Due to temporal and spatial variability of rainfalls, Sri Lanka experience local scarcity. Furthermore, most water resources are used for irrigation, and little is left for industry and domestic use. Action was taken towards policy reform but these reforms were, however, nationally desired but externally designed, leading to failure since they did not account for the Sri Lankan context. This case study thus illustrates the crucial importance of national anchoring of policies.
AMCOW Executive Secretary Bai Mass Taal delivered a statement from Her Excellency Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia and Patron of Global Water Partnership, at the opening ceremony of World Water Week 2014:
GWP Cameroon held a training workshop in Kribi on 29 July to 2 August. The aim was to provide participants with the skills and knowledge to develop a balanced portfolio of investment options that enhance water security for climate resilient growth and development.
In the Danube hydrographic basin, agricultural practices continue to be the main source of water pollution. A pilot project “Best Agricultural Practices” was initiated focusing on e.g. nutrient management, conservation tillage and manure management. Awareness campaigns were initiated, training and education of farmers were emphasised. The key lesson is that these projects should be complimented by other technical and investment measures.
GWP Peru carried out the First Dialogue on National Development and Water Security in the context of Climate Change Adaptation on March 1, 2013, at the National Water Authority Auditorium in Lima. Its aim was to involve and sensitize actors across all sectors on the tight links among water management, adaptation to climate change, and sustainable economic growth.
Groundwater depletion is a serious issue in India. The government has approached the issue of declining groundwater levels largely through regulatory means. For the policy to be successful, it is crucial that users understand groundwater occurrence, cycle, and limited availability. Much effort has thus been placed on engaging farmers and communities. This case study demonstrates the importance to work with capacity building and social mobilization rather than physical solutions.
A project focusing on safe water and sanitation in the Republic of Moldova won Category 2 of the Award.
Interview with Kuralay Yakhiyaeva, the main specialist of the Kazakh Branch of the Scientific Information Center of Interstate Commission for Water Coordination
The Round Table “Consultations on Improving Water Resources Management aiming to Water Security in Uzbekistan for 2014-2020” was held on 12 March 2014 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
In preparation for the new Water Law in Bulgaria, as well as the EU Water Framework Directive, the watershed council was set up as a pilot to test on-site effective and participatory approaches to river resource management in the Varbitsa River. The key lesson drawn is that participatory, open, citizen-friendly and bottom-up approaches are more efficient than top-down administrative approaches.