We have seen the Buriganga die a silent death because of abuse by people living in its banks. The river Hooghly is showing the same symptoms - pollution, dumping of waste, sewage water draining into the river, sand mining among others. If it was the Buriganga yeaterday, then it could be the Hooghly tomorrow.
El Salvador has experienced an increased vulnerability due to Climate Change. To tackle the challenges, an Early Warning System has been installed. This is part of the strategy of the local government to reduce the vulnerability and develop the capacity of the area to deal with floods and landslides. One lesson learnt is that political stability in an area is a great asset when carrying out any political reform.
Water management in Kazakhstan was previously characterised by a command and control approach. The Water Code was adopted in 2003 as an answer to these problems. Furthermore, a project was launched to evaluate the current state of the legal framework for IWRM and to identify the potential for improvements and propose amendments to the Water Code. It is evident that IWRM is a complex approach and any amendments need to be done holistically.
The Kumbo water supply system has always had contested ownership claims. After decades of protest, action was taken and management was transferred to Kumbo Urban Council, resulting in the establishment of an inclusive and participatory community water governance structure. From this, the lesson can be learnt that the command and control paradigm can provoke social and political instability. The case also demonstrates how community based platforms can enhance community mobilisation and participatory governance.
The Global Water Partnership (GWP) has sponsorship available for eligible candidates to complete an online course in Integrated and Adaptive Water Resources Planning, Management and Governance offered by McGill University’s Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
One thing became clear at the Doha climate negotiations. As governments struggle to reach any agreement on climate mitigation, the urgency and importance of agreement on adaptation is now coming to the fore.
Comment by Alex Simalabwi, Global Water Partnership Senior Network Officer and Climate Change Focal Point.
Bulgaria is bordering Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Turkey. It has a strategic location near Turkish Straits; controls key land routes from Europe to Middle East and Asia. Bulgaria has temperate climate with cold damp winters and hot dry summers. Natural hazards include earthquakes and landslides. Important natural resources include e.g. bauxite, copper, lead, zinc and coal.