N°21 - December 2016 MEKROU PROJECT

- SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS IN THE IMPLEMENTATION - GOOD APPRECIATION OF STAKEHOLDERS

Let's discover... the Water Museum in Special issue on “Mekrou Project” “Water for Growth and Poverty Reduction Content

ADVISORY COMMITTEE Pages EDITOR ’S WORD MEKROU PROJECT : Water for growth and poverty reduction 3

2016 A DVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING SESSION Mekrou Project Coordination Global Advisory Committee Meeting in Cotonou 4 THE FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT The Advisory Committee updates on the progress 5

MID -TERM PROJECT ASSESSMENT Analytical narrative of the project implementation 6

Pilot Projects 12

SIGNING THE FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT Promoting the political dialogue for the joint management of the natural resources of the Mékrou Basin 14

LET'S DISCOVER ... What do the various stakeholders think of the Mekrou project and its mid-term results? 16

LET 'S DISCOVER ... THE WATER MUSEUM : A sanctuary for the development of the water resource 21

Running Water N°21 - December 2016 Running Water N°19 - December 2014 2 “Water for Growth and Poverty Reduction - B uRkiNa FaSo - N iGeR in the Mekrou Transboundary Basin” Editor’s word Mekrou Project Water for growth and poverty reduction roject management is a thrilling tions in relation to the concrete results thing when despite difficulties you of the Project. P feel that things are progressing numerous studies have been carried and reaching out to results. The project out and validated in each country and «Water for growth and poverty reduc - the data collected are being integrated tion in the Mekrou transboundary to serve as a basis for the different sce - basin» has demonstrated to be a real narios to build the models that will be tool for cross-border integration and proposed as decision-making tools. cooperation between the three basin The global Coordination Mechanism of countries (Benin, Burkina Faso and the Project is functional and gives all the ) but also throughout the niger regional dimension to the management River basin. of this project whose results are much awaited by all the actors. We have all The meeting of the Regional contributed to raising interest and Consultative Committee of the global expectations and together we must con - Coordination Mechanism on 12, 13 and tribute to proposing real solutions to 14 October 2016 in Cotonou made it satisfy these expectations. possible to realize the commitment of the countries and the main actors in the i would like to thank all those involved countries for the implementation of this in the implementation of this project. To project. This was a high-level meeting this end, allow me to express a special with the Secretaries-general of the min - mention to the States which demon - istries in charge of water in Burkina and strate every day the total consideration niger and the various national directors. they take of this project in their nation - Pr. Abel AFoUDA This meeting, which allowed the differ - al agenda. i should also like to acknowl - chair GWP-WA ent actors to exchange and agree on edge the praiseworthy and highly the main concerns, was also the occa - appreciated efforts of the niger Basin sion to establish a roadmap to mark the Authority (nBA), which has integrated signing ceremony of the Framework way for a fruitful and happy end of the the Mékrou Project into its work pro - Agreement. The document of the project. The remarkable and distin - gram. i would like to thank and wel - Framework Agreement is published in guished presence of the new come the commitment of all those full in a separate document which will Chairperson of the African network of involved in public administration, scien - accompany this issue. Basin Organizations (AnBO), together tific and technical research institutions We wish you a good reading! with the Project Manager for the project and civil society to support people for the Strengthening of institutions of whose well- being is the goal of all our Transboundary Water management actions. Organizations in Africa (SiTWA) shows a continental focus on the expected Our partnership with the Joint Research results of the Mékrou Project. Center (JRC) of the European union allows the implementation of the The involvement of the Regional Project offering an opportunity for col - Coordination of users of niger basin laboration and sharing between natural Resources (CRu / Bn), the inter - researchers from the north and their GWP secretariat - West Africa est and availability as well as the sus - colleagues from the South to propose Ouaga 2000, Av. Charles Bila Kaboré tained support of the main sponsor of appropriate tools for decision-making 05 BP 6552 Ouagadougou 05, Burkina Faso this project, mainly the Commission of for the integrated development of the Telephone : +226 25 36 18 28 the European union, are all encouraging Mekrou basin. This project, it should be +226 25 48 31 93 elements around the implementation of remembered, is a research project and Email [email protected] the project whose results to date are as such aims to prepare the ground for Site Web: www.gwpao.org very encouraging. a good planning of development actions. The appeal of the riparian pop - Managing editor Concrete results include the signing in ulations relayed by their representatives Prof. Abel AFOudA december 2015 by the Ministers in and the States for a second phase with charge of Water of the 3 countries field actions will be analysed with the executive Director (Benin, Burkina Faso and niger), but necessary attention. That is why my dam MOgBAnTé under the watchful eye of their col - special thanks go to the Eu Commission coordination leagues from the other 6 States of the which is funding the implementation of Sidi COuliBAly nBA, of the Framework Cooperation this project. Agreement for the Promotion of Political Drafting team dialogue in the Mekrou Basin. The three This issue of Running Water reports on Corneille AHOuAnSOu Sidi COuliBAly countries, if need be, demonstrate their the results of the 2016 meeting of the commitment and thus express the high Consultative Committee of the global Printer level of expectations of their popula - Coordination Mechanism as well as the SyC. : +226 78 78 02 32 - 76 66 70 19

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2016Advisory Committee Meeting Session Mekrou Project Coordination Global Advisory Committee Meeting in Cotonou

he opening ceremony of the 2016 session Meeting of the T Regional Advisory Committee of the Mekrou Project global Coordination Mechanism was held in Cotonou on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 under the patronage of the Minister of Energy, Water and Mines of Benin represented by his Water Resource Technical Advisor, Mr. Safari BOuREiMA.

Taking the floor, the Chairman of global Water Partnership West Africa (gWP-WA), Pr. AFOudA Abel pointed out that « due to climate hazards [water] started to be scarce so that with regards to the increasingly grow - Groupe picture of participants ing demand and given the pressure impact of climate change, solutions project scheduled for december 31, exerted on it to meet the so diverse replicable and/or applicable in other 2017. legitimate needs of our populations sub-basins.» whose numbers are increasing every Mr. luca BuSETTO, representative of day, it is our duty to seek better the European Commission indicated understanding and accordingly pro - Manuel FulCHiROn, representative that « the work carried out so far has pose consensual tools for its proper of the global Water Partnership not been easy but the determination and efficient management especially Organization (gWPO), explained the of the various stakeholders involved in this transboundary context.» philosophy that underpinned the in the project implementation helped establishment of gWP as a stakehold - develop a basis on which we must er platform twenty years ago, to help together keep building a water The representative of the niger Basin meet countries in the good gover - resource management system that Authority (nBA), Mr. Robert nance of water resources and then addresses the various sector and dESSOuASSi, on behalf of Madam, help them achieve the Mdgs and environment challenges in view of the Executive Secretary excused, stat - Sdgs to enhance the livelihoods of establishing a sustainable growth and ed that « the Mekrou Project objec - populations. a consequent improvement of living tives perfectly align with the overall conditions in the Mekrou river basin .» niger basin development strategy”. He was followed by the representative He hoped that “the project will enable of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of to develop proper ways to manage the European union, Mr. Cesar CAR - Finally, Mr. Safari BOuREiMA, repre - water resources by providing ade - MOnA-MOREnO who noted the spe - senting the Minister of Energy, Water quate and appropriate solutions to the cial nature of this meeting proceeding and Mines of Benin, in his opening the last meeting before the end of the address, thanked all the partners of the Mekrou Project and specially the European Commission which is fund - ing it before « calling out to all organ - izations involved in the management of this project to keep searching for additional financial and human quality resources, in order to make it a suc - cessful and thus impact the rest of the world in similar environments. » Approximately seventy persons attended this Advisory Committee meeting of the Mekrou Project global Coordinating Mechanism.

