broadcast on five international TV channels throughout Africa, increasing the reach and influence of the meeting. GWP-SA orgasnised the gathering in response to the finding by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change that Southern Africa is acutely vulnerable to climate change effects.

Following the dialogue, GWP-SA facilitated participation by the Minister of Natural Resources from Lesotho in a World Water Council panel discussion at World Water Week in Stockholm. The Minister presented the outcomes and recommendations put forward by Southern African stakeholders. GWP-SA also works closely with SADC to increase understanding among policy makers and to present a regional voice at global climate change meetings.

Climate change, water resources management and the media

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:07:00 GMT

Journalists’ capacity to report on climate change and water resource issues is being enhanced through a collaborative program involving GWP-EA, the Global Environment Facility, the International Waters Program, the African Network for Environmental Journalists, the African Civil Society Network on Water and Sanitation (ANEW) and others. Improved reporting can only be assessed over a long period of time, but there is evidence that coverage has already increased. As a result of two media field trips, 35 stories appeared in print and in electronic media. The ‘advertising value equivalent’ stemming from these stories is estimated at USD 10,000.

Ethiopia, Kenya and Burundi progress on integrated approach

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:05:00 GMT

GWP Ethiopia launched pilot projects in the Berki and Messena watersheds to promote IWRM, establish a framework for broader stakeholder participation, and enhance grassrootslevel water management practices.

Surveys show mixed progress

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:02:00 GMT

GWP Eastern Africa (GWP-EA), in collaboration with AMCOW and with funding from the AfDB, ran a survey of 12 countries to assess the state of IWRM planning and implementation.

Cooperation with the African ministers' council on water

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:01:00 GMT

New impetus has been given to GWP’s relationship with the African Ministers’ Council on Water (AMCOW) in light of the African Union summit held in Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt), in June 2008.

CICOS pursues integrated approach

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:00:00 GMT

GWP-CAf facilitated meetings with the Secretariat of the International Commission for the Congo–Oubangui–Sangha Basin (CICOS).

ECCAS on the way to adopting regional water policy

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:59:00 GMT

The GWP Central Africa Technical Advisory Committee had earlier worked with the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and other development partners to draw up a Regional Water Policy for Central Africa. The team also produced a document proposing the creation of an IWRM unit within ECCAS. GWP-CAf is working with ECCAS to get this policy adopted by heads of states and is also helping ECCAS to embrace an integrated approach to water.

New regional and country water partnerships

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 15:57:00 GMT

In line with GWP’s strategy to create and strengthen Regional Water Partnerships (RWPs), a multi-year process came to fruition on 29th November 2008, when a new RWP was set up: GWP Central Africa (GWP-CAf). It is based in Yaounde, Cameroon, and has over 100 partners.

Green Cross Conference

Mon, 10 Nov 2008 11:07:00 GMT

GWP CEE Present at 4th International Dialogue on World Water Crisis

Press release: Symposium

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:16:00 GMT

October 22, 2008

State of the Art IWRM Knowledge Slated For Water Symposium in South Africa

The role of research in water resources development and management comes under the spotlight when water professionals, practitioners and policy-makers from Southern Africa and the wider International Community present state-of-the-art knowledge in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in their meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa from 29 to 31 October at Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre.

The 9th WaterNet/WARFSA/GWP SA Symposium is seen as the premier IWRM event on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) calendar and it is aimed at ensuring water research results are not just put on the shelves but are shared for the benefit of developing the water resources of the region and beyond. The Honourable Minister of Water Affairs & Forestry Ms Lindiwe Hendricks will deliver an address at the official opening that will be chaired by the Vice-Chancellor & Principal of the University of the Witwatersrand, Prof. Loyiso Nongxa.

Organized through the collaboration between WaterNet, the Water Research Fund for Southern Africa (WARFSA), the Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWP SA) in association with the International Commission on Water Resources Systems (ICWRS) and the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) in Johannesburg, South Africa, the Symposium will be hosted by the University of Witwatersrand.

With the main theme as “Water and Sustainable Development for Improved Livelihoods” the Symposium, is aimed at promoting interaction among policymakers, academics, water practitioners and key cooperating partners in identifying regional issues, gaps and priorities that require further research and support.

The importance of disseminating and sharing research results will be the main focus as it is recognized that without having mechanisms for sharing such results, they remain on shelves gathering dust despite the potential they have in enhancing the peoples’ livelihoods through sustainable development of the water resources of the region.

