Watersheds are essential to the livelihoods of humans. A significant portion of a society’s economic gain and overall survival is acquired through the ecosystem goods and services provided by watersheds. Jamaica as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS) has recently been facing increased stress and vulnerability to its water resources.
In the run up to the World Water Day 2016, GWP-CAf partners, like Cameroon Ministry of water and energy, private sector, NGOs and civil society organizations, organized the national water week 2016, in Yaoundé, which had as theme “water and jobs” and took place over seven days, from March 17-22, 2016.
Several events took place during the national week. Among which, there was a media workshop; two site visits, conducted, one to the wastewater treatment plant and the other to water treatment plant; a campaign for the dissemination of knowledge and legal text on water sector and sanitation; an exhibition fair; football and power walking and a forum on water jobs. All of these activities ended with a competition for a best poem written and cartoon on “water and jobs” for pupils of 5 schools in Yaounde.
The Summer University of Samothraki 2016 took place on 9 - 22 July 2016 on the island of Samothraki in Greece. The summer university consisted of two parallel courses: Course A on “Aquatic and Social Ecology-Theory and Practice” and Course B on “Integrated Water and Coastal Management - Educational and Participatory Approaches”.
On September 21 to 25, 2015, GWP China RWP, Standing Committee of the Shaanxi Provincial People's Congress, GWP China Shaanxi PWP and Water Resources Department of Shaanxi Province conducted a on-site survey under the framework of “WACDEP: Investment on Water” to collect the data and information on implementation of national and provincial investment on water projects, particularly on small irrigation areas and rural drinking water security. The “last Km” refers to the full completion of the irrigation structures invested by the national/provincial budgets; the final beneficiaries of the water projects in rural areas are farmers. The issue of “last Km” aims at achieving the best social benefits that can reflect the publicity, fairness, response and effectiveness of policies.
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.