View of particpants of the meeting sidi coUliBAlY

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The Advisory Committee updates on the progress

The Mekrou Project has irre - regarding what is still to be versibly embedded into the done. landscape of the pilot projects in the Basin with the The recommendations to first results that are encourag - gWP-WA include: ing. To date, they include sever - al studies that have been con - - Submit a request to the Eu ducted and validated by the for a second phase of the countries, the regional synthe - project focused on the imple - ses. Among the main assets mentation of the actions iden - that will contribute to the devel - tified in the management plan opment of the basin, there is thus developed; the signing of the Cooperation - Align the development and Framework Agreement for the implementation of pilot proj - promotion of political dialogue ects with the planning and in the basin between the three regulation frameworks in countries, the baseline report, force; the identification of develop - ment priorities for the Mekrou, representatives of the regional coordi - - involve in the forthcoming survey reports and scientific publica - nation of the niger Basin natural Advisory Committee meetings the tions on the Mekrou basin and its resources users. border management services of impact area the contacting of the each countries. main Mekrou basin stakeholders who The main recommendations from the are learning to collaborate and the meeting to the Joint Resource Centre gWP-WA and JRC should ensure the scientific and technical collaboration (JRC) include: involvement of the CWPs in between JRC and national institutes scientific/technical meetings, make that will grow to a win-win situation. - Working in collaboration with the sure they have a consolidated Annual scientists from the South on all sci - Work Plan encompassing the activi - rd The 3 Regional Meeting of the entific and technical component ties-budgets-timelines authors of Advisory Committee of the global items and get all the scientific and intended scientific/technical compo - Coordination Mechanism of the technical findings validated by the nents and make sure it is sent to all Project «Water for growth and the Advisory Committee before putting partners (Advisory Committee mem - poverty reduction in the transbound - them online; ber) and urge all to comply with the ary Mekrou basin” or the Mekrou nBA work plan framework for the Project was held on October 12-14, - drafting reports of scientific studies coming Mekrou project presentations 2016 in Cotonou, Benin. it convened in French first before translating for nBA sessions. Thus, gWP, JRC and about seventy attendants from Benin, them into English, and after valida - nBA were recommended to connect Burkina Faso, niger, Congo, Senegal, tion by the project scientists; the Mekrou Project database to the Sweden, Belgium, and italy, etc. This one feeding the nBA Environmental high-level meeting was attended by - Providing the countries with the information System to help improve general Secretaries of the ministries results of the findings on the the existing database. of water of Burkina Faso and niger, household survey, the atlas devel - national directors of water and agri - oped by the JRC, and the scientific The meeting recommended that AdA culture, representatives of ministries publications; consultancy firm should consider the of environment, national water nBA overview documents to finalize research institutes of the three coun - - Provide a clear roadmap for the the report, by updating the consolida - tries, Country Water Partnerships, and implementation of JRC activities, tion/summary report data on develop - ment priorities from the country reports. gWPO was invited to take its respon - sibility to implement the soonest pos - sible the activities related to the final audit, the final evaluation and the Project implementation narrative Report drafting. Finally, it was recommended that proj - ect managers should take steps to ensure the presence of AgRHyMET in future Advisory Committee meetings. summary by sidi coUliBAlY Partial view of participants

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Mid-term project assessment Analytical narrative of the project implementation

Exchange session

Project performance analysis consistency have been undermined or even downgrad - ed (slown down) by the poor prevalence of the spirit of the Paris Agreements, which was evidenced by stake - Project performance analysis criteria and holders’ high expectations to see structuring invest - approach ment projects and support measures recorded during the Ouagadougou validation workshop. However, it should be noted that because of this workshop, pilot The performance was analyzed based on five criteria and projects are planned for € 50,000 around CFAF assessed based on evaluation questions. 33,000,000 per country. The analysis focused on: w The documentary information provided by the Project w The resources provided for the implementation of activ - Management unit; ities (namely the institutional component) were not up w The data of the Aquaknow sharing platform (technical to the ambitions of the project (engaging many diverse component ...) stakeholders) due to the limited funding package; w individual interviews with staff of the Project Management unit and the gWP/WA Executive w The coordination of actions was deemed relevant and Secretariat; consistent with the institutional design and the project w interviews with some Project partner institutions in management mechanism; but it has sometimes been Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso CWP, including SP- misunderstood by some stakeholders due to financial PAgiRE); and difficulties and the initiatives taken by the Project w information taken from collection forms received. Management unit to address them mainly the lump amount given for demonstration projects in each coun - Key findings try; 1. The relevance and consistency of actions carried out by w The institutional component studies and regional sum - the Project: do the actions carried out and the results maries and Cooperation Framework Agreement were achieved meet the project and stakeholders’ expectations deemed relevant and consistent with the ToR. However, regarding the project objectives and institutional design, the non-implementation of the Framework Agreement the coordination of activities, the resources provided for and the quality of the studies somewhat affected by the the implementation of the activities and outputs (research limited funding packages provided for this purpose reports, narrative and audit reports...) of the project? have to some extent affected this relevance; w The objectives and the institutional design of the w The technical component studies mainly took a Project were deemed relevant and consistent with the «preparatory» character for the development of the objectives and water resource development and man - expected outputs. Publishing them in English on the agement strategies namely in the ECOWAS, the nBA Aquaknow sharing platform in a Francophone environ - and the 3 countries. However, this relevance and this ment was deemed irrelevant and not consistent with

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the project language (French) w Consequence: The delays in the framework is developed: 70% impacting the visibility of the proj - preparation phase but also in the to 100% in 2015; ect to many stakeholders. project implementation phase s Component 3: Pilot projects were significantly mitigated for the development: design of pilot 2. effectiveness of the actions institutional component but remain projects, 66.66% in 2015; implemented by the project: to significant for the technical com - s Component 4: Coordination of what extent have the actions car - ponent. the project implementation ried out by the Project produced - Audits 2014 and 2015 conduct - the expected impact in terms of At the level of the institutional compo - ed at 100%; outcomes achieved, realization nent (led by gWPO, gWP-WA) - Monthly and annual reports rate and level of stakeholder sat - w The study completion rates are regularly submitted; isfaction? good and as follows: - Financial and accounting man - s Component 1.1: defining the agement approved by the w The adoption in early 2016 of a cooperation framework :100% audits; monitoring and evaluation and except for the capacity-building - Mid-term review conducted in operational action-planning manu - program document implement - consistency with the program - al, which changed the timelines for ed at 90% (non-consolidated ming. actions under certain components final report); - At the technical component (see the details in the report); s Component 2.1: The baseline level (by JRC)

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undermined by the quality of the studies that could have been better if the financial packages were more substan - tial and enabled to not only hire specialists with significant timelines but also conduct support missions (contact tak - ing, information and discussion mainly with the final proj - ect beneficiaries) in the field.

