5 1. Summary Introduction
9 2. Istanbul Declaration of Heads of States on Water
11 3. Istanbul Ministerial Statement
15 4. Istanbul Water Guide
33 5. Ministerial Roundtable Reports
48 6. Parliamentarians for Water Statement & Helpdesk document
51 7. Istanbul Water Consensus and list of signatories and champion cities
59 8. Thematic Outcomes, based on a collection of commitments, initiatives and proposals
67 9. Regional Outcomes
103 10. Children’s Declaration
105 11. Youth Declaration Outcomes of the 5th World Water Forum Istanbul 2009
Water is at the heart of today’s global challenges, including rapid population growth and mass migration, the effects of the financial crisis on infrastructure investment and the impacts of climate change and variability on development. The World Water Forum is a key factor in our collective response--as a global water community--to addressing these challenges and finding solutions that work for the benefit of all. This publication represents a compilation of the collective action of thousands of participants leading up to and during the 5th World Water Forum, held in Istanbul, Turkey, 16-22 March 2009. It will provide a benchmark for continued progress.
Istanbul Declaration of Heads of States on Water action to be implemented to improve water security and management at all levels. It was inspired by about 30 For the first time in the Forum’s history, Heads of international declarations and was developed with the States/Governments from a number of selected countries contributions of thematic and regional coordinators and met and launched a broad-based Appeal for Action, a call representatives of major groups. that seeks water security, climate adaptability and interna- tional solidarity through a more strategic use of the world’s Ministerial Roundtable Reports most precious resource, water. Eight ministerial roundtable discussions were organized Istanbul Ministerial Statement with a variety of stakeholders on 21 March 2009 in Istanbul, the outcomes of which independently mirrored those of the Distilled from one year of discussions and negotiations, the thematic process. The roundtable subjects covered water- Ministerial Statement was adopted by more than 160 related disasters, water and climate, financing, coastal governmental delegations. It includes many commitments, zones, sanitation, water and energy, Africa, and water for for example to intensify efforts to achieve MDG targets, food and poverty eradication. implement IWRM and information sharing at the river- basin level and prevent and respond to water-related disasters. Parliamentarians for Water Statement & Helpdesk In addition, it also encourages appropriate infrastructure, document better scientific research, education, technologies and use of financial resources, while emphasizing the need to share The 5th World Water Forum gathered an unprecedented experiences and best practices. assembly of 263 Parliamentarians from 57 countries. Following discussions around four central themes, the Istanbul Water Guide Parliamentarians drafted a statement and launched the idea of a permanent international Parliamentary “Helpdesk” to An accompaniment to the Ministerial Statement, the Istanbul aid political cooperation on water legislation and its Water Guide lists 140 recommendations for concrete implementation. 05 Istanbul Water Consensus and list of signatories and champion cities
In Istanbul, 250 Local and Regional Authorities from 43 countries presented the Istanbul Water Consensus (IWC), a new compact for Local and Regional Authorities. In Istanbul, 58 signatories commited to prepare action plans to analyse and cope with the challenges they are facing and to report on their progress at the next World Water Forum. Since the Forum, over two hundred additional signatories have joined the ranks, and the list will continue to grow, fueled by the efforts of 10 major “champion cities.”its implementation.
Thematic Outcomes
This chapter is based on a collection of commitments, initiatives and proposals spanning over 100 sessions. One recurring message was that progress can only be achieved through an interdisciplinary approach, both at the international and national levels, due to the interrelatedness of water issues across so many different sectors. There is therefore a need to reinforce the preliminary linkages made at the 5th World Water Forum and continue to think “out of the box.” In addition, education, capacity development and financial support need to be enhanced in virtually every domain to support further progress. Finally, solutions must be sustainable and flexibly adapted to specific local or regional circumstances: no “one size fits all” approach can be applied to water management.
Regional Outcomes
This compilation of seven regional processes presents many important statements taking into account regional specificities, in both thematic and political arenas. These processes were important catalysts for mobilizing stakeholders, promoting cooperation and impacting political action in their regions. Organisers and participants committed to organize regional preparatory fora in the future to support continued progress on water issues in local contexts.
Children’s Declaration
Held just prior to the Forum, the Children’s Forum welcomed 135 children from 21 countries who discussed and agreed on the Children’s Declaration.
Youth Declaration
An assembly of over 200 young people from all over the world, the Youth Forum encouraged youth to become vectors of that much needed change for the better. The Youth Declaration that they produced was read during the Forum’s closing.
06 HEADS OF STATE Outcomes of the DECLARATION 5th World Water Forum Istanbul 2009 ISTANBUL DECLARATION OF HEADS OF STATES ON WATER 16 March 2009
e, the Heads of States, Governments and Water resources cannot be managed without appropriate capacity International Organizations, gathered in Istanbul and properly designed and maintained infrastructure. Thus, on 16 March 2009 on the occasion of the 5th investment in these areas should be given the highest priority. World Water Forum, under the theme "Bridging W Many decisions taken at all levels of government both influence Divides for Water", appeal to all national governments, international organizations and other stakeholders to generate a and depend significantly on water. Yet this connection is rarely common vision and framework to develop and manage water recognized and much less acted upon. resources in a sustainable manner and to guarantee access to safe water and sanitation for all. Therefore, we urgently need new policies, adaptation strategies, institutional reforms with the effective contribution of local Water sustains human life and the environment; it connects people, elected administrations and water users, international commitments, cultures and economies. Water is indispensable for all economic financial mechanisms, technology and innovation in order to and social development, food security, and ending poverty and address global water issues and adapt water management hunger. It is also essential to achieve the Millennium Development strategies to the global changes. Goals and other internationally agreed development goals. We affirm our political will to take rapid action bearing in mind The world is facing major global changes, such as rapid population the key elements of success: Solidarity, security, adaptability growth, migration, uncontrolled and unhealthy urbanization, and useful dialogue and cooperation on transboundary waters land-use changes, economic expansion, changes in trade patterns, between neighbours. Working together with a participatory, inter- climate change, which have a direct negative impact on water sectoral and multi-disciplinary approach to manage water resources. These global changes are seriously threatening water resources, the world can and will attain greater prosperity and availability and quality and encourage overextraction. The recent increased stability through the sharing of the many benefits of water. economic and financial crisis also must be acknowledged and its consequences on integrated water resources management and To achieve this, we call on all nations to join efforts in order to services urgently need to be evaluated. develop a global framework for addressing the world’s water issues and to implement tools that will help us accomplish Water also has a power to destroy lives and livelihoods as has solidarity, security and adaptability. been experienced through floods, hurricanes and droughts, and climate change is expected to exacerbate these already disastrous We, the Heads of States, Governments and International events. Organizations gathered in Istanbul, pledge to create a more sustainable and water safe world in the 21st Century and, in this 07 context, appeal to everyone to join us in meeting this challenge. ■ ISTANBUL MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
08 ISTANBUL MINISTERIAL Outcomes of the STATEMENT 5th World Water Forum Istanbul 2009 ISTANBUL MINISTERIAL STATEMENT
22 March 2009
e the Ministers and Heads of Delegations assembled Therefore, we the Ministers and Heads of Delegations, present at in Istanbul, Turkey, on 20-22 March 2009 on the the Ministerial Conference of the 5th World Water Forum, share occasion of the 5th World Water Forum, the view on the following: ‘Bridging Divides for Water’, are determined to W 1.We will intensify our efforts to reach internationally agreed address the global challenges related to water within the context of sustainable development. We, therefore: upon goals such as the MDGs and to improve access to safe and clean water, sanitation, hygiene and healthy ecosystems in the Reaffirm the prior commitments made by national governments shortest possible time through appropriate policies and to achieve the internationally agreed upon goals on water and adequate financial resources at all levels. sanitation, including those in Agenda 21 and the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation, and acknowledge the decisions of the 2.We will further support the implementation of integrated United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development water resources management (IWRM) at the level of river basin, (UNCSD), the multilateral agreements relevant to water, water watershed and groundwater systems, within each country, and, use, sanitation and health. where appropriate, through international cooperation to meet economic, social and environmental demands equitably, inter alia Recognize the need to achieve water security. To this end it is vital to address the impact of global changes, taking into account the to increase adaptation of water management to all global changes interests of all stakeholders, using a participatory process in and improve cooperation at all levels. decision making and planning while creating better links between relevant sectors to achieve solutions that benefit all parties. Recognize that the world is facing rapid and unprecedented global changes, including population growth, migration, 3.We endeavour to improve water demand management, urbanization, climate change, desertification, drought, degradation productivity and efficiency of water use for agriculture including, and land use, economic and diet changes. where appropriate, building irrigation networks and also improve rain-fed agriculture to increase crop productivity and conserve Recognize, in particular, the specific challenges facing different water with a view to achieving sustainable production of sufficient parts of the world, especially Africa, in meeting the MDGs and food for rapidly increasing populations, and changing consumption attaining an acceptable level of water security for socio-economic patterns, improving living standards, especially in rural areas, development. and ending poverty and hunger consistent and in harmony with internationally agreed development goals and other relevant international obligations/agreements. 09 ISTANBUL 4. We support country-led development projects in different sectors related to water, MINISTERIAL especially with regard to energy and food security and poverty eradication. We will work STATEMENT to build new and maintain, strengthen and improve existing infrastructure for multiple purposes including water storage, irrigation, energy production, navigation and disaster prevention and preparedness that are economically sound, environmentally sustainable and socially equitable.
