This paper explores the concept of water security, its relation to IWRM, as well as possible ways to quantify water security. It suggests two approaches: the developmental approach, seeking to increase water security over time; and the risk-based approach, focussing on managing risks and reducing vulnerabilities resulting from climate variability and water-related disasters. This is a Technical Background Paper, written by the GWP Technical Committee, a group of internationally recognised professionals in integrated water resources management.
In 2002, at the Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development, the Caribbean States committed to work towards developing integrated water resources management (IWRM) plans and water use efficiency (WUE) plans by 2005. Now, more than 10 years later, this paper looks into the measures taken and the progress that has been made towards adopting an integrated approach to water management. Technical Focus Papers are publications of the GWP Technical Committee that harness and share knowledge generated by GWP Partnerships.
This paper focuses on IWRM experiences in Central Asia where the major rivers flow from the headwaters in Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan to the downstream Fergana Valley in Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Water demand in the region is dominated by energy requirements and irrigation. This paper draws lessons from introducing IWRM at many different levels of management – from interstate, to national and district level. Technical Focus Papers are publications of the GWP Technical Committee that harness and share knowledge generated by GWP Partnerships.
The energy and water sectors have different drivers behind decision-making: energy planners are more focused on diversifying sources of producing low-carbon energy, while water managers have to satisfy a variety of water users, including the environment. Cross-sector cooperation and coordination in policies and planning can maximise the supply of one resource while minimising overuse of the other. Briefing notes are two-page summaries on selected topics. They are prepared by GWP’s Global Secretariat and its partners.