4. Partial or predictable effects/ impacts of the actions performed by the project: to what extent have the actions directly or indirectly, intentionally or not generated positive or negative, primary and secondary effects in terms of capacity building of final beneficiaries, operationalization of iWrM, harmonization of instruments to support iWrM dia - logue between policy makers, managers, and scien - tists.

Q Main causes Some members of the Committee s Poor capacity of States to support the operations of in general, the delays encountered mainly in this compo - public technical services; nent raised concerns for many stakeholders. These delays s Poor level of computerization of technical services, and concerns are partially due to the results of the nation - administrative and technical documents, and infor - al baseline studies deemed insufficient by JRC and the non- mation management; relevance of communication mechanisms between the lat - s Organizations poorly equipped for the monitoring of ter and the said stakeholders. However, it should be noted water resources; that the JRC is confident as for catching up these delays s Poor financial capacity of most Civil Society (considering the anticipations done). Organizations (CSOs) and research institutions; in general, the assessments of stakeholders consulted s Skills poorly (partially or not) transferred to the about the effectiveness of actions are deemed satisfactory decentralized communities for the institutional component and worrying for the tech - s Poor prevalence of the spirit of the Paris agreements nical aspects. (see Ouagadougou validation workshop)

3. the efficiency of actions carried out by the proj - Q secondary causes ect: to what extent do the resources provided to the project match with the expected outcomes in s Poor financial package compared to the large num - terms of equipment, human and financial resources ber of stakeholders involved in the Project deployed, the utilization of such resources, the s Poor support measures for the collection of scientif - costs and quality of services provided, the level of ic and technical data achievement of results (financial realization rate against the realization rate of the actions carried out)? Q effects and/or impacts related to the poor financial resources s One of the project weaknesses is the inadequate financial amounts and the objectives, and the ambi - tions behind stakeholder engage - ment. s it is not obvious that the FCFA 32 million financial package for the pilot projects can have significant transboundary impacts since «studies», «work«, «implementa - tion monitoring and control« must be taken into account; s However, it should be noted that despite these weaknesses, the management of the allocated fund - ing (initiatives, restriction of certain expenses ...) enabled to reach high rates of achievement in the studies

NB: This efficiency remains somewhat

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s Reluctance or refusal of certain institutions to posi - tively respond to the various project demands; s Resentment of some institutional stakeholders (pub - lic administrations ...) to just attend orientation/monitoring/ study validation meetings without being central to the project implementation; s Poor legibility and visibility of the project at the level of end beneficiaries, namely the people living in the Mekrou Basin;

Q effects and/or impacts due to the themes developed and the forecasted actions

s Positive impacts foreseen at the level of certain stakeholders in terms of: - Cooperation, dialogue and of water governance; - development of decision-support tools; - Excitement for the suitable implementation of this type of project in other transboundary tributaries of the niger River; - Sharing of experience and knowledge between The sustainability cannot be seen at this stage of the proj - stakeholders; ect implementation. However, the signing of the framework - Better knowledge of the realities of the trans - cooperation agreement between the three Mekrou Basin boundary Mekrou basin; countries is a good experience and a strong policy and - Contribution to the national dialogue in the devel - legal action in the management of the niger River trans - opment process of the iWRM Plan in niger ... boundary tributaries and its successful implementation - on the other side, there is no significant impact in would be a factor of sustainability. capacity building and iWRM operationalization.

Q effects and/or impacts due to delays in the implementation of the actions s The observed delays will not have a major impact on « "We are satisfy with the project timeline if efforts are made to: - Trigger the implementation of the framework coop - eration agreement; the institutional aspects and - implement pilot projects; expecting the development of 5. the sustainability of the actions implemented by the project: « to what extent the actions performed decision making tools" ». can generate or are likely to generate activities and/or organization likely to continue and expand, after the end of the intervention» institutionally? technically? Financially?

Manuel Fuchiron of gWPO, speaking

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Findings and Recommendations of the consultant

The observations are made from the analysis of the Project implementation performance. The recommendations are answers to the difficulties and constraints identified on the one hand, and to expectations of project stakeholders, and questions for solutions for which the three states signed a framework cooperation agreement, on the other hand. OBERVATIONS RECOMMENDATIONS LEAD STAKEHOLDERS

 Consolidate the summaries of GWP/WA, Project Management national studies to develop an Unit, NBA inventory of water resources of the (Validation through the normal basin and their management project procedures) Cross-border issues not sufficiently emphasizing notably the trans - highlighted in the studies boundary issues and problems to be resolve to foster better cooperation and governance of water across this tributary of the Niger river

 Organize a workshop convening key GWP, GWP/WA, JRC, NBA, NBA country stakeholders to agree on Focal Organizations, represen - the selection of one or two types of tatives of ministerial cabinets transboundary pilot development of the 3 countries. projects affecting the three coun - tries;  Assess the need for additional financing; Discrepancy between stakeholder  Agree with the relevant govern - expectations and the initial spirit of ments on the implementation the project; arrangements for such projects.  Conduct a lobbying to the water ministers in the 3 countries and to the EU for additional substantial financing to the benefit of the implementation of the Framework Cooperation Agreement and pilot project development.

 Convene an information and discus - CWP sion meeting on the realities of the Misunderstanding in the manage - budgets allocated to studies and GWP/WA ment of partnership agreements research; between CWPs and GWP/WA  Agree on a secure allocation con - sidering the availability of funds while increasing financial support to the CWP coordination actions.

 Seek possible ways and means to channel resources towards capacity CWP Lack of financial support or other building of country structures and GWP /AO means to the government organiza - partners (training / tools, etc.). NBA and its focal points tions and to the NBA

 Use best-fit and accessible informa - Information platform not used tion tools (hard copies, CD, email, enough by governments and the JRC and GWP / WA information meetings ...) for the end beneficiaries dissemination of outputs and other Poor project visibility to the final information about the project. beneficiaries

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Need of a light coordination team  Develop a document on the basic NBA within the Executive Secretariat of arguments for negotiations; GWPO, GWP / WA the NBA for a closer monitoring  Negotiate the feasibility and with the Project Management Unit financing with the European within GWP / WA on the one hand, Commission. and for the sharing of information with the other six NBA member States on the other hand

 Organize the establishment of the Mekrou basin bodies NBA, CWP, GWP / WA, Project  Identify and agree on the arrange - Management Unit for the sup - Slow start in the implementation of ments for the implementation and port the Cooperation Framework operationalization of the Advisory Agreement Committee and the Technical Committee of Experts (mode of Pilot cooperation framework operation, methods of decision management organization making, appointment ...)  Establish these bodies;  Help the Republic of Niger and the Republic of Benin to establish a local water resources management body covering their national por - tions of the Mekrou (like the local Mekrou water committee in Burkina Faso but to be adapted);  Develop a priority action plan to be implemented;  Assess the cost of the implementa - tion of all actions;  Develop a roadmap for the imple - mentation of the Framework Agreement  Conduct fundraising ,  Establish the bodies,  Support measures,  Implement the actions.