5. We will strengthen our understanding of the impacts of global changes on water resources, natural hydrological processes and ecosystems. We will work to preserve environmental flows, increase the resilience of and restore degraded ecosystems, taking advantage of new mechanisms as well as partnerships with foresters to enhance water- related forest services.
6. We will strengthen the prevention of pollution from all sectors in surface and ground- water, appropriately applying the polluter pays principle, while further developing and implementing wastewater collection, treatment and reuse.
7. We will consider the need of water-short areas to invest in desalination and wastewater treatment for reuse and provide technological support and know-how to make them sustainable and affordable.
8. We will respect international law providing protection for water resources, water infrastructure and the environment in times of armed conflict and cooperate in its further development, as necessary.
9. We resolve to develop, implement and further strengthen transnational, national and/or sub-national plans and programmes to anticipate and address the possible impacts of global changes. Assessments of varying hydrological conditions, extreme water events and the shape and functionality of existing infrastructure are essential in this context. Investment efforts to establish necessary infrastructure, to increase storage and drainage capacity in particular, needs to be scaled up, taking into account water efficiency.
10. We resolve to work to prevent and respond to natural and human-induced disasters, including floods and droughts. We resolve to proceed, where possible, from crisis management to disaster preparedness and prevention of human-induced disasters and risk management by developing early warning systems, implementing structural and nonstructural measures, both for water resources and access to water and sanitation, and building capacity at all levels. We resolve to also take necessary post-disaster mitigation and rehabilitation measures for affected people and hydrological systems.
11. We will strive to improve water-related monitoring systems and ensure that useful information is made freely available to all concerned populations, including neighbouring countries.
12. We will clarify at all levels, as appropriate, the roles, rights and responsibilities of all actors and promote cross-cutting coordination and policies, in particular to provide people with access to water and sanitation as a key to achieve sustainable development while maintaining responsibility in line with social considerations, with national governments and local authorities, and support various forms of partnerships.
10 13. To improve at the national level the governance of the water sector, we will, as ISTANBUL appropriate, aim to: MINISTERIAL STATEMENT a) Promote institutional water management reform, b) Strengthen water sector laws and regulatory frameworks, increase political and administrative accountability for their implementation, and ensure their effective enforcement, c) Prevent corruption and increase integrity in implementing water-related policies, plans and practices, d) Ensure transparency in decision making processes, e) Strengthen public participation from all water stakeholders.
14. We will support scientific research, education, development and adoption of new technologies and broadening of technological choices in the field of water and promote their utilization towards sustainable use and management of water resources and to increase the adaptive capacities and resiliency of societies. We will make efforts to promote international cooperation in the development, application and diffusion, including dissemination of technologies, practices and processes in water issues, as well as in scientific, technological, socio-economic and other research, towards improving universal access to water and sanitation.
15. We acknowledge the discussions within the UN system regarding human rights and access to safe drinking water and sanitation. We recognize that access to safe drinking water and sanitation is a basic human need.
16. We will take, as appropriate, concrete and tangible steps to improve and promote cooperation on sustainable use and protection of transboundary water resources through coordinated action of riparian states, in conformity with existing agreements and/or other relevant arrangements, taking into account the interests of all riparian states concerned. We will work to strengthen existing institutions and develop new ones, as appropriate and if needed, and implement instruments for improved management of transboundary waters.
17. We invite international organizations and institutions to support international efforts to enhance the dissemination of experiences and sharing of best practices on sustainable water resources rehabilitation, protection, conservation, management and utilization.
18. We strive to prioritize water and sanitation in national development plans and strategies; develop local and national/regional water management plans; allocate adequate budgetary resources to water management and sanitation service provision; to lead donor coordination processes, and create an enabling environment for water and sanitation investments. We strive to mobilize resources from all sources, including public and private.
19. We will promote effective use of financial resources from all sources, including encouraging international financial institutions, development partners and beneficiary countries to increase support for water management, water supply and sanitation. We also will resolve to support more effective and diversified support, credit and financial management systems that are easily accessible and affordable.
20. Acknowledging that new and adequate resources are needed to achieve the MDGs, we call upon the international community, development partners and private sources of financingto invest resources to complement the efforts made by developing countries and countries with economies in transition, to develop sustainable water resources management and to build the infrastructure base for a sustained socio-economic growth, especially in Africa and least developed countries. 11 ISTANBUL 21. We acknowledge the need of fair, equitable and sustainable cost recovery strategies MINISTERIAL and we will therefore promote and implement realistic and sustainable financing STATEMENT strategies for the water sector, especially water supply, good water quality and sanitation sectors. We acknowledge that exclusively economic approaches and tools cannot capture all social and environmental aspects in cost recovery. Financing strategies should be based on a best possible use and mix of tariffs for all forms of water services, taxes and transfers to cover needs related to infrastructure development and extension, operation and maintenance.
22. We finally acknowledge that water is a cross-cutting issue. Thus, we will communicate our message to those outside of the water sector including the highest political levels. We will make our best efforts to follow this issue in order to develop innovative governance, integrated water policy management, legal frameworks, cross-sectoral policies, financing mechanisms and technologies in combination with capacity development.
Therefore, we the Ministers and Heads of Delegations, present at the 5th World Water Forum Ministerial Conference share the view to:
(A) Convey the results of the 5th World Water Forum Ministerial Process to relevant international and regional processes,
(B) Challenge ourselves and call upon all stakeholders to take into account this Ministerial Statement and its recommendations to be incorporated, as appropriate, into our national policies related to water resources management and services and link these results to the 6th World Water Forum, and take note of the Istanbul Water Guide and its recommendations.
(C) Continue to work together with Parliaments and Local Authorities, to address water and sanitation issues in a mutual fashion,
Finally, the Ministers and Heads of Delegations present at the 5th World Water Forum Ministerial Conference would like to:
(D) Thank the Government of Turkey, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and the World Water Council for their organization of the 5th World Water Forum and the Ministerial Conference.
