GWP

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Klimatförändring är vattenförändring

Vatten – själva blodet i planetens biologiska system - är basen för allt liv. Klimatförändringarna kommer vi därför att uppleva i första hand i form av förändrad tillgång på vatten: Torka, översvämningar, smältande glaciärer och höjda havsnivåer. Hur kan detta faktum ha kommit undan i en klimatagenda som verkar nästan vattenblind? Har man inte förstått den avgörande skillnaden mellan två perspektiv: att motarbeta klimatförändring, vilket är en fråga om växthusgaser och att anpassa sig efter den, vilket handlar om vatten.

“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.

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. The Plan is now being turned into project proposals to be submitted to donors and the Government for funding.

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.

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 and Water Integrity Network Partnership Roots Out 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.

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 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

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.

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.

Sri Lanka fights corruption

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:45:00 GMT

In 2008, GWP Sri Lanka began work with the Water Integrity Network (WIN) to fight illicit and unregulated river sand mining that adversely affects riverine communities. The organisations produced an integrated package of awarenessraising activities, including brochures, posters, and a documentary, and engaged in regular dialogue with relevant agencies. “Agency representatives were invited to attend all our programmes and were getting blasted for their inaction by members of the community,” noted Kusum Athukorala, Deputy Chair of GWP Sri Lanka. Police attendance was more than 150% of the

GWP target in all community dialogues. As GWP in Action 2008 was being edited, the Daily Mirror in Sri Lanka reported the arrest of seven illegal sand miners by Bingiriya police on 12th February 2009. In a separate article on thesame day, the paper reported that the Sri Lankan government intends to introduce more stringent laws against illegal sand mining. Police from Bingiriya had participated in the GWP–WIN programmes. According to the Daily Mirror article, “The Government considers sand mining a vital requirement for the construction industry and infrastructure development but sand mining must not affect the environment.” Illegal sand mining contributes to river-bank collapse and lowers water tables, causing havoc to ecosystems, water needs and the livelihoods of fishermen. The resulting erosion also undermines bridges and irrigation infrastructure, leading to the loss of productive land.

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.

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.

The IWRM plans have been developed through a four-year process involving major water stakeholder groups in each country. Technical support is provided by GWP West Africa (GWP-WA) through PAWD, and with funding from CIDA. The two Country Water Partnerships played an important part in ensuring that civil society and private sector actors were involved in the planning process. Senegal has already secured funding for the implementation of its IWRM plan. As GWP in Action was being edited, Mali convened a roundtable of donors in February 2009 to discuss its implementation phase and obtain financial support for it.

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 orga?nised 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. The federal government is now taking steps to manage water resources across hydrological boundaries and is creating River Basin Organisations (RBOs). GWP Ethiopia provided technical support in establishing the Abbay RBO as a pilot project. Kenya completed its IWRM plan in March 2008 with support from GWP’s Partnership for Africa’s Water Development and a broad range of stakeholders. GWP-EA helped the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to develop a plan that was acceptable to the government and water sector stakeholders. In addition, Kenyan agencies realise that there is a need for increased financing of the water sector, and a need to mainstream IWRM and the Water Efficiency Plan into poverty eradication plans. Burundi identified the need to address water resources management, climate change and the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). In response, GWP-EA facilitated a multi-stakeholder process informed by thematic groups on tourism, water resources, energy, sanitation, transport, environment and water supply. As a result, over 20 organisations signed up for accreditation to GWP Burundi and government interest has increased. A communication strategy to support an integrated approach is being implemented.

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. The three-month initiative gave participating countries the opportunity to review policies, laws, institutional frameworks and management instruments, as well as to assess achievements against milestones and highlight constraints to implementation. The surveys indicate that Africa is committed to an integrated approach and that GWP provides a credible, neutral, and multistakeholder platform. Results showed progress in developing IWRM, but with varied achievements across the region. Five countries have approved water policies – although only two fully address IWRM issues – and three others have draft policies awaiting parliamentary approval. Only Uganda showed evidence of an effective coordinating body, while five other countries were developing similar groups. Three countries had national water management plans already, and five others were at the development stage.

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. During this summit, delegates agreed to make the GWP-AMCOW Memorandum of Understanding more practical, by working jointly at the sub-regional level in areas such as financing, training, gender, and IWRM surveys. One priority is a joint meeting in 2009 between African Ministers of Finance and their counterparts in ministries responsible for water. In 2008, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and AMCOW agreed to discuss Africa’s input into the 5th World Water Forum at the GWP West Africa General Assembly in Abidjan in January 2009. AMCOW and other pan-African processes fully involve the GWP Africa and Mediterranean regions. The three main areas selected as the focus for GWP-AMCOW cooperation were adapting to climate change and mitigating its impact; ensuring funding for proper infrastructure; and improving water governance.

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.

Boletín GWP Sudamérica, no 2

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 15:41:00 GMT

Read the latest issue of Boletín GWP Sudamérica

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).