Q Remaining Steps of the Scientific component

Scientic organisation Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 JRC DELIVERY of E-WATER RESTITUTION & DB MEKROU, INTEGRATION DISSEMINATION ABN- MAPS and ANALYSES AGRHYMET identi!ed/needs Models and tools are Restitution and easily accessible and presentation PF.N PF.B 1.Workshop on methods visible in the module fo jointly developed Université INC & products delivery e-Water products Bénin (EPIC, SWAT) -> Development cycle a) Integration various E-water is operational PF.BF 2. Analyses & technical tool into the software INERA publications « e-water » Policy briefs Burkina b) Dissemination of production CONSULTATION & this version COLLECTION OF c) Comments from partners TO ALL MEKROU INTEREST ONGOING d) Actualisation of PARTNERS All MEKROU partners the e-water version

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Pilot Projects Supporting the ecological restoration of the Mekrou headwaters (PAREN) BENIN BURKINA FASO NIGER in Benin, the pilot project is entitled « supporting the ecological restora - tion of the Mekrou headwaters (PAreN). « it will be implemented in the village of yakabissi, Kouandé municipality, in the Atacora department with an estimated cost of CFA Forty-nine million seven hundred and forty-four- thou - sand three hundred CFA francs (CFAF49,744,300). The objective of this project is to contribute to the ecological restoration of the headwaters of the Mekrou River basin through improved knowledge of the resource and the promotion of local climate change mitigation initiatives. The project will benefit the population of the districts of Birni and Orou Kayo and all users of the resources of the Mekrou basin headwaters. As implementing partner, the CWP identified the commune of Kouandé, the forestry inspection (RCEPn-Kouandé), the departmental directorate of Energy and Water (ddEE), the local Water Partnership (lWP) in Atacora-donga, the CWP Benin, and the CEnAgREF of ACu Kouandé. Many sustainability factors are noted throughout the project activities including Financial, environmental, institutional, social and technological fac - tors. Actions dealing with reforestation, awareness, promotion of improved firebox - es will help restore the ecosystem of the headwaters and ensure the environmental sustainability . The participatory nature of the PAREn approach engaging multiple existing stakeholders’ organizations/ groups/ and functional associations in the implementation of the project, provides some institutional sustainability to the project. upgrading locally used three-stone fireplaces into economic fireboxes on the one hand; and enhancing the women’s health against risks of inhaling smoke on the other hand, contributes to social sustainability . in niger, the « Project for the The use of local materials by beneficiaries reduces the cost of construction of rehabilitation of water points economic fireboxes and this contributes to financial sustainability . in the Niger W Park Biosphere This project has transboundary effects since developing the head of the source reserve ». to preserve the resource from the degradation that is occurring, will, in the Following the gradual drying cli - medium and long term, ensure an optimum quantity and quality downstream. mate underway since the 70s, the wildlife populations of the Regional W Park (PRW) are currently limited to approximately 1 to 2 animals/km2 by the ecological car - rying capacity to useful wildlife areas towards the end of the dry season. These areas cover about 78.5 km² within a 5-km radius around each permanent waterhole, the aggregate usable areas of which being approximately 12% of the PRW. The observations confirm that the animals are concentrated in well- defined areas and that the trails between concentration areas rarely provide the vision of animals. The scarcity of the animals in these areas is mainly due to the lack of water during the dry season. Based

Head source of the Mékrou basin in Benin

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Developing transboundary transhumance trails in the Gourma province

BENIN BURKINA FASO NIGER in Burkina, the title pilot project is « Developing the implementing partners include the cWP-BF, transboundary transhumance trails in Gourma the High commission of the Gourma province, province » and will cover areas including gabondi the decentralized Technical Services in charge of (Matiacoali Commune); Tassiéri- piega (with a rest area) Agriculture, Animal Resources, Water, Environment, and datougou - Kouyargou -Boadéni- nassougou- Security, the civil Society Organizations (Association), Bambambou- Kodjini (in the Tapoa province on the cor - the technical and financial partners working in the pas - ridor 2 of ECOWAS in the Tapoa) over 125km. toral facility and infrastructure, and the population. Among other findings, the depopulation of Burkina live - The project should lead to a decree recognizing the stock moving to coastal countries (Togo, ghana, Benin, grazing trail and other infrastructure by local authorities, Cote d’ivoire...) does not make their socio-economic the establishment and training of management commit - and cultural integration easy. The occupation of grazing tees in addition to actions of identification and planned areas, transhumance trails and corridor are identified implementation of pastoral resource restoration and and insecure. rational use. The overall objective of the project is to contribute to The rural pathways thus developed will facilitate the reducing conflicts related to sharing natural resources transit of animals between the states sharing the Park and free transhumance in the development of a trans - W. They will thus participate in the protection of wildlife boundary transhumance corridor, rest areas and other and biodiversity in general, but also in the prevention of related facilities over 125 km identified between conflicts between populations of different nationalities. gabondi ( Matiacoali Commune) and nassougou. And especially between breeders and farmers.

Project for the rehabilitation of water points in

BENIN BURKINA FASO NIGER the Niger W Park Biosphere reserve

These developments will restore wet - lands and promote the redeployment of wildlife populations, whose num - bers are currently very low. The aggregate useful wildlife areas for the fauna –including with those of natural water points and water points already developed- at the end of pro - posed developments will increase the useful wildlife area from 12% to 40% of the PRW. if burns are properly monitored and managed, there is no doubt that the wildlife populations will reach at least an acceptable level. The regional nature of this pilot proj - ect is explained by the cross-border character of Park W and its economic and tourist value for all riparian popu - lations. This action will be a modest contribution to the efforts of countries and other organizations for the preservation of biodiversity, and on these considerations, it was sug - respond to the logic of biodiversity demonstrates to those who would gested to prioritize initial interventions conservation and enhancement, and doubt the merits of the project for all along preferential tourist trails. The are the first phase of development of the resources of the zone. priority interventions on tourist routes the relevant blocks.

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Signing the Framework Agreement Promoting the political dialogue for the joint management of the natural resources of the Mékrou Basin

the ministers in charge of water of Benin, the promotion of political dialogue and Burkina and Niger have signed on 22 sustainable development of the Mékrou December 2015 in cotonou, Benin the basin, an affluent of the Niger river framework agreement of cooperation for shared by the three countries.

This action was possible with the coordination of the project “water for growth and poverty reduction in the transboudary Mekrou River Basin” implemented by global Water Partnership West Africa (gWP-WA), the Joint Research Center (JRC) of the European union in collaboration with the niger Absin Authority (nBA), serv - ices and institutions of the public and civil society in the three countries.

What is the nature of the Agreement? The Cooperation Framework High table at the official ceremony of the NBA Ministerial meeting in cotonou Agreement, as envisioned, is political The general objective of this anced and sustainable management in nature, meant for promoting politi - Cooperation Framework Agreement is of water resources; cal dialogue for the sustainable man - to promote political dialogue and sus - Create the conditions for an inclusive agement of natural resources of the tainable development of the three dialogue around the water and envi - Mékrou Transboundary sub-basin. in states in order to facilitate good gov - ronment issues in the Transboundary this respect, it is similar in nature to ernance in the planning and the inte - sub-basin of the Mekrou at all levels the Paris declaration or the Shared grated and sustainable management of management; Vision, which are also political docu - of the natural resources of the Mekrou Create the conditions of an economic ments but applicable to the entire Transboundary sub-basin, taking into growth that is socially adapted and niger Basin. The Agreement has no account socio-economic needs, food respectful to the environment at all normative character; the normative security, poverty reduction through levels of management; framework is already essentially made the preservation, the conservation of of the revised Convention on the cre - ecosystems and the improvement of Promote a short, mid and long term ation of the nBA of 1987 and the the living conditions of local communi - planning process; niger Basin Water Charter. ties. undertake concrete development The Cooperation Framework actions for the improvement of the liv - What is the Agreement aiming Agreement aims specifically to: ing conditions of local communities; at? Create the conditions of a joint, bal - Take into account climate change in water resources management; Take into account specific concerns related to gender, health, governance, transparency, human rights and pre - vention of conflicts.