(E) Note with appreciation the participation of National Governments, Regional and International Organizations and stakeholder groups in the Ministerial, Regional and Thematic Processes of the 5th World Water Forum. ■
12 ISTANBUL WATER GUIDE Outcomes of the 5th World Water Forum Istanbul 2009 ISTANBUL WATER GUIDE Table of Contents
BACKGROUND
THE PROBLEM
THEME I: Global Changes and Risk Management THEME IV: Governance and Management Element 1: The Role of Water in Adapting to Climate Change Element 1: The Right to Water and Sanitation for Improved Access Element 2: Water-related Migration, Changing Land Uses, Element 2: Water institutions and water reforms Human Settlements and Water Element 3: Ethics, Transparency and Empowerment of Stakeholders Element 3: Managing Risks and Disasters Element 4: Optimizing Public and Private Roles in Water Services
THEME II: Advancing Human Development and the Millennium THEME V: Finance Development Goals (MDGs) Element 1: Sustainable Financing in the Water Sector Element 1: Ensuring Water, Sanitation and Hygiene for All Element 2: Cost Recovery Strategies as a Tool for a Sustainable Element 2: Water for Energy, Energy for Water Water Sector Element 3: Water and Food for Ending Poverty and Hunger Element 3: Pro-poor Financing Policies and Strategies Element 4: Multiple Use and Functions of Water Services THEME VI: Education, Knowledge and Capacity Development THEME III: Managing and Protecting Water Resources and their Element 1: Education, Knowledge and Capacity Development Supply Systems to Meet Human and Environmental Needs Element 2: Water Science and Technology - Element 1: Basin management and transboundary water cooperation Appropriate and Innovative Solutions Element 2: Planning to ensure adequate water resources Element 3: Professional Associations and Networks Element 4: Access to Data and storage infrastructure to meet human Element 5: Water and Culture and environmental needs Element 3: Preserving natural ecosystems Element 4: Managing and protecting surface, ground, rainwater ANNEX I: Contributing Documents and soil 13 ISTANBUL 4 In the context of this 5th World degree. The population of the planet is WATER GUIDE Water Forum Ministerial Process, the estimated to increase by 50%, meaning term "Global Changes" is referred to 3 billion additional inhabitants, by ISTANBUL as including, but not limited to popu- 2050. More than half of the world's 1 lation growth, migration, urbanization, population now lives in cities, and this climate change and land-use, increasing urbanization is set to continue. WATER GUIDE consumption and economic changes, Population will continue to increase as and therefore increasing pressures on will rural-urban migration, adding natural resources and ecosystems. difficulty to reach the agreed Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) on access 5 The Istanbul Water Guide is to water and sanitation and increasing BACKGROUND configured to "mirror" the Thematic pollution at the same time. The demand, Programme of the 5th World Water and probably prices, of natural 1 The Ministerial Declarations of Forum to make the connection resources and energy will increase as the past World Water Fora have been between the technical side of the the planet's inhabitants grow in number important contributions in laying Forum and the political, "Bridging and consumption increases. Humans down the world's priorities concerning Divides for Water", the over-arching are altering global systems at a rate not water resources and services. Yet, theme of the 5th World Water Forum. previously experienced. These drivers, water-related problems still persist, Contributions were made directly by and the constraints that limit the ability and are even becoming more significant the Thematic, Topic and Regional to adapt to them, affect the developed as a result of global changes affecting, Coordinators of the 5th World Water and developing world in different in particular, the economy, the demo- Forum and other significant interna- ways. graphy and the state of natural tional meetings and Regional Summits resources. There is thus a need to and consolidated into a single text 7 Critical issues have recently been accelerate action by all actors to make which outlines the issues the world the focus of politicians and media progress towards creating a water-safe is facing with regards to water and alike. Oil prices, food prices, global environment for the world's citizens. sanitation as well as objectives to economic turbulence and water-related address those issues. disasters feature high on the list. What 2 The goal of the Istanbul Water the world is not talking about is how Guide is to go beyond those statements these are related to, impact on and are and create an agenda for action by affected by water. There is an inextri- national governments in partnership cable link between all of these issues with stakeholders to address the critical and water yet the connection is not areas of water resources management, being made at a higher level, which governance and finance. THE PROBLEM endangers not only water resources and ecosystems, but humans and their 3 The Istanbul Water Guide livelihoods as well. It is not well represents recommendations from 6 The world is facing changes at a understood within political arenas that experts from throughout the world and faster rate than ever seen before. These water resources are among the important is not intended to be a binding document changes such as population growth, factors that drive the current changes, for governments but has two major migration, urbanization, land-use affecting nations as well as local objectives: changes and climate variability/ change will drive the way in which communities. This adds to the already high impact of polluted water affecting • To help and guide governments water resources need to be managed in billions of people as well as ecosystems. to adjust their priorities and the future. They also call for concrete With the onset of global changes, the actions plans according to the contributions from water policies and world must confront these issues difficulties they face; and actions to help the world cope with these changes. While climate change urgently so as not to let both lives and • To inform relevant intergovern- has been the most talked about topic, economic well-being slip through our mental processes of the results other changes taking place will likely fingers. of the 5th World Water Forum affect water resources and services and Ministerial Process. their management to a much greater
1 This Istanbul Water Guide was prepared through a series of Preparatory Committee Meetings (PrepComs) with the attendance of representatives of national governments as well as major 14 and stakeholder groups and the Thematic and Regional Coordinators of the 5th World Water Forum. This document is based on the broad views of the participants of the PrepCom series and the outcomes and recommendations of a number of technical and political meetings, such as symposia, conferences, summits and regional water fora held until early 2009 (see list in Annex 1). 8 These messages have to be taken 9 Throughout history, water actions national and local governments ISTANBUL to those outside of the "water box", have been societies' main activity to are not prepared for the changes WATER GUIDE which include the highest political adapt to changes in climate and that will occur, potentially levels. The cross-cutting nature of the nature. They have been the means by making a worse situation. Let water sector makes it an important which decision makers create ways to us set the agenda now while we have resource for other interests. Often, avoid social disruption and violence the opportunity. decisions affecting water are not in the under the shock of events with too hands of water professionals but in the much or too little water. The 5th World hands of decision makers in related Water Forum offers the opportunity to sectors. The water sector must help help create a framework for assisting inform these decision makers in order nations and communities to mitigate for them to make more sound choices for and adapt to those global changes about how they utilize water in their in a sustainable way. The situation has activities. already been critical for decades, but
THEME I: Global Changes and Risk Management
Element 1: The Role of Water into consideration the impacts of their be seen not only as part of the in Adapting to Climate Change policy choices on the hydrological cycle problem, but part of the solution with that affects rural, populated and urban regards to climate change. Groundwater 10 Think outside the "water box". areas. The strategic impact assessment carries a buffering capacity against Climate change/variability affects not is a tool that can add value with climate change; therefore sustainable only the hydrological cycle, but areas thinking "outside the water box" for groundwater management, desalination that are closely related to water, forest the development of high level policies and wastewater treatment should be and land. An integrated approach to and identification of hot spots. part of the national strategies. adapt to these changes through better Hydropower development and inland management of space, land and water 11 Develop national and/or sub- navigation needs to be revisited and as media for mitigation, adaptation national water-related adaptation developed as an adaptation measure. and disaster preparedness and to strategies. National and sub-national Non-structural adaptation measures ensure food security, energy security, strategies need to be developed for such as spatial planning, ecosystem economic development, environmental adaptation to climate change/variability protection, social concerns, communi- protection and equity is required. taking into account international cation, awareness-raising and risk Water is more affected by food, energy adaptation programmes. These need to management plans are essential. and other policies than by water policies be integrated in existing and national Support rural areas as they are the themselves. It is recommended that IWRM plans and strategies. Assess- foundation of agriculture and are the water community finds ways to ments of needed infrastructure for extremely sensitive to global changes. help politicians and experts of other adaptation should be carried out and Projections of climate change impacts sectors to understand these broadened then required infrastructure planned should be developed at a smaller scale perspectives and their implications for and financed. Adequate approaches, and localized to provide relevant policies. It is also recommended that such as climate-friendly small-scale information to policy makers and national governments, including technologies, besides large-scale water managers responsible for ministries of agriculture, forestry, infrastructure should be taken into major urban areas. The importance interior, public works, industry, finance, consideration, not only because of of collection and dissemination of energy, health, education and other potential impacts, but also the long climate and hydrological information sectors "outside the water box", take time frame for construction. Water can is stressed.
