Unsustainable irrigation policies during the Soviet era have had devastating consequences for the Aral Sea. With the collapse of USSR, the riparian states took action and entered into agreement on Cooperation in the Joint Use and Protection of Water Resources of Interstate Significance. Furthermore, the international community took action and much attention has been devoted to re-establish the Aral Sea ecosystem. This case illustrates the importance of engaging all key stakeholders.
The GWP Technical Committee consists of up to 12 internationally recognised professionals selected for their experience in different disciplines relating to integrated water resources management. The Committee Chair is Dr Mohamed Ait-Kadi of Morocco.
The Lake Victoria Basin is facing major ecological challenges stemming from unsustainable agriculture practices and deforestation, impacting the livelihoods of the local communities. Actions have been taken, including an action plan for management of the basin and the establishment of Lake Victoria Basin Commission, responsible for management initiatives. This case study provides insights into the link between policy formulation and implementation and enforcement. Especially, it demonstrates the importance of rooting the policies within the local communities.
In Costa Rica, action was taken to introduce water pricing to pay for services provided by forests in watershed areas. As a result, Costa Rica’s watershed owners are beginning to be rewarded for providing water, whether for drinking or for generating electricity. The main lesson is that initiatives that ensure local groups are included in the benefits of conservation are needed to involve them in helping to protect the water catchment areas.
József Gayer is the new Chair of the Global Water Partnership Hungary it was announced on 10 January 2012.
Former Editor and Videographer at CNS TV6 in Guyana, Mr. Shane Hubbard has claimed the top spot in GWP-C’s first Media Awards on Water. Entries by Ms. Veoma Ali, Regional Advertising Manager at One Caribbean Media Limited in Barbados and Mrs. Latoya Minott-Spence, Reporter and Producer at Television Jamaica were selected for Honourable Mention. Press release available here.
Two-thirds of the Central American population lives in urban areas which is why GWP Central America, with the support of CapNet and LAWETNet, organized a regional workshop on Integrated Urban Water Management (IUWM) at the Pan-American School for Agriculture (Zamorano) in Honduras from 29 October to 1 November 2012. Participants included representatives of the six countries of the region from municipalities of major cities, water and sanitation agencies, and universities.
It is estimated that with 2.5 % of global landmass, India has 4% of the world’s freshwater resources. This has come under increasing demographic stress since India is home to about 16% of the global population. To build public awareness around water, the Ministry of Water Resources of the Government of India has created India Water Week as a platform for involving stakeholders.