Domains and basic princi - ples of the Agreement

This Cooperation Framework Agreement applies to all initiatives undertaken by all the stakeholders in the Transboundary sub-basin of the Mekrou in the management of shared water resources and the environment.

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Mr. Atahirou KArBo, secretary General of the Ministry of Mrs. christine GBeDji VYAHo, Minister of water of Benin Water of Niger The agreement is based on the funda - local authorities, Basin or sub-basin inform as soon as possible, the other mental principles of good environ - water management structures within sub-basin States of possible acciden - mental governance, complementarity, each state, Water users, the private tal pollution and/or any changes in cooperation, equity, catchment basin sector, Civil society and community the physico-chemical or biological management, gender, information based-organizations, Technical and characteristics of the Transboundary and participation, partnership, pre - financial partners. sub-basin of the Mekrou, or surface or vention, drawer-pays and polluter- For the use of resources and protec - groundwater of its catchment basin pays, costs and benefits sharing, pre - tion of environment, article 17 states located in their national territory, cautionary, accountability, responsibil - that “the states in consultation with which have already occurred, are ity, solidarity, subsidiarity and trans - the other stakeholders shall develop occurring or may occur, as a result of parency. and implement a water resources natural or human induced-phenome - it clearly states that “ States shall pre - management strategy for green na ”. fer cooperation, consultation and growth in the context of the green the Framework Agreement calls on negotiation for all issues of common economy in the Transboundary sub- states to adopt a development and interests for the sustainable manage - basin of the Mekrou”. Water Management Master Plan ment of the Transboundary sub-basin (SdAgE) as well as an investment of the Mekrou ”. plan of the Mekrou Transboundary What responsibilities for whom? sub-basin. The states agree to “ cooperate close - States agree to build the capacity of Who are the main stakeholders? ly for the prevention, control and stakeholders and support civil society The agreement identifies the stake - reduction of pollution in the organizations. holders to be the regional integration Transboundary sub-Basin of the or cooperation organizations, the Mekrou”. And to do so “They shall in , The States, particular take the necessary steps to How will it be implemented? The Framework Agreement establish - es the cooperation bodies for the sus - tainable management of the Transboundary sub-Basin of the Mékrou. The choice of these bodies and their methods of operation are driven by the concern of maintaining synergy with the nBA, but also to rationalize their operation. This is to take advantage of existing bodies of the nBA to limit the costs of their operation and thus, ensure their insti - tutional and financial sustainability. An Advisory Committee will be estab - lished to guide, supervise and coordi - nate the implementation of the Cooperation Framework Agreement.

Mr. Ali trAore, at the time secretary General of the Ministry of Water of Burkina Faso sidi coUliBAlY

15 Running WRuantneirn gN W°a1t9e r- ND°e2c1e -m Dbeceerm 2b0er1 420 1 6 Special issue on “Mekrou Project” “Water for Growth and Poverty Reduction

What do the various stakeholders think of the Mekrou project and its mid-term results? interviews conducted by sidi coUliBAlY

Alassoun SORI, Secretary General of the Ministry of Water and Sanitation of Burkina Faso «The Framework Agreement is a commitment document of the countries» «The Project started in 2014; we the beneficiary populations. in are now halfway through its Burkina Faso, the project area in implementation and there are the Eastern Region is one of the many achievements. it is true poorest in the country; hence the that it is a poverty reduction proj - populations are expecting a lot ect focusing on understanding from this project. the water resources, agriculture, For the Framework Agreement, and food security in the study whose signature is a big area. We have already validated progress, my understanding is many studies conducted under that this is a document of com - this project. This consisted to mitment of the three countries in know the development chal - relation to the development of lenges of the area, prioritize the this niger River Sub-Basin. This development efforts in a first indicates that whatever action phase and then we shall start the project begins will be sup - the development of the facilities ported by the countries.» because that is what matters to

Atahirou KARBO IBRAHIM, Secretary General of the Ministry of Water and Sanitation of the Republic of Niger «The project will help understand what is happening in the basin» «The Mekrou Project is an important tant part -like in any iWRM project- project for the three implementing we will set up local instruments for countries. it is a research project managing the resource including and most of the studies were con - farmers, pastoralists, fishermen, ducted. The review and validation of women, etc. since the basin is these documents will lead to the shared between several stakehold - development of an action plan to be ers, and communes across three used for negotiations with the finan - countries. All these stakeholders will cial partners of the project namely share with each other for the joint the European union to fight against and efficient management of the poverty in the basin as stated by the resources. Since the Mekrou is in the project title through the implemen - niger basin, all these actions will be tation of actions. This will enable to under the leadership of the niger initiate development activities to Basin Authority. improve the livelihoods of the people The signing of the Framework living in the basin. Agreement is one of the most signif - i know the Project Coordinator well; icant results we have achieved to he strived to engage stakeholders date. The countries agreed to set up and we want a strong collaboration something in common, the mecha - with research institutes in the scien - nism of which is provided for under tific component managed by JRC. the Framework Agreement, in con - The project will enable to under - sistency with the nBA. To avoid hav - stand what is happening in the ing too many institutions whose time the results as part of the basin. Many data were already col - funding can be a problem, i think we Authority’s action-plan. The three lected and will be analyzed and will have a committee that will meet countries will always convene to dis - interpreted for benchmarking with in the framework of the nBA statuto - cuss the actions to be carried out in satellite data. But as a most impor - ry meetings to capitalize at the same the basin.»

Running Water N°21 - December 2016 Running Water N°19 - December 2014 16 in the Mekrou Transboundary Basin” BeNiN - B uRkiNa FaSo - N iGeR

Dr. Boguena Toupta, Executive Secretary of the NBA, «An important additional tool to strengthen and/or boost cross-border cooperation for the NBA»