15 ISTANBUL 12 Apply the IWRM approach including the uncertainties, a longer- that is related to population dynamics WATER GUIDE to address adaptation to term horizon is required for community especially between rural areas and climate change. The impact of development and involvement and urban areas in developing countries. climate change on the water large infrastructural investments, cycle should be assessed and communi- beyond the planning horizon adopted 19 Strengthen institutions and cated. Capacity development to support by the Millennium Development policies, which bolster resilience in better management of water resources at Goals (2015). populations. Policies are needed, all levels, national, regional and local, which strengthen resilience, systema- including river basin organizations 16 Incorporate climate change tically reduce incentives that drive (RBOs) should be supported to build assessments in National Plans environmental degradation, improve resilience to climate change. Application related to water. At the national level, livelihood opportunities and provide of the IWRM approach will balance social integrate an assessment of climate enhanced risk management capacity. and economic impacts, minimise environ- change impacts into National Water These policies should include input mental impacts and preserve ecosystems. Plans and create adaptation measures from all major groups/stakeholders in line with those impacts for sustainable and address cultural and gender 13 Identify the countries and water security in social, environmental concerns as to strengthen civil society communities that are most vulnera- and economic needs. and major group roles. ble to the hydrological impacts of climate change. Areas identified by 17 Close the financial gap for 20 Increase awareness about the the IPCC as most vulnerable to the adaptation. While it is a nation's impact of environmental degradation. impacts of climate change include responsibility to finance their national Knowledge about degradation of the least developed countries and water management programmes, water resources and climate change small island developing States (SIDS), climate change may add additional can guide governments, migrants, and low lying densely populated coastal challenges within the overall develop- potential migrants to take necessary areas, areas affected by glacier melt, ment/sustainability agenda, resulting precautions for the safety of populations. and arid areas with fragile populations, in the need of additional external economies and environments. Interna- financial resources for developing 21 Develop sound monitoring tional efforts to identify "hot spots" countries to implement adaptation systems. Take stock of and improve and make accessible operational tools measures. While recognizing that existing monitoring systems and to further identify areas and groups several financial initiatives are being develop new and innovative ones. that are at highest risks from the launched recently on mitigation and hydrological impacts of climate adaptation, the additional needs 22 Improve legal frameworks. change should be scaled up. Strategic cannot be met with the present Include environmentally induced Environmental Assessments can help (inter)national adaptation funding migrants, environmentally displaced identifying vulnerable locations and instruments alone. people and internally displaced systems, to be followed by factoring populations due to water related effects in climate proofing into water resources ■ within international legal instruments. management and water services. Improve the existing international Element 2: Water-related legal instruments to protect the rights 14 Design infrastructure projects to Migration, Changing Land Uses, of displaced individuals and/or better manage hydrologic variability, Human Settlements and Water communities. including the likely effects of climate change. Infrastructure projects should 18 Improve the knowledge base on 23 Provide adequate humanitarian anticipate the likely affects of climate the change of water-related popula- response. Environmental changes and change as well as hydrological variations. tion dynamics. As the window for armed conflict may result in substantial Infrastructure should be redesigned identifying appropriate adaptation human movements, which will require and re-engineered as necessary to pathways to global changes narrows, adequate humanitarian efforts to avoid withstand extreme events and to perform it is imperative to address how changing escalating tensions. Natural disasters under changed circumstances. climatic and environmental conditions and armed conflict will displace large affect individual and group decisions numbers of people temporarily, while 15 Develop long-term scenarios and to migrate. Assemble data and relevant the steady and continuous impact of strategies for action in all planning scientific information on the subject is climatic stressors will permanently activities. To cope with the impacts pertinent in order to develop strategies displace many more people over 16 of increasing climate variability and to manage migration. Understand the an extended period. In the face of climate change on water and livelihoods, dynamics of agricultural development environmental stress, assistance must be in place to prevent crisis and maintain should be comprehensively studied Assist rural areas and cities ISTANBUL peace among resource-stressed and and understood. in instituting structural and WATER GUIDE possibly poverty stricken groups on non-structural risk manage- the move as well as assess impacts of 25 Integrate water-related Disaster ment plans/measures to reduce sanitation and waste creation of those Risk Reduction into national deve- damage from water-related disasters. migrating and address them. lopment plans and finance. Within National governments should ensure this remark, it must be recognized that that urban centres develop and enforce ■ adaptation to climate change must appropriate spatial planning and take on a high priority for national bylaws that reduce risks of water-related Element 3: Managing Risks governments while establishing national disasters that take into account the and Disasters and local goals targets for water-related various impacts on different major Disaster Risk Reduction. International groups. 24 Assess the risks and possible and regional strategies and action consequences of water-related plans also need afforded priority, 28 Protect the access to drinking disasters. Water-related natural disasters, especially in cases of transboundary water and sanitation services during namely droughts and floods, are the risks. Public and private investment in and after disaster and in situations primary killers, and heavily affect infrastructure, non-structural measures of armed conflict and occupation. millions of people, especially among and human resources are needed with All parties to the conflict must respect the poorest. These disasters are serious safety of populations as a priority. International Humanitarian Law impediments to sustainable development protecting objects that are indispensable and poverty reduction. Huge economic 26 Increase preparedness level of to the survival of civilian population, losses can also be ascribed to water- afflicted populations. Through the use such as drinking water installations related disasters, including massive of raising public awareness, increasing and supplies and irrigation works. impacts to infrastructure, shelter, the human capacities of nations, from Humanitarian response to the civilian health and food production. The local to national levels, to confront population in general, to women and influence of climate variability/change water-related disasters, the strengthening children, elderly, refugees, sick and with the likely increased frequency of and development of early warning wounded in particular must be granted droughts and floods will increase the systems considering vulnerable areas aiming at re-establishing or upgrading vulnerability of populations. Demogra- and groups of people, and the creation drinking water and sanitation installa- phic changes, urbanization, migration preparedness indices, to make nations tions and supplies disrupted by the and lack of adequate infrastructure are more prepared to confront water-related disasters or the direct or indirect effects also putting higher numbers of people disasters. of armed conflict and/or occupation. at risk than ever before. Therefore, Combine measures and efforts to prevent assessment of the risks and possible 27 Institute risk management any appearance and spread of water- negative consequences of water-related plans/measures. Shift from crisis related diseases. disasters encountered by global changes management to risk management.
