Kafue Flats are the vast open floodplain of the Kafue River, important for fishing, cattle grazing, sugar cane farming, and production of hydroelectric power. Increased human pressure is, however, threatening the ecosystem. Action was taken by WWF to create partnerships between different stakeholders. Furthermore, an IWRM plan has been initiated. This case illustrates how integrated planning can bring together stakeholders with diverse interests.
The lack of laws and regulations, as well as good administration and management, contribute to poor water governance. In the Naranjo river basin, action was taken to implement IWRM after initiatives stemming from individuals with personal conviction of its importance. This has led to the creation of some formal legislation and the process of implementing IWRM. This consequently illustrates the potential important role of individuals in driving policy change.
The Burkina Faso CWP has launched a call for applications for the recruitment of a consultant to carry out the study on the "Analysis of the current use of water resources leading to the definition of the situation reference to the use of water on the portion of the territory of Burkina Faso located in the Mekrou basin and the studies on existing IWRM plans, policies and green growth strategies and managing situations of drought and flood, energy policies and poverty reduction strategies in Burkina Faso" and the validation workshop of results by all actors of Burkina Faso. The same is done by CWP Benin and CWP Niger.
Professor Abel Akambi AFOUDA visited Ouagadougou from 6 to 11 June 2013. This was his first visit as the new Chair to the Secretariat to touch realities of his collaborators and have an overview of main issues to tackle by GWP at regional level. He also had some discussions with his predecessor.
The Local Committees for Water (CLE) are basic links of the institutional framework of Integrated Water Resources Management of Burkina Faso.
The restructuring of the North Massili CLE was made in the context of the implementation of the Water, Climate and Development Programme (WACDEP) and in all about ten CLE were set up in 2013 by the Nakanbé Water Agency. The joint diagnosis made during the implementation of the CLE has highlighted a number of shortcomings, including that of weak capacity.
Tanzania is facing increasing pressures on its water resources due to a growing agricultural sector and the effects of climate change. In order to ensure environmental and economic sustainability in the face of water scarcity the local communities of Kiroka village, Morogoro, conceived a project to build capacity for climate adaptation through sustainable land and water management. The participatory approach coupled with capacity building and holistic problem solving that also addresses livelihood issues has proven to be an effective method of implementing an IWRM plan that is sustainable and can be readily subscribed to.
Guizhou already experiences the effects of climate change, including droughts. Action was taken with the approval of a new policy document which provides funds supporting water quality improvements, water and soil conservation, ecosystem rehabilitation, irrigation, and managing increasing demand. Steps have also been taken for preventive actions for subsequent droughts. The most important lesson that can be learnt is that the greatest challenge to building resilience to droughts is institutional.
Activities such as horticulture and tourism around the Great Barrier Reef create sediment, nutrient and pesticide runoff, placing increased pressure on the ecosystem. The World Wildlife Fund has taken action, predominantly by raising awareness. The key lesson is how a carefully orchestrated campaign can convince decision-makers of the importance of integrated river basin management as a means of reducing land-based marine pollution.
The Prespa basin was affected by over-abstraction and diversion of water, wetland drainage, deforestation and overgrazing, leading to danger for human livelihoods and ecosystems. Action was taken by WWF through the creation of the Society for the Protection of Prespa, eventually culminating in the creation of Prespa National Park. The lesson drawn is that to change the perspective of local stakeholders to ensure that they share a common vision is vital for success.
Global Water Partnership-Caribbean (GWP-C) under its Water Climate and Development Programme (WACDEP) is currently supporting the revision of the Antigua and Barbuda Draft Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Policy and Roadmap in conjunction with its network partner, the Antigua Public Utilities Authority (APUA).