Uneven geographical distribution, coupled with pressures from rapid population growth, increased urbanization, industrialization and environmental degradation, is a big challenge to the sustainable development of Uganda’s freshwater resources. However, the policy and institutional framework has advanced over the past two decades in Uganda. The policy and legal reform process started with the introduction of the Water Act (1995) and the Uganda Water Action Plan (1995). Other key policies included the National Water Policy (1999) and the Local Government Act (1997, 2000). A key Lesson learnt is that political support matters in achieving success, as does the nature and logic of the political system. In Uganda, political prioritization of water and poverty was central to progress. The depth and longevity of sector reform relies on political support, which can ebb and flow.
Right at the heart of Namibia, “the land of the brave”, in the capital Windhoek was the venue for the 7th SADC Multi- stakeholder Water Dialogue held from the 29th to the 30th of September, 2015. Held under the theme, “Watering Development in SADC: The central role of water in driving industrialization” the dialogue was attended by 150 delegates from across the region representing the water sector, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), cooperating and development partners, academia, the media, and other relevant stakeholders from non-water entities (energy, agriculture, industrialization). The delegates, of which a good number were youth were brought together to deliberate the role that water will play in driving industrialization in the region.
Tell us something about yourself?
My name is Manta Devi Nowbuth, from Mauritius and I am the Dean in the Faculty of Ocean Studies at the University of Mauritius.
What would you say are the main challenges in your work as a woman?
As a woman at work, I have often noted that my suggestions are subject to relatively more queries before they are accepted, and also when a responsibility is given to a woman, expectations tend to be relatively very high.
What have you done to overcome these obstacles/challenges?
I would say that women have the added advantage of being more understanding and patient, so these skills help to bring the harmony much needed in a working environment.
Advise to other women in similar situations (in the water world)
My own career in the water world has been highly enriching and I wish all women working in the water sector the same rewarding experience.
One of the critical challenges facing the water sector is climate change. Studies have shown that Uganda is highly vulnerable to climate change and variability. This means that the economy and wellbeing of its people are tightly bound to climate. This has been demonstrated by increasing climate variability and occurrences of floods and droughts over the last two decades. These changes are likely to have significant implications for water sources, agriculture, food security, and soils.
WaterInnEU project, coordinated by Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Application (CREAF) in Spain, started in March 2015.
WaterInnEU project, coordinated by Center for Ecological Research and Forestry Application (CREAF) in Spain, started in March 2015 and ended in February 2017.
World Rivers Day is observed each year on the last Sunday of September and it is a celebration of the world's waterways. It highlights the many values of rivers and strives to increase public awareness and encourages the improved stewardship of rivers around the world. Rivers in virtually every country face an array of threats, and only through our active involvement can we ensure their health in the years ahead.
With the aim to identify important gaps and obstacles on the governance and financing of the Tunisian water sector, the first national multi-stakeholder policy workshop took place in Tunis on 1st of October 2013. The work forms part of the Governance & Financing for the Mediterranean Water Sector Project that was officially launched in May 2013 (28-29 May, Barcelona) and is jointly implemented by OECD and GWP-Med.
With the aim to identify important gaps and obstacles on the governance and financing of the Tunisian water sector, the first national multi-stakeholder policy workshop took place in Tunis on 1st of October 2013. The work forms part of the Governance & Financing for the Mediterranean Water Sector Project that was officially launched in May 2013 (28-29 May, Barcelona) and is jointly implemented by OECD and GWP-Med.