THEME II: Advancing Human Development and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
Element 1: Ensuring Water, necessary actions in order to expand medium- and long-term targets and Sanitation and Hygiene for All access to water and sanitation. Such timelines, going beyond the MDG plans need to include aspects related and Johannesburg Programme of 29 Develop national and sub- to appropriate sanitation technologies, Implementation targets. National and national plans of action. Each country wastewater collection and treatment sub-national plans should take into should develop national and sub- and be tailored to the economic, social account preservation of all ecosystem national plans of action, along with and environmental conditions and services. The requirements of under- 17 appropriate policies, outlining the needs. The plans need to specify short- served urban and rural populations, ISTANBUL residents of arid and semi-arid sanitation and hygiene. Strengthen poor and disadvantaged. Use modern WATER GUIDE areas and informal settlements, local water services through Water approaches such as community-led should be addressed appro- Operators Partnerships (WOPs). total sanitation, marketing for behaviour priately in the development of Establish regional, North-South, change, educational programs to change these plans, while incorporating indige- South-South North-South-South part- behaviour towards water, sanitation nous knowledge, women's and children's nerships to build capacity, exchange and hygiene. In addition, using such knowledge and needs and give specific best practices, transfer knowledge, strategic processes as Poverty Reduction attention to vulnerable groups. Priority strengthen local cooperation and Strategy Papers, raise the profile should be given to schools, health finance projects. of water, sanitation and hygiene so centres, public centres and emergency development agencies take more robust preparedness. Identify one accountable 32 Mobilise resources for water, action towards meeting the needs of institution to takes clear leadership of sanitation and hygiene. Develop those without these services. the national sanitation portfolio and sustainable financing strategies to enable establish one coordinating body with implementation of national and sub- 36 Consider the full impact of specific responsibility for sanitation national action plans for water and sanitation on health, environment and hygiene that would work in sanitation. National governments are and the economy. Better take into conjunction with the health and responsible for defining appropriate consideration the sanitary, environ- education sectors. budgetary allocations to water, sanitation mental and economic benefits of and hygiene. Authorities responsible improved sanitation, in both developing 30 Improve monitoring of access for delivering water and sanitation and developed countries. The Interna- to sanitation and water. Monitoring, services should implement sustainable tional Year of Sanitation 2008 has raised based on data provided by national cost recovery through a mix of tariffs, awareness about the direct relation governments, of access to safe and clean taxes and transfers, including Official between poor or lack of sanitation and water and sanitation is essential. Exis- Development Assistance. Contributions slow progress against health targets, ting WHO-UNICEF Joint Monitoring from international financing institutions environmental degradation, low Programmes should be further and development partners should productivity and economic activities. supported and expanded to include respond to demands expressed by additional indicators, including gender recipient countries. 37 Improve Integrated Sanitation and age-segregated data, such as Management. Recognise wastewater connection to sewerage networks and 33 Build capacity in water, sanitation as a resource and develop its use, wastewater treatment, to measure and hygiene. Mobilise more technical whenever and wherever appropriate global progress towards meeting the resources and build institutional, and properly controlled. Wastewater internationally agreed upon goals technical, managerial and planning may be used for irrigation and solids, on water and sanitation. Develop capacity at all levels, but especially at suitably treated, may be used as ferti- monitoring of the quality of water, the local level. lisers and for energy production from the continuity of water supply, hand biomass and heat. Integrated Sanitation washing programmes and segregated 34 Use appropriate, acceptable and Management should be considered as sanitation facilities in schools and economically available technology. part of IWRM. health centres. At national level, With the full participation of commu- analyse the discrepancies between the nities, design, implement and evaluate ■ various national datasets describing sustainable technical solutions to the types of access to water and water and sanitation problems using Element 2: Water for Energy, sanitation in order to strengthen the appropriate, innovative, and economi- Energy for Water base and the monitoring of national cally available as well as indigenous policies. technologies. 38 Improve the knowledge of the water-energy nexus. There is too little 31 Build cross-cutting local, regional 35 Raise awareness on sanitation thought and planning being introduced and international partnerships. and hygiene. Inform both the public to the water-energy nexus in most Increase the efforts and means of and decision makers on the benefits of parts of the world, especially developing governments (local, regional and water, sanitation and hygiene to the countries. With fluctuating costs, rapid national), water operators, civil society, economy, health and the environment decisions have to be made about how NGOs, water users and the private and make them aware of the sense of these two sectors will be interrelated. sector to partner together to assume urgency of the issue. Promote and It is therefore important to develop 18 and share the costs, risks, results and make available sustainable, affordable a good understanding of the water- impacts of investment in water, and appropriate technologies to the energy nexus at the local, national, regional and international levels as countries and water institutions in 45 Conduct more research to ISTANBUL both water and energy actions place at order to reduce these impacts. In addition better evaluate impacts of WATER GUIDE the global level all the way down to to compensation, options for investing biofuels on water resources. individual communities where water in water conservation, energy efficient Biofuels may play a significant and energy choices take place on the pumping and transport mechanisms role during the 21st Century. Impact ground. Wide participation from relevant should be considered. assessments, risk and benefit studies on stakeholders is necessary from both the production and use of biofuels will sectors to include users and user 42 Use efficient and appropriate contribute to optimize water use taking associations, professional associations, technologies in both water and into account aspects of quality, quantity business and the private sector, regulators, energy sectors. There is an extraordi- and food production. governments, NGOs, scientists, the nary amount of technological innovation academic community and workers and that seeks to reduce interrelated ■ trade unions, farmers' organizations and energy and water footprints in the civil society. delivery of these essential services. Element 3: Water and Food for Increasing efficiency in energy use Ending Poverty and Hunger 39 Enhance the coordination of in the water sector, irrigation and water and energy policies. Water and desalination in particular, and water 46 Introduce policies to promote energy policies are rarely well coordi- use in the energy sector is crucial for the "more crop per drop". Increasing nated. Increasingly, agencies are reducing the footprints of both sectors the prevailing low yields - in both rain- taking a boarder approach to the impacts on the other. fed and irrigated crop land - has of water on energy policy and vice- the largest effect on the reduction of versa. Far better coordination is required 43 Invest in sustainable and water use per kilogram of produced to establish markets and investment socially responsible hydropower food. The increase in water use effi- conditions and regulatory mechanisms, and water storage. There is an acute ciency/productivity is mainly caused which optimize water and energy use lack of infrastructure in some parts of by reduction of evaporation from the and re use. the world for hydropower and storage. soil, due to better cover of the plants Investments in small- and large-scale and the resulting increased interception. 40 Conduct national water energy- infrastructure need to be made to Higher food prices will incentivize food sustainability assessments. Not make energy production cleaner and producing higher yields. Poor farmers enough is known about how water, greener while at the same time generally achieve low yields due to energy and food are inter-related and take into consideration the possible lack of resources and technology, and even less about how new trends and advantages these structures have for will especially benefit from support to climate change will impact the use of water-related disaster mitigation, improve yield per unit of water. both resources. It is important to inland transportation, agriculture, conduct national water and energy poverty eradication and other uses. 47 Promote small-, medium- and resource sustainability assessments Application and development should large-scale agricultural development considering agriculture and poverty be encouraged, as hydropower is an projects. Governments should promote aspects and through these define effective adaptation measure in the development of small-, medium- and sustainable water and energy context of climate change. Due large-scale, affordable and sustainable resources at regional, national and concern to minimize social and infrastructure and other agricultural sub-national levels. environmental impacts of hydropower projects suited to the intended should also be given. beneficiaries and pay due attention 41 Changes in energy prices to market access, water cost recovery should be addressed in all aspects of 44 Enhance inland waterborne issues in agriculture, resilience to and water management. Energy costs transport. Inland waterborne transport managing risks of natural disasters, will directly impact water pumping is a model of transport that is more especially by small-scale farmers, and and transportation costs, which may energy efficient. It is necessary to the possible effects of climate change. have consequences on water access, promote navigational use of water- especially by the world's poorest courses in view of energy conservation, 48 Scale-up the modernization of populations. Sustainable compensation efficient energy utilisation and climate irrigation and drainage systems. mechanisms by national, regional and change mitigation, which contributes Development and modernization of local governments need to be designed to improvement of the water-energy irrigation and drainage system schemes well in advance, changes in design nexus. in the broad sense (technical, managerial, may need to be considered and financial and environmental) will be 19 experiences need to be shared among required at a large-scale to achieve the ISTANBUL required increase in food pro- to reduce these losses