The signing of the Framework Agreement was made possible thanks to the coordination of the niger Basin Authority (nBA) that is committed to support and guide the implementation. Running Water met the Executive Secretary of the nBA, dr. Boguena Toupta. Benin, Burkina Faso and Niger ed ecosystems in the niger River have signed the Framework basin. it will thus help strengthen the cooperation Agreement on 21 st existing cooperation across the three December, 2015 for the promo - Member States involved in the proj - tion of political dialogue in the ect, as well as with the six (6) other Mekrou basin. What are your nBA states with the principle of shar - feelings after this signature? ing of information and experiences i feel joy and a reward for a job well and regarding the benefits set forth done. The Executive Secretariat is by the Water Charter and its annexes delighted and takes this opportunity including Annex 3 dealing with the to thank gWP/WA and its technical instruction of planned measures in administrative boundaries of our and financial partners for the formal - States drained by the niger River and respective countries? ization of this agreement that should its tributaries including the Mekrou river. This Agreement is signed and remains promote the coordinated implementa - for the nBA, an important comple - tion of this project welcomed by the Furthermore, the Framework mentary tool to strengthen and/or nBA. Agreement contributes to establishing boost transboundary cooperation as a permanent dialogue between the desired by the founding fathers of the three countries of the Mekrou basin to what extent will the signing niger Basin Authority in november and the establishment of the Mekrou of such an agreement contribute 1980. The Executive Secretariat has sub-basin commission. to achieving the objectives of been trying to translate this desire the NBA and enhance gover - into reality through the planning and nance of water resources in the Don’t you feel that you have just implementation of transboundary or Niger Basin in general? signed another document that regional projects and programs The effective implementation of this will have no effect on the trans - between two or three countries. Agreement will contribute to improv - boundary cooperation and more ing the livelihoods of the basin inhab - specifically in the water resource How do you plan to help imple - itants through sustainable manage - sector, knowing that water does ment it during and after the ment of water resources and associat - not know the geographical / Mekrou project? nBA’s mandate is to ‘’ promote coop - eration between member countries and ensure integrated development in the niger basin...‘’, and with its strong involvement in the implementation of this project, obviously remains the best-fit organization to sustain the achievements of this agreement by ensuring its implementation during and after the project, and continuing to improve the living conditions of the Mekrou basin populations by provid - ing it with transboundary facilities that will impact the use water resources.

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Adamou Boureima GUINDO Yacouba, Vice-President of CRU/BN, chair of CNU/BF WOROU WARA, «We are going to support the implementation of the Director General of the Water Resources in Benin Framework Agreement with our presence» What are, to you, the main outcomes of Mekrou Project, to date? The main outcomes we have today are technical. This is a new research project and hopefully with this year left to us, we can have concrete actions in the field. There are dis - cussions about a second phase and we hope that the people’s expecta - tions and needs are considered to achieve things on the field. For four years, people have been «The signing of the hearing about the Mekrou Project and the farmers, gardeners, pas - Framework Cooperation toralists and fishermen have been expecting concrete actions in the of the cooperation agreement field but the scientists and techni - Agreement provides an for the promotion of political cians have been the ones working dialogue in the transboundary so far. enabling framework for Mekrou basin between the three countries. What does the the implementation of improving the overall frame - signing of this document mean IWRM» work is a key thing and we got to you? in December 2015 the signing a 19 «The results can be ranked on two lines: the institutional line and the sci - Luca BUSETTO, European Commission entific and technical line. institutionally, the countries that share the basin -Benin, Burkina Faso «A pilot project whose results could be and niger- are further reinforced in their organization in the basin. extended throughout and beyond the basin” Technically, models are being devel - oped and considering that in Africa the basins usually suffer due to hesi - it is true that the project has experi - tation on the models to be used, the enced some implementation challenges data to be collected, it is happiness at the beginning but there a serious com - that this niger sub-basin can provide mitment of various stakeholders in the the baseline for this study. We fairly implementation. This is a pilot project appreciate these progress points. which requires us to explore different The signing of the Framework possibilities in line with its ambitions that Cooperation Agreement is a major lead us to collaboratively engage over progress providing an enabling envi - 200 partners. This is not an easy man - ronment for the implementation of agement task either for the project nor iWRM. This agreement seeks to set for all those involved in the action. The the ground for synergetic implemen - minor delays that were identified last tation of actions among the various year have been caught up and the issue countries in the basin. of validation of the various reports will be We deem the defining of the frame - addressed with the convening of the work of actions of the application for Regional Advisory Committee meeting. each type of stakeholders in the basin As of now, we cannot talk about final and the prior introduction of the pilot outcomes, since we are at the critical projects already as a start of applica - implementation phase of the project. i tion of this Framework Agreement.» am optimistic about the future, given the large involvement of all stake - jets pilotes présentés sont déjà pour holders. The European Commission pays great attention to this type of nous un début d’application de cet project because it is a pilot one whose findings could be used to expand Accord-cadre ». actions in the Mekrou basin and extend activities to other basins.

Running Water N°21 - December 2016 Running Water N°19 - December 2014 18 in the Mekrou Transboundary Basin” BeNiN - B uRkiNa FaSo - N iGeR

a 18 KORA ZAKI Mariame, it’s a good thing for us rural President of Benin National User Association (NUA) stakeholders who consider this as a progress. This indicates to us «I appeal to the people to support the project that the policy makers take into account who we are and what we partners» are doing. can a representative of the Our contribution to the implemen - users like you talk about con - tation of this document is primari - crete results of the project? ly physical. We are and will be yes, but i hesitate a bit. Based on there to support the implementa - the project title dealing with the tion and remind partners of our fight against poverty in the trans - existence with the specific needs boundary Mekrou basin, we expect - of the populations . ed to see, for example, trails laid out i wish to thank all the stakehold - to enable a farmer to transport their ers, not only in the Mekrou basin crops from the field /hamlet to the but in the niger basin for the sup - market place. We wished to see the port they provide to the popula - people in this area enjoy safe water, tion. i would like to also remind empo²wered to undertake income- that climate hazards and change generating activities in their area. has increased poverty on the now, we have been told that one field. i therefore appeal to rescue cannot build a house without start - and save this population that is ing with the foundation, which is the fighting every day to get by. first phase of the project -the project basement- that people are currently doing. Framework documents have Vice President of CRu/Bn, chair of ters into account in the upstream. been developed, studies have been national Coordination The populations of the downstream conducted, and the consultants have communes will feel abandoned with - of Burkina Faso gone to the field to interview people out realizing that the work being to identify priorities in each com - done upstream will benefit all water - mune. Our hope is therefore based ways and the basin, by extension. on a second phase of this project to So, these are important concerns to help the populations find a way out be considered and which require of poverty. awareness and diversification of it is true that we already have one interventions in the basin, if needed. pilot project per country. if i take the i therefore appeal to the populations Benin portion of the basin, the pilot to get ready to assist the partners project takes the Mekrou headwa - coming to support them.

«The Mekrou project is a gem with strong prospects that must be treated well»

Encouragingly in this project, stake - The signing of the Framework holders are very motivated to take Agreement is a major asset that will part in the various phases of the proj - be presented at the end of this proj - Cesar Carmona-Moreno, ect, especially in the concrete actions ect as a major outcome. This demon - the EU’s Joint Research Centre that will impact the lives of people strates the interest of the three signa - locally. As it is also a pilot project, the tory countries to this transboundary stakeholders are interested in having basin. «Today we have a more accurate findings whose application will give a For the European Commission and understanding of the needs of the regional impetus to this project. This the Joint Research Centre, the people living in the basin. is a key asset of this Mekrou Project. Mekrou project is a great opportunity understanding the environment, This is a pilot project, the tools and to share with the different African dietary habits, the quality and quanti - methodologies of which could be institutions, to work together to bet - ty of water in the basin, enable us to replicated in other niger sub basins or ter understand the basin biophysical develop decision-support tools to in the West African region, and by phenomena to meet the concrete make a planning responsive to the extension, to Africa. This is why this needs of populations in the Mekrou concrete needs of the populations of project a gem with strong prospects basin.» the basin. to take care of.

