Global Water Partnership Southern Africa in May organized and facilitated the National workshop on Integrating Agriculture in National Adaptation Plans (NAP-Ag) in Zambia to raise awareness about climate challenges and response strategies of the country and understanding the process of planning NAP both overall and in the agriculture sector.
In the night of Wednesday 16 to Thursday 17 May, a drama occurred in Lake Toho in Kpinou, in the commune of Athiémé /Departement of Mono, South-West Benin. Lifeless fish floated to the surface of the lake. The authorities of the sectoral ministries, in turn, went down to the site to observe the damage. Thousands of dead fish lay on the ground of a fish farm developer in Kpinnou.
On June 5, 2018, on the occasion of the World Environment Day, “the Forum on Youth Volunteering & Aids on River Prevention” was organised in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. This city locates within the Pearl River Delta, bordering Hong Kong to the south, spreading over nine municipalities (including Macau). It makes up part of the Pearl Delta River built-up area including 160+ rivers or channels with 447 million inhabitants reaching urbanisation up to 95%.
It was during the 8th Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) River Basin Organisations (RBOs) workshop that took place from 8-9th May, 2018 in Windhoek, Namibia that participants recommended that SADC RBOs should play a more active role in facilitating investment for water, energy and food security in the region.
Monika Weber-Fahr took up her new position as Executive Secretary of Global Water Partnership on 7 May. “As the newest kid on the block I’m feeling very humbled. I’m inspired by what the network is and what it has done in the past 20+ years, and what it can do going forward in a world where water is such a huge priority”, she says.
SDGs refer to a set of goals to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all as part of a new sustainable development agenda. Each goal has specific targets to be achieved over the next 15 years (2016-2030). GWP China focuses on SDG#6, the Energy Foundation on SDG#7, and WRI on SDG#2, which makes three lead players integrating the goals from a multilateral aspect.
The Ministry of Water Resources of China has introduced a Master Programme for Water Professionals, that is currently being implemented by the Chinese government.
The World Water Forum, held every three years, is the world’s biggest water-related event, contributing to the dialogue of decision-makers on water at the global level, building political commitment and triggering action on critical water issues. The Mediterranean water community has traditionally been very active at the World Water Forum, voicing core messages and highlighting experiences from the region. This contribution has been concretized through a dedicated Mediterranean Preparatory Process. The 8th World Water Forum took place this year (18-23 March, Brasilia, Brazil) under the overarching theme “Sharing Water” and its more than 300 sessions were attended by 10,600 participants.