on the demand Multiple use systems consider also WATER GUIDE duction, eradication of poverty side of the food chain would generate support important cultural values and and hunger and protection of the a significant diminution of the water functions that are essential for local environment. Water can then be footprint per capita and would probably well-being and livelihoods and might saved for other uses or money saved to as well facilitate access to food by the provide ecological benefits which include further develop the source of water. poorest yet should not take pressure flood control, groundwater recharge, Irrigation is not the only means of provi- off the efforts to improve system water harvesting, water purification ding water for agriculture so that more efficiency and efficient use of water in and biodiversity conservation. Diver- focus on improving rain-fed agriculture cities, businesses, power generation sification of water sources and of and rain-water harvesting is also needed. and agriculture. productive activities is instrumental in increasing local community resilience 49 Strengthen and support water- ■ and management to global shocks and related institutions and associations. risks that may result from climate or Governments, especially in emerging Element 4: Multiple Use and market crisis. economies and least developed countries, Functions of Water Services accelerate the adoption of participatory 54 Recognise the interrelationship management of irrigation/drainage 52 Acknowledge the wide-spread between multiple uses, the functions infrastructure, the formation of practice of multiple uses and functions of water services and integrated professionally oriented farmer/water in water systems. Historically people, water resources management. user organizations, enhance legal systems communities, and water managers have Multiple use practices are an inherent and support financially irrigation/ been using man-made delivery systems element of the Integrated Water drainage administration. Strengthen or natural water systems deliberately for Resource Management (IWRM) the transfer and dissemination of more than a single use. In many rural approach, which should be strengthened. irrigation/drainage technological and and urban areas, domestic water Management agencies of large irrigation management skills from professional networks are used for small-scale systems are often the only water experts in governments and international productive activities. Similarly, irrigation services providers, notably during dry organizations to the farmers' irrigation/ systems are often de facto providing periods. Sound governance of these drainage management organizations; large amounts of water within their systems should be ensured to encompass command areas that facilitate access the principles of IWRM and to 50 Understand the changes in to water for many other uses through recognize the needs of all stakeholders. nutrition and diets in the context recharge of surface streams and of supply and demand. With the groundwater. Lastly aquatic systems 55 Capitalize on the sustainability increase in the standard of living, caloric (wetlands including rice-based systems) of multi-services water management. intake in emerging countries rises provide many critical productive and Multi-service water management along with the type of food consumed. ecosystem services to nearby popula- provides the opportunity to increase This has a direct affect on water used tions. Under appropriate stakeholder the sustainability of water system in the production of meat and dairy management processes, the practice of management by sharing the operational products and crops, which contribute multiple uses and functions can prove costs and benefits among several uses most to the change in diets, are some- to be sustainable and very efficient for and users. All water-use sectors need times water intensive. Understanding the community. to be taken into consideration. The these trends, especially the importance challenge is to move away from a of livestock, will help develop with the 53 Recognize the multiple benefits sector-silo approach to water system conservation, re-use and allocation of of multiple uses and functions of management and administration. water resources. water services including for the Service oriented management needs most vulnerable users. Multiple use to take a broader approach in order systems can provide the more vulnerable to encompass all realms including 51 Re-engage in the reduction of users with low cost services for domestic sustainable cost recovery, subsidies food losses "from field to fork". water, water for agriculture (irrigation, and to work in an integrated way to Food losses along the production- rain fed), homestead, garden, water for develop and manage community water consumption chain are considerable cattle, habitats for fish and other aquatic resources at the local level. It should and equivalent to a great waste of resources and rural enterprise water encompass social aspects, women's water resources mobilized at field supplies. The same infrastructure may and men's priorities and ecosystem level. This represents by far the greatest be used for these services as well as services. 20 losses in water in agriculture and animal for hydroelectric power and, in some husbandry. Developing programmes cases, to aid inland waterway navigation. 56 Develop country visions and reviewed continually in the light irrigation and other water use ISTANBUL promote local strategies. All stake- of changing circumstances. Local agencies should consolidate WATER GUIDE holders at the national level should governments should be empowered and conserve their water develop a consistent vision of multiple to overcome sectoral boundaries by services to achieve integration use and functions of water, including integrating elements of long-term and coordination of groundwater, domestic, agricultural, ecosystem and technical, financial and cost sharing, surface water, rainwater, wastewater, industrial, with a thorough analysis of and institutional support packages recycled water and other sources of opportunities and constraints. This according to the agreed multiple water water supply for urban and rural areas. vision and these decisions should be use needs. Municipalities and cities,
THEME III: Managing and Protecting Water Resources and their Supply Systems to Meet Human and Environmental Needs
Element 1: Basin management than a source of conflict and a constraint and data exchange and management and transboundary water for development. Nevertheless, there and use of transboundary water cooperation exists wide diversity of political, social, resources. economic, cultural and environmental 57 Prepare adaptive strategies. As challenges to confront in addition to 60 Increase the number of river potential climate and other global those arising from hydrological factors. and lake basin and groundwater changes increase, they will put at risk Thus, in order to harness sustainable organizations, their strength and food and energy production, social and benefits of transboundary water capacity. Where river and lake basin, economic welfare, public health that will resources for all riparian countries, coastal, marine and groundwater require adaptive strategies to manage joint efforts need to be made. However, institutions or organizations do not water resources, both surface and this necessitates first the willingness exist, they are encouraged to be groundwater, equitably in light of the to cooperate which can only come out established, especially in the cases of agreed principles of international law. through extensive dialogue, mutual transboundary river basins and aquifers. There is also currently a weakness trust and understanding among riparian River basin organizations promote of legal, political and institutional states. cooperation, mutual understanding infrastructure that is capable of dealing and confidence building, as well as with the international complexities 59 Improve the legal and institu- improve coordination and exchange of of transboundary water resources which tional framework of transboundary data and information, set up fact-finding are related to issues such as national waters. In the last 50 years, over 200 procedures and support implementation sovereignty, security, water rights, bilateral and multilateral agreements of joint programmes and projects. population, economy, culture and have been signed on the use of trans- Where river basin organizations do ecosystems. boundary water resources. There are exist, to strengthen their capacity to several regional and international confront the complexities of changing 58 Improve understanding and conventions in force related to circumstances, including global changes. strengthen cooperation in the transboundary waters. They often transboundary context. Optimal form part of cooperative endeavours 61 Nations are encouraged to seek utilization and effective protection of and a basis for the definition of fair, equitable and win-win solutions the transboundary surface and ground principles and responsibilities that are in negotiations over transboundary water resources are only possible if considered in international law. National water. All parties are not equal in riparian states cooperate in line with laws should be established or improved strength, yet are in equal need to address internationally agreed principles. to reflect these principles with regards water-related issues for their human Transboundary water resources present to transboundary waters, where and environmental needs. The solution 21 an opportunity for collaboration rather appropriate, in terms of information for sustainable and integrated water ISTANBUL management is to pursue equity, and stability at the national and sub- Element 2: Planning to ensure WATER GUIDE economic efficiency and envi- national levels. Promote IWRM at the adequate water resources and ronmental sustainability where basin level, wherever appropriate, storage infrastructure to meet all parties win, including and clearly define the roles and human and environmental stakeholders. responsibilities of coordinating and needs coordinated sides. 