19 Running Water N°21 - December 2016 Special issue on “Mekrou Project” “Water for Growth and Poverty Reduction

Tanor Meïssa DIENG, SITWA Project Manager «Promoting cooperation for a better use of the resource» The management of this project is exemplary in the way it addresses the issue of the water resource in the Mekrou basin and that comes out clearly in all the proj - ect documents. it perfectly fits within the framework of the activities of the project for Strengthening the institutions of Transboundary Water management bodies in Africa (SiTWA) since it is intended to organize all Mekrou basin water management stakeholders. This is the mission of the SiTWA project and enables to work to promote a better use of the resource by the countries sharing these water resources. As part of the Mekrou basin for exam - ple, the three relevant countries Benin, Burkina Faso and niger are engaged in a good prospect for the better management and sharing of the costs and benefits related to the basin resource.

The Mekrou project deals with the institutional aspects and the African network of Basin Organizations is ready to support all basin organizations including the nBA to ent as possible, and enable all States to benefit from the enhance both the institutional framework but the legal resource. and regulatory ones. That is how we can aspire to the The ten-year plan of the AnBO also provides for capac - peaceful management of the resource between the ity building of stakeholders as similarly provided for in countries. There are indeed some countries in Africa the Mekrou draft action-plan. The information system having challenges related to sharing some rivers but component is also key for understanding and ensuring there are also many examples where countries are doing efficient use of the resources. The Mekrou project well together through an institutional framework and a includes the development of a resource database in the suitable legislative framework enabling the resource basin, which is an action line included in the AnBO Ten management body to be as responsible and independ - year (2015-2025) Plan.

ENAW Judith, CICOS Secretary General and ANBO Chair «Transforming waterways into development tool»

i’m happy and proud of our nBA member hosting this proj - ect in one of its sub-basins. i realized that the project affects many people. The Member States involved in the project area are very engaged in all project phases includ - ing the identification of pilot projects, the implementation, the monitoring and this gives me confidence that this proj - ect will be successful. i also noted the commitment and high interest of donor who closely follow the work, the civil society stakeholders including a lady representative of the people of the basin. The project brings together both proj - ect stakeholders and beneficiaries. AnBO works for the populations, the States that have water areas to be developed to promote the integration of peoples, the economic life, social cohesion and a project like this falls in line in the ambitions of our network. Our goal is to transform the various waterways -rivers, lakes, ponds- into genuine development toll for the integration of people and the cooperation for peace. looking at the proj - ect document and listening to all stakeholders, this is what comes out, and this is in line with the objectives of AnBO and fits well with the continental policy of the use of water resources in Africa.

Running Water N°21 - December 2016 20 Let's discover ... The Water Museum : A sanctuary for the development of the water resource introduction The Water Museum, as it is named, is a museum, i.e. an “an institution devoted to the procurement, care, study, and display of objects of lasting interest or value; also : a place where objects are exhibited 1”. in our case the objects have a direct link with the water resource. The Museum was set up in may 2010 to fill in a need to revisit the habits of research, access, uses of water from several cultures in West Africa and else - where. Conscious of the social and cultural importance of water, resource persons working in the field of drink - ing water, hygiene and sanitation have developed and set up the concept of the Museum of Water as a space for the discovery of water-related objects, values, virtues and symbols. The Water Museum is in the nioko i neighborhood, at the northern exit of the city of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso). despite its relatively young age, the Museum of Water is ambitioning to be a framework of learning, A woman drawing water transmission of knowledge, societal values on the from the well inside the habits of populations through their relations to water. museum An ambition commensurate thousand (3,000) objects, materials and various supports having some link with the importance of the with the water resource. These resource objects were collected from popula - tions in several countries of the world The ambition of the initiators of the considering the four (4) stages of the Museum of Water is to enhance water water supply chain. by making visitors discover the socio- cultural dimension of the water Water, from source resource which is a scarce commodity to consumption during a part of the year for several populations of the Sahel. The muse - um wants to contribute to the valori - sation and protection of water resources in desert countries such as Burkina Faso and many other African countries. As a framework for training, informa - tion, education and awareness-raising for all generations, the Water Museum is an innovative and unique concept in the world. its goal is to achieve a col - lective commitment to the protection, preservation and respect of water, the precious capital of humanity, which is Water collection stage undoubtedly the source of all life, «Water is life». Here, we find tools related to the research techniques of water (under - Better understanding water ground and surface) of some popula - tions (wells, boreholes, rivers, ponds in a Museum ...), means of access including tools for digging, etc. up to the tools of in its current phase, the Water access to this water. These are the Museum gathers more than three

21 Running Water N°21 - December 2016 Let's discover...... the Water Museum lures (made of calabash, inner tube of The Water Showcase and the showcase Water and vehicles, recycled cans of oil among literature others), calabashes, pumps (manual, History of Water Courses and pedestrian, wind, electric…). This showcase presents stories, Points poems, rites and customs, anecdotes, Water transportation stage proverbs, maxims and plays on the The Museum has listed dozens of sto - importance of water. Populations, per their residential ries and sayings in several cultures on areas, have or have set up a multitude water. This showcase allows visitors to the showcase Water and of tools to transport water from its familiarize themselves with the fabu - Hygiene / sanitation source to their homes, fields, in a lous legendary stories of rivers. A word, to the places where the mapping of the important sacred in its approach, the Water Museum resource is used. These tools include rivers will soon be available at the has gathered a set of daily tools relat - buckets (plastic, metal, wood), metal museum. ed to hygiene and sanitation. Here and plastic basins, jars, canaries, you can find everything that relates to water rickshaws, leather bottles ... the Water showcase and traditional latrines, different types of Geography of Water courses toilets, showers, kettles, traditional Water storage stage soaps, incense and detergents, ashes, There is much to learn about the toothpicks, brooms ... After transportation, water must be routes of rivers and other important put in tools for storage. Thus, most water ways and lakes. This showcase the showcase Water and Health populations in West Africa have also highlights the negative influences directly taken from the natural envi - of Man on these rivers (anarchic occu - in the developing countries, there are ronment the tools at their disposal or pation of the banks, disappearance of many water-borne diseases. For this by adapting them. Containers such as fish species because of Humans ...) reason, the Water Museum has col - drinking bottles, earthenware water and identifies the names of some lected and / or produced several edu - jugs, drinking water points, filter large cities linked to the Water cational materials (boxes, posters, cans, jars and canaries, carafes, bot - resources around the world. roll-ups) on information, Education tles (glass, plastic) are recorded. and Communication (iEC) on water Some tools can used both for trans - the showcase Water and Water and its importance for Health and the portation and storage depending on Professions local knowledge and the knowledge of traditional healers based on water. the size of the tool. All stakeholders in the water sector stage of water sampling and con - are represented including drilling the showcase Water and sumption (drinking) workshops, mineral water companies, Aquatic Animals water fountains and vendors, ice- At this level are kept goblets, ladles, making industries, peoples and ethnic Water is a natural environment for glasses, calabashes ... in the field, groups, water masters and owners as several animal species. in this show - some populations use leaves of some the Bozo and Somonon tribes (ethnic case are personalized aquatic animals trees. groups in Mali, Burkina Faso and (toads, alligators, fish, hippopotamus - found in several West African coun - es ...). The satirical critique of socio- in addition to these objects, the tries), the Ebrié (Côte d’ivoire), the political facts and events is the form Museum makes of the immaterial one Kotocolis (Togo), hydrologists , chosen by the museum to challenge of the substrates through the valorisa - plumbers, national water companies society on some of its behaviours tion of audio-visual supports (Cd, ... (non-respect of the resource, pollu - Films, Posters, cartoons, ...). tion, waste, refusal to share water ...). Subdivisions and Cultural Valorisation / Water in Cultures the 12 main shows of the Water Museum The Museum of Water is subdivided into several showcases. The Water Showcase The Water Showcase and The Showcase Water The Showcase Water and Geography History of Water Courses and Water Professions and Literature and Points of Water Courses