The Symposium is expected to take a broader look at how sharing and dissemination of research results in IWRM within the context of sustainable development for the achievement of enhanced livelihoods could be facilitated.

Building Capacity for Water Resources Management in Southern Africa “Raising awareness of IWRM within WaterNet has primarily been pursued through the annual WaterNet/WARFSA/GWP-SA Symposium. The symposium has grown since the year 2000 from a gathering of a small number of IWRM converts to the premier IWRM event on the SADC calendar,” said Dr Themba Gumbo, WaterNet Manager.

Researchers and policymakers are expected to dialogue around how research can inform policy formulation in the water sector to ensure the region remains on course in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The sub-themes to be interrogated during the Symposium include hydrology, water and environment, water and land, water and society, water for people. Great emphasis is placed on integration of knowledge, particularly involving scholars from the natural, medical and social sciences.

“In addition to being the premier scientific gathering for IWRM in the SADC Region, the Symposium has expanded to include workshop sessions with water sector specialists during which scientific papers are dissected and analysed in order to tease out the implementation implications of the research that is conducted in the region. Some of these have been developed into policy briefings by working closely with GWP-SA in raising awareness,” Dr Gumbo said.

This 9th symposium succeeds eight other regional symposia which have been organised on a rotational basis among SADC member states. The series of Symposia have helped to forge a regional family of water professionals concerned with the wise use of water.

During the last eight years, more than 1500 scientific papers have been presented, of which about half have been reviewed and published in Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, an Elsevier international peer reviewed science journal.

For further information, please contact:

Mr Andrew Takawira of GWP SA on a.takawira@cgiar.org or Nicholas Tandi ntandi@waternetonline.org of Waternet

Press release: CEE 10 year celebration

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:28:00 GMT

BUDAPEST, 6 October - Global Water Partnership Central and Eastern Europe (GWP CEE) celebrates its 10th anniversary today, presenting results of major achievements over the past decade.

GWP CEE Welcomes Progress in Danube’s Water Quality

Sun, 19 Oct 2008 09:40:00 GMT

The International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) issued a news release in September to announce the scientific results of the Joint Danube Survey 2 (JDS2) –“possibly the world’s biggest river research expedition ever.” The survey indicates that “the Danube and its tributaries are becoming cleaner,” said the release.

GWP CP meeting 2008 Report

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 09:47:00 GMT

Report from the GWP Consulting Partners meeting 15-17 August 2008 in Stockholm.

Evaluation from GWP Consulting Partners meeting 2008

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 09:50:00 GMT

Summary of evaluation from the GWP Consulting Partners meeting 15-17 August 2008 in Stockholm.

What Are We Doing in Istanbul?

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:12:00 GMT

With that question, GWP Patron HRH Prince Willem-Alexander challenged GWP to propose activities that will give him and GWP an active role in the 5th World Water Forum in Istanbul in March 2009. During a two-day visit to Stockholm World Water Week, sandwiched between the Beijing Olympics, the Prince met with GWP representatives on August 19.

Photos from the CP meeting

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:07:00 GMT

Photos from the CP meeting!

GWP Chair Opening speech World Water Week

Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:14:00 GMT

GWP Chair opening speech at World Water Week.

GWP World Water Week Participation

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 10:19:00 GMT

In an opening day address at World Water Week in Stockholm, GWP Chair Letitia A Obeng urged decision makers to recognize that using an integrated approach to water management can help solve a wide range of water issues related to current environmental, social and economic challenges.

CP meeting 15-17 August 2008

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:30:00 GMT

The annual GWP Consulting Partners meeting in Stockholm 15-17 August brought together 165 delegates from 75 countries. This year’s focus was the 2009-2013 Strategic Plan.

Alan Hall Appointed Senior Advisor to GWP

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 10:34:00 GMT

After four years at the GWP secretariat in Stockholm, Alan Hall is leaving his position as Coordinator of Global Initiatives, but will continue as a Senior Advisor working from the U.K.

Key GWP Participation at World Water Week 2008

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:37:00 GMT

Flyer

CEE addresses Danube issues

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:03:00 GMT

The GWP has mobilized its partners to promote a more integrated approach on how to deal with Danube's water resources.

GWP Patron speaks at Africa Water Week in Tunis

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 11:03:00 GMT

Speech by the GWP Patron the Prince of Orange.

GWP CEE Celebrates 10 Years

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 10:59:00 GMT

GWP CEE celebrates its 10th anniversary on 6 October in Budapest, presenting results of major achievements over the past decade

PAWD Canadian Initiative

Sat, 27 Sep 2008 11:21:00 GMT

Partnership for African Waters Development, PAWD Introduction

The 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) confirmed the importance of water and its critical relationship to all other development issues and reinforced the importance of achieving the MDGs. As regards water resource management, there was in particular one important target agreed at the Conference: National Integrated Water Resources Management and Water Efficiency plans to be prepared or well underway by 2005.

Is within this context that the Canadian Government announced the so called “Partnership for African Water Development” (PAWD) to be implemented in collaboration with the Global Water Partnership.

The PAWD program comprises three components:

1. Support to the WSSD Target for National Integrated Water Resources Management Plans

2. Support to institutional development of existing, new and emerging Partnerships

3. Support to integration of water into poverty reduction activities

The three components are very closely linked. The activities in component 2, partnership-support, are the basis for the components 1 and 3. The planning for IWRM includes the poverty-and-water issues that should also be found back in the PRSPs. The basic strategy cutting across these components has been to emphasize the development and involvement of multi-stakeholder groups at all levels with special emphasis on women and support and facilitate processes in which these groups become fully integrated into and active in improving the management of their water resources.

Target regions: Central, Eastern, Western, Southern Africa

Target countries: Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Senegal and Zambia

Duration of the program: 2003- 2008

Funded by: Canadian International Development Agency, CIDA

Total budget: 10 million CAD (approx. 8.25 million USD)

All the documentation related to the PAWD.

Running Water No 16

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 15:14:00 GMT

Running Water No 16 contains articles on EU funding to strengthen GWP/WA actions and 1st African Water Week in Tunis.

GWP CEE & Water Week

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 10:56:00 GMT

Europe's Sanitation Problem: 20 million Europeans need access to safe and affordable sanitation

Danube Day at Water Expo

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 10:54:00 GMT

Danube Day went global with celebrations at the 2008 World Water Expo

Water Talk, Vol 1, 2008

Tue, 13 May 2008 10:51:00 GMT

A new issue of Water Talk - the newsletter of CEE water stakeholders - is now available.

ENERGY GLOBE World Award

Mon, 31 Mar 2008 10:48:00 GMT

GWP Slovenija host institute Limnos has been awarded as the national winner for Slovenia

Water Talk, Vol 2, 2007

Thu, 10 Jan 2008 10:43:00 GMT

A new issue of Water Talk - the newsletter of CEE water stakeholders - is now available.

Moldova joined GWP CEE

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:41:00 GMT

Regional Center for Strategic Environmental Studies to host GWP Moldova

Focus on flash floods in CEE

Wed, 14 Nov 2007 10:38:00 GMT

Community preparedness and public participation for flash flood management in Europe

Pan Africa GWP Meeting Report

Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:43:00 GMT

Pan Africa GWP Meeting Report

Press release: New Policy Brief on Intelligent Water Strategies for adapting to Climate Change

Mon, 29 Oct 2007 11:45:00 GMT

Stockholm, Sunday August 12, 2007: 09.00 Folkets Hus, Room 307

Contact: Mike Muller, c/o GWP Secretariat: Tel: 070-5945263

A Policy Brief, Climate Change Adaptation and Integrated Water Resources Management, released today by the Global Water Partnership (GWP) suggests that the best approach to manage the impact of climate change on water is one guided by the philosophy and methodology of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). And it suggests that water will have to be placed at the centre of adaptation efforts.

Report on Consulting Partners meeting August 2006

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 12:07:00 GMT

The report in Spanish, English, Chinese, Russian and French

The latest CEE book published

Mon, 20 Aug 2007 10:35:00 GMT

Sustainable Sanitation in Central and Eastern Europe: Addressing the Needs of Small and Medium-Size Settlements

Water Talk, Vol 1, 2007

Mon, 09 Jul 2007 10:24:00 GMT

A new issue of Water Talk - the newsletter of CEE water stakeholders - is now available.

Danube Day 2007

Mon, 25 Jun 2007 10:29:00 GMT

International Danube Day celebrates cultures and cooperation June 29, 2007. The rich and varied history and traditions of the countries sharing the Danube River Basin will be at the heart of festivities marking the fourth annual International Danube Day (June 29).