Growing populations and climatic impacts are placing unprecedented pressure on water resources. This is true of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region which comprises 16 Member States, whose population in 2018, was estimated to be at 345.2 million, a rise from 336.9 million as of 2017. Rivers play a pivotal role in the region's socio-economic development, as evidenced by its reliance on these waterways. Southern Africa boasts of 15 major transboundary river basins, shared among neighbouring countries, with 13 basins entirely within the region's borders. However, the equitable distribution of water resources remains a challenge, exacerbated by climatic factors influencing rainfall patterns and the geographical distribution of river basins. While these rivers can spark conflicts, they also serve as conduits for peace and cooperation. Therefore, prioritizing transboundary water cooperation is not merely about economic prosperity but also essential for nurturing stability and harmony throughout the region.
COP28 UAE (Nov 30 to Dec 12) will see the world take stock of its progress on the Paris Agreement with the objective of providing a comprehensive assessment of progress since its adoption. This will help recalibrate climate action efforts with needs in order to bridge the gaps in progress.
GWP SAS, in collaboration with South Asia Rainwater Network (SARNET), Lanka Rainwater Harvesting Forum (LRWHF) and Women for Water Partnership (WfWP) jointly organised a webinar on Rainwater harvesting for disaster risk reduction in flood and drought crises on 3 August 2023. This is part of the “Signposts to Bali” initiative, a deliberation of WfWP for the preparation for the 10th World Water Forum.
The study tour of the IFAS working group (WG) to the Commission on the Mekong River organized by the Central Asian Water and Energy Program, managed by the World Bank and the OECD, was held from 2 to 7 April 2023.
The global economy is moving in frightening new directions. Floods and droughts are reaching unpredictable new extremes. Markets are convulsed with uncertainty. But there is one constant: water.
On Friday, 4 August 2023, the 4th from the Innovative Solution for Water Secure World and Sustainable Development series was held. the webinar raised a topic of "Learning Exchanges from the Contributors of Integrated Water Security Open Program: Safe Water Gardens".