The Showcase Water The Showcase Water The Showcase Water The Water Show and Hygiene / Sanitation and Health and Aquatic Animals and Languages of the World

The Showcase Water The Women and The Showcase Water The Water and and Great Currents Girls Showcase and, Tones, Sound of Water Religions Show of Contemporary Thought

Running Water N°21 - December 2016 22 Let's discover...... the Water Museum The WASH Chain Tools collected sieves, filters ...). it is a true area of by The Museum valorisation of the couple (Women and Water).

the showcase Water and, tones, sound of Water

it is the sounds, tones and sounds of water that are the language and the vehicle of water that are collected and recorded to better understand their message, for, as an author says «water, if we Knows how to hear it, if one learns its language, will Accessibility of the Water open all knowledge of beings and Museum things. 2 « The sounds and sound effects of the rains, torrents, showers, The Water Museum is open to all runoff, boiling water ... carry mes - those who value water, hence the sign sages and speeches that the visitor at the entrance «no one enters this the Water show and languages will discover in the Museum of Water. museum unless S/he drinks water». it of the World An auditorium of the Museum under is a universe for discovery and educa - construction will allow all listeners to tion for teachers, pupils, students and Water being life, it goes without say - listen to all the decrypted messages of researchers while at the same time ing that language, the vehicle of com - the water as if to say that water is inspiring artists and musicians, the munication between humans contain speaking to us. Museum of Water is also a center of many references to the source of life. attraction and tourist discoveries. The Water Museum has identified and the showcase Water and Great Political and administrative authorities established sociolinguistics in all the currents of contemporary as well as diplomats will find socio- languages of the world of the expres - thought cultural motivations for greater sion «Water is life». engagement in the fight against The Water Museum is also a forum for poverty. Civil society actors, ngOs the Water and religions show exchanges on the major problems of and other associations, visiting the water. it deals with: museum, will discover wonders to Valorising water in the main religions inspire them in their struggles and (Catholic, Muslim, traditional ...) and - transboundary water management and potential conflicts; advocacy for water. Religious and cus - making illustrations / painting on can - tomary actors will appreciate the vases to present to the museum, - the consequences of water scarcity in the world; important role of water in the pacifica - helps to understand the values and tion and mediation of conflicts in reli - functions of Water in religions. - Water and democracy; - Water and gender; gions and customs. - Free water in the world: mirage or the Women and Girls showcase The Water Museum is also a space for reality; exchanges and enrichment of knowl - - will water cause the third world This presents the utensils and con - edge about water for people in the war? tainers that women use for domestic media and communication. it aims to - statistical data on water. needs: baths (pears, pebbles, raise awareness on the urgent need sponges ...) and kitchen (bowls, pots, to safeguard and preserve the water resource for all visitors.

Bringing out the Water Museum

The Water Museum carries out sever - al outreach and training activities that are held on-demand outside the Museum’s premises. These activities include the itinerant Museum Exhibitions consisting of relo - cating / deporting the Museum with some of its pieces in a school, hence the concept of «School Museum». Concept advocated and popularized by unESCO with the Ministries of Education of the countries of the Well at the Museum with world. it is about helping students various tools for drawing water

23 Running Water N°21 - December 2016 Let's discover...... the Water Museum and their supervisors to be more in stories, legends ... through practi - Enhancing the visibility contact with the tangible and intangi - cal exercises in the «Water ble heritage in its content, methodol - Workbook of the School»; of the Water Museum ogy and pedagogy. - Reminding some important dates related to water and the environ - gWP-WA supported the creation of 25 The Water Museum in collaboration ment, such as 22 March (World written symbolic which are very emble - with the Water Project in the High Water day), 5 June (World matic for the Water Museum comple - Comoé-PEHC- and the ngOs (OXFAM Environment day), 15 October ting the already available symbols. (World Hand Washing day), etc. ; Visitors the Water Museum have a / One drop) organized the itinerant good appreciation of these new written museum exhibitions in the primary - The commitment of of pupils and symbolic. and secondary schools in the West of their supervisors for the preserva - The gWP support also aimed to enable Burkina in the communes of Banfora, tion of water and the promotion of the Museum to have an operational Moussodougou, Bérégadougou, Peni hygiene and sanitation ...; website offering a worldwide presence and Toussiana. These traveling muse - - The elaboration of the Roadmaps. on the internet. um exhibitions touched fifty (50) pri - The design and printing of 1,500 lea - mary schools and ten (10) secondary Achievements and lessons flets allow the Museum to offer them to schools. learned from itinerant museum visitors, tourists and diplomats. Many exhibitions pupils and students visiting the Water Museum have benefited from these contents and impacts of Many achievements have been capi - leaflets. itinerant Museum exhibitions in talized and good lessons learned dur - The support of the gWP allowed the Primary and secondary schools ing the itinerant museum exhibitions silkscreen printing on thirty (30) T-Shirt of which the most relevant to remem - for the Water Museum. during the tra - The itinerant museum exhibitions in ber are: veling museum exhibitions, the Water primary and secondary schools deals Museum workers dress with these T- with the following themes: - Student enthusiasm to make hand shirts reinforcing the visibility of the washing at school systematical; institution. - Knowledge and definition of water, - The cleaning of the school space is the word water in local languages; included in the students’ sched - - Traditional or endogenous tech - ules; contribution of everyone. The muse - niques of investigation of water - Hygiene and Sanitation Clubs are um needs: with exercise of demonstration of established in primary schools and the rod of the dower, the pendu - function well; • individual visits, in professional lum ... - The content of the teachers’ cours - groups, in family ... - A commented exhibition of uten - es considers the pedagogical con - • intellectual contributions (innovative sils, containers, objects for collec - tent of the traveling museum exhi - tion, transportation, storage and bitions. and revolutionary ideas); taking of water; - Students commemorate some • Material contributions (provision of - A commented exhibition on important dates such as World objects, tools, visual and audio tools hygiene and sanitation technolo - Handwashing day and World ...); gies; Water day. - A commentary on the figures of the • Financial contributions for drilling on gaps on the access of populations Supporting the Water the site, construction of huts, pur - to drinking water and sanitation in chase of computer equipment, audio- Burkina Faso; Museum concept visual media for the equipment of the - Water and gender; auditorium ... - The place and functions of water in The Water Museum is still in full edifi - literature, tales, proverbs, myths, cation and needs the support and gWP West Africa believes in this con - cept and its importance in promoting good governance of water resources. Therefore, it has chosen to accompa - ny the Water Museum since some years in its activities of communica - tion and visibility. This report is part of this support which must be continued in other forms so that the ultimate objectives of the Museum that fits well with those of the gWP network and the ECOWAS Regional Water Resources Policy are reached. contact : Alassane sAMoUrA , director of the Water Museum, Sociologist and Anthropologist Email: [email protected] 09 BP 983 Ouagadougou 09 A visitor showing two written signs Tel + (00226) 70.23.98.37 and 25 46 07 40

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