An article published in Svenska Dagbladet on 16 October presents several claims about the travel practices of GWP and its leadership that are misleading and do not accurately reflect the actual circumstances. This response aims to provide a clearer and more accurate picture.
GWP-Central Africa welcomes a new regional chair, marking a pivotal moment in its commitment towards promoting integrated water resource management within the region. The new chair and head of the regional steering committee, Herve Didas Amboulou, was sworn in during the 10th regional general assembly, which was held on December 9th in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
On May 31, 2024, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) of Lao PDR, represented by the CREWS Project's Focal Point, and GWP SEA, through the GWP Lao PDR, held a Hybrid Kick-off Meeting on the Development of Drought Management and IWRM Action Plan at the Vientiane Plaza Hotel in Lao PDR.
Following the launch of Regional Strategy on Drought Risk Management and Mitigation for South Asia at the 16th Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 16) to the UNCCD which was held on 10 December 2024, the countries of GWP SAS conducted mini-launches and key stakeholder consultations locally. The key stakeholder consultations around the strategy facilitated identifying the national level priorities that should be developed into action plans by keeping the regional strategy as the guide.
Drought resilience and biodiversity conservation are closely interlinked. Conservation efforts that protect and restore biodiversity help maintain ecosystem services, such as water retention and soil health, which are crucial for mitigating the impacts of drought. Healthy and diverse ecosystems can also withstand and recover from droughts more easily. Thus, preserving biodiversity strengthens ecosystems’ natural ability to endure drought conditions and enhances long-term sustainability.