62 Develop harmonized integrated 68 Encourage a holistic approach water management plans. Water 64 Take into account the interests within a sustainable development resources ought to be managed at the of stakeholders. In order to manage framework. Decisions to build infra- basin level with a holistic approach basins and build sustainable and equi- structure should be made on the basis of considering their availability and the table agreements when negotiating an assessment of the full range of competing demands, including the over water issues, it is very important options available to meet specific needs, demands of ecosystems. Equitable, to include all stakeholders and ensure based on the principles and approach reasonable and optimal utilization and a participatory process. Stakeholder of IWRM. Storage types have to be protection of transboundary water inclusion can reduce the risk of future adapted to their purposes in size, from resources as well as protection from disputes. small- to large-scale, and type (water water-related disasters with assessment harvesting, small dams, large dams, and management of flood risks and 65 Promote cross-border monito- desalination, and surface and ground- accidental pollution is only possible in ring and data exchange. Through the water management). Recognize the this way. Development of long-term sharing of technical knowledge and value of soil, groundwater, surface management plans at the basin level data and information exchange and water, wetlands, snowpack and food are imperative for reflecting the position coupled with joint monitoring/data stocks as storage. and needs of all major stakeholders of collection schemes, nations can work a river basin, including the preparation closer together, build relationships and 69 Develop frameworks and of contingency plans for mitigating improve understanding between one approaches to determine and effects of accidental pollution. Riparian another. prioritize needs. The biggest difficulty states should harmonize both their of decision makers is to arbitrate water supply and water demand 66 Share infrastructure and their between often competing needs. Take management plans for the purpose of benefits, and jointly finance. To into consideration spatial planning, making the best possible use of water increase the cooperation of nations on protection of natural resources and resources and sustainable water cycle one another and find more benefits ecosystems, social priorities, particu- management within the interest of all that sometimes may not be readily larly protecting and improving human riparian countries taking into account apparent, governments should pursue, health, and adaptation to climate Principle 2 of the Rio Declaration on sharing benefits, jointly financing change when determining water needs. Environment and Development. projects, seeking also third party- Supporting developing countries in their international financing and sharing choices by taking account of their 63 Support the implementation infrastructure to meet basic human unique situations and learning from of Integrated Water Resources needs and create other benefits such as the experiences of their peers would Management process. Support the energy production, irrigation and be very helpful. implementation of integrated water transportation. resources management into national and 70 Expand storage and integrate sub-national policies on water resources 67 Encourage research, education downstream infrastructure indeve- management as well as the management and training on transboundary water loping countries. In many regions of of surface and groundwater basins. cooperation. Education on water the world, storage infrastructure for Critically analyze cases of IWRM to resources, especially transboundary surface water and natural and artificial share lessons and encourage replication waters, is lacking among water recharge of groundwater is lagging of good practices. Ensure stakeholder managers, decision makers and other behind and therefore putting at risk the participation in local river basin stakeholders. Increased opportunities populations that depend on water for processes and IWRM partnerships. for such training should be provided irrigation as well as protecting them Representation of local governments at different scales, from local to from floods. In particular the needs of should be included in local river basin international. Develop joint research Africa must be addressed in the processes and IWRM organizations. projects to improve collaboration and context of lack of infrastructure. This Cooperation and the inclusion of understanding. expansion is justified by storage infra- 22 principles of sustainable development structure's contributions to economic and IWRM help promote synergy ■ and social development, but must be carried out without compromising sustainable development, such as Element 4: Managing and ISTANBUL environmental integrity, social justice sustainable forest and wetland protecting surface, ground, WATER GUIDE and international law. management, including the non- rainwater and soil market value of ecosystems. 71 Integrate social and ecological 79 Integrate water quality mana- sustainability. Within the framework 75 Use ecosystems as a buffer gement. Integrate water quality of IWRM, social and ecological to climate change. Consider the management in order to protect all sustainability should be integrated into uncertainty climate change may bring water resources from all pollutant storage infrastructure projects with a to the ecosystem's functioning and sources and pressures. particular focus on building overall acknowledge the value of ecosystems water resilience from the local level to to reduce the risk of non-linear 80 Understand groundwater rights, regional river basin scales. This will changes, hazards, and the exacerbation laws and policies and develop new require a holistic approach concentrating of poverty. ones, with regulation and enforce- on water to sustain economic sectors ment, where there are gaps. Such such as energy, agriculture, industry 76 Mitigate the degradation of information, including social forces and water supply systems, as well as ecosystems and their services. Create and incentives that drive present-day water to sustain other ecosystem the necessary enabling institutional water management practices, will help services such as carbon sinks and and social environment for achieving in the formulation of policies and biodiversity for water flow regulation, reversal of the degradation of ecosystems incentives to stimulate socially-and which are key for water partitioning while meeting the increasing demands environmentally-sound groundwater and long-term human well-being. for their services. Cooperate with the management practices. This is forest and land management experts particularly relevant in those situations ■ working with international initiatives where aquifers cross boundaries and and organizations with a view to is therefore important to promote Element 3: Preserving natural jointly enhance forest and wetland cooperation for the management of ecosystems services, in particular the water-related water resources. Many groundwater services from forests. resources across the globe do not have 72 Promote ecological corridors laws and policies that govern them and networks. In view of global 77 Support programs for biodiver- either because of a lack of institutional changes including climate change, it is sity, water body restoration and capacity or scientific knowledge. critical to strengthen the resilience of ecosystem enhancement. Actions to ecosystems for change by reducing protect and rehabilitate ecosystems 81 Develop policies and institutions and/or undoing their fragmentation, by and natural hydraulic processes are to protect and to integrate the promoting ecological corridors such as a strong element of adapting to management of aquatic ecosystems. wetlands and forests, and by sustainable climate change, reducing water-related Manage basins not just with a view water cycle management and sharing disaster risks, and balancing population towards surface waters, but to integrate their economic and social benefits. pressures. each basin's surface, ground, rainwater and soil into management practices 73 Consider the impacts of water 78 Preserve surface and subsurface taking a holistic approach with a view infrastructure on ecosystems and environmental flows. Adherence to towards sustainable utilization and take mitigation measures, if needed. environmental flows is the obligatory environmental protection. All four Growth of population and the resulting priority vector of surface water use; sources are inter-related and affect one new infrastructure for production of therefore ecological flows should be another, so they need to be appropriately food and hydropower, navigation and given appropriate importance in the addressed in cross- sectoral policies flood protection will have impacts strategy of transboundary and national governing water management practices. on ecosystems and the natural environ- basins' water use as well as in annual ment. Take appropriate measures to planning. Conduct comprehensive 82 Incorporate ecological approaches mitigate any potential negative impacts. inventory studies on environmental into urban water management. Such flow needs as a large majority of an approach is instrumental in searching 74 Valuate ecosystem services and freshwater ecosystems have not been for more sustainable solutions that are integrate ecosystems into planning assessed and then establish, implement increasingly characterized by local and decision making of development and enforce standards on limitations to approaches with reduced environmental projects. Plan and incorporate the the reduction or alteration of flows. flows that avoid large imports of integration of ecosystem management water, energy and materials, exports of 23 goals in other sectors, in the context of ■ pollution and that minimize ecological ISTANBUL disruption. Examples include management. Promote, disseminate increase supply in agriculture and WATER GUIDE rainwater harvesting, reducing and upscale successful examples water security in the context of changing unaccounted for water, waste- of small and medium-scale water rainfall patterns associated with climate water reclamation and reuse, resources management on the national, change. Builds skills and capacity which reduce both the need for regional and global scales. to share knowledge on rainwater importation of high-quality water and management strategies among all the discharge of pollution into receiving 84 Afford more attention to water users. waters, and can reduce infrastructure rainwater. Include rainwater manage- costs. ment in national water management plans, where possible, that support 83 Upscale good practices in small social and economic development and medium-scale water resources outcomes and referencing its utility to
THEME IV: Governance and Management
Element 1: The Right to Water independent and easily accessible coordination and policy development. and Sanitation for Improved complaints mechanisms to address Special attention should be given to Access denials of, or interferences with, any defining policies that incorporate the citizen's right to water and sanitation. specific needs of and opportunities for 85 Review and revise national laws the poor, as expressed by them, for and policies to reflect the principles 88 Promote information and enhancing living standards through of the right to water and sanitation. training available to all. Require access to water supply and safe, gender- Review and revise all relevant national that all water and sanitation authorities sensitive sanitation, irrigation and to laws and policies relating to water provide all relevant information in an ensuring that water allocations are supply and sanitation, water resource accessible form to the people, including sustainable within hydrological limits management, public health, land use, on their rights and duties, and that in accordance with the principles of irrigation and related areas to reflect people are given an opportunity to IWRM. Reform efforts should come the principles of the right to water and participate in decision-making affecting from all stakeholders, both the high sanitation to ensure progressively their rights. Training, as necessary and political level as well as from the access to sufficient, safe and affordable requested, should be provided for the grassroots level while thinking water for personal and domestic uses, representatives of marginalized and "outside of the box". educational institution or health vulnerable groups in order to ensure centre, as well as access to culturally that they can participate on an equal 90 Couple institutional reform acceptable, safe and adequate sanitation footing with other groups and advocate with capacity development. Reform within each household. for their rights. should include capacity building, the introduction of more appropriate 86 Promote access to water and ■ management systems, and more effective sanitation. At the global level, work institutional coordination between all to mobilize resources from all sources Element 2: Water institutions players, especially at the basin level. to ensure basic access to clean and and water reforms This is particularly the case among safe water and sanitation for all within government agencies, but there is also the shortest possible time. 89 Carry out policy, legal and a need to build better links between regulatory reform. Reform is an government, the private sector, 87 Establish clear roles, responsi- essential condition for sustainable and civil society, and community-level bilities and coordination mechanisms effective change. Governments should organizations. to settle disputes. Ensure that there ensure that a supportive environment is a clear allocation of responsibility exists for sustained efforts in all sectors 91 Improve the relationship between between relevant government actors related to water and should clearly define national and local water institutions 24 responsible for water and sanitation the roles, rights, and responsibilities of at the basin level. Strengthen and ensure that there are effective, all actors and promote cross-cutting coordination between national, basin and local water institutions to create 94 Institutionalize pollution pre- decisions that relate to water ISTANBUL a balance in the oversight and vention. Provide clear and enforceable management in the broadest WATER GUIDE management of these institutions. regulations at the government level to sense. Participatory procedure, Harmonize actions between the national prevent pollution of water resources including development of and local levels to facilitate effective by agricultural, industrial or domestic indicators, dissemination of information and efficient management at both waste. Similarly, Mayors can rely on and monitoring, have to ensure input levels in order to maximize resources. the regulators to prevent pollution by from all stakeholders in disseminating Incorporate a multi-sectoral approach agriculture, industries or domestic processes, resolving conflicts of when necessary. Promote public- waste from the city itself. interest, lead to equity and in general private-partnerships, as appropriate. involve the voice of civil society. Utilize civil society and the scientific 95 Recognise the need for clear community to enhance these partner- and sustainable allocation of water 98 Promote transparency and ships. for different uses and effective prevent corruption. In all aspects of regulation of its application. related to the management of water, 92 Recognize the role of small- Governments at the appropriate level support fully transparent processes of scale water providers. Small scale need to allocate the use of water between decision-making. Open water-related water providers, water boards, farmers its many uses and users, having institutions, information and processes associations and communities play a respect to the sustainability of ecosys- to transparency. Prevent corruption in large role in extending water supply tems, societies and economies. This the water sector through transparency, delivery to poor communities and armers requires attention to the levels of sus- good governance, public accountability in urban, peri-urban and rural areas. tainable abstraction from the natural and access to justice. Facilitate regulatory and monitoring resource. The application of these mechanisms for these providers. Ensure allocation decisions and laws and 99 Incorporate good governance affordability and that the poor and low regulations need to be appropriate, into water management policies and income people are not paying excessive enforceable and enforced. This practices. Include participation, equality, prices for water. requires appropriately empowered, accountability, from both development resourced and informed regulators. partner and recipient nation, 93 Strengthen and support transparency, the rule of law and decentralization efforts. Empower 96 Create effective regulation, consensus-based decision-making local and basin-level institutions monitoring and enforcement. in the governance structure of water by strengthening and carrying out Ensure effective regulation and moni- resources management. decentralization from central govern- toring of service provision relating to ments according to basic recognized compliance with access targets, tariff 100 Promote a water ethic. Encourage principles, as water services are best structures, service and performance a "water ethic" in policies of water provided at the local level while standards of water resource use, management where there is, for humans, having a connection with the national including prevention of pollution and equity in the accessibility to water for level through coordinated activities. limits on abstraction. Informal service future generations. Before decentralization is carried out provision should be regulated at least at a local level, research in order to in relation to quality and price ■ comprehend the local context under of service. Establish enforcement which the reforms will take place and to mechanisms where necessary to aid Element 4: Optimizing Public avoid unexpected and bad consequences. with compliance. and Private Roles in Water Central governments should create an Services enabling environment for decentralized ■ institutions to ensure that they have 101 Improve public sector providers/ financial, technical, legal and human Element 3: Ethics, Transparency utilities. Increase the efficiency and capacities for effective local management, and Empowerment of reach of public sector providers, rural including coping with rapid urban Stakeholders and urban, through capacity building, expansion, poverty and global changes. cooperation between water operators Strengthen existing local institutions 97 Engage with a wide range of through partnerships and increased and where local institutions do not stakeholders. In order to achieve financial and technical resources. exist, establish them while incorporating sustainable, resilient and effective policies Develop, support and expand the public civil society, user groups, water and practices, all stakeholders including sector water providers and authorities professionals and other stakeholders governments and representatives of all through rational investments. Decen- 25 in their functioning. major groups have to collaborate to reach tralize the ability to raise funds to the ISTANBUL local levels and strengthen the establishment of an agreement with 105 Strengthen the capacity and WATER GUIDE decentralized cooperation so as clear targets, mutual commitments and efficiency of public authorities. not to depend on purely govern- clear differentiation of respective roles, Public communities should carry out ment finances where applicable. duties and responsibilities between the competitive tendering of projects in a authority and each of its operators, transparent, inclusive manner, perform 102 Facilitate the choice of the best public or private. progressive assessments to chart service providers, regardless of changes over time between operators sector. Utilize all available providers 104 Raise awareness about and in order to monitor compliance with in order to achieve coverage for all promote public and private roles and standards and regulations, and create under the supervision of government public-private and public-public benchmarks to compare operator or public water authorities. Stakeholder partnerships. Lack of knowledge and performance with other operators involvement in these processes keeps understanding of public and private taking into consideration contextual both public and private providers provision of services has hindered the differences. When the possibility of accountable to the greater public. provision of those services themselves. private sector participation of water Efforts must be made to raise awareness services occurs, conduct socio-political 103 Clearly define and formalize about the benefits of the roles of the assessments to determine the feasibility roles. For all actors, delineate roles of public and private sector provision of of such a change in provider and take water, sanitation and agricultural water and sanitation services as well necessary measures to eliminate services provision and then formalize as how public-private partnerships corrupt practices. these roles into contracts, otherwise carry out these activities. known as "contractualization", which is
THEME V: Finance
Element 1: Sustainable are considerable potential benefits that 108 Ensure operational capacity by Financing in the Water Sector are still untapped. National governments, coupling "soft" investment and local authorities, development "hard" investment. Investment in 106 Urgently increase and better- partners and international financial infrastructure needs also investment in target investments and finance institutions need to act urgently, not institutional frameworks and develop- to bridge the gap in financing. The only to increase the finance for the ment and the human capacity to financial needs of the sector, from sector but also to improve the targeting manage, operate and maintain the water and sanitation, irrigation and effectiveness of the financing and infrastructure, and vice versa. There is networks, river basin management, to create an enabling environment. a need to build the technical, financial flood risk management, hydropower, and managerial and planning capacity wastewater management, rehabilitation 107 Mobilize political will with sound of sector stakeholders at all levels, of polluted and/or degraded water economic and social arguments. especially local, in order to ensure sources, reservoirs and aquatic systems, Facilitate a better understanding of the successful operational outcomes. data collection and climate change water/poverty eradication/economic adaptation, are enormous and increasing. growth nexus for decision makers and 109 Strategic financial planning is a Investments in the water sector are political leaders. The water sector is means to establish consensus and crucial to meet the broader MDG fundamental to the poverty reduction, build a sustainable cost recovery targets of reducing poverty, hunger, economic development and environ- strategy. An approach to address the child and maternal mortality, and the mental sustainability agendas; yet it challenges is through strategic financial incidence of major diseases, to only manages to attract a fraction of planning for the water sector. Such improve environmental sustainability the financing that is needed. Improving plans establish realistic policy objectives and realize economic benefits. In spite decision makers' and political leaders' regarding access to water and sanitation of recent year's efforts to increase the understanding of the economic, social, services that are affordable to public amount of financing for the sector, the health, and environmental benefits of budgets and households. They consider 26 gap between needs and actual invest- investing in water will encourage the ways of mobilising more financial ments is actually widening while there flow of sustainable financing. resources, reducing excessive demand, and improving the cost-effective use Official Development Assistance to build affordability as seen by these ISTANBUL of resources. Strategic financial planning institutions to prepare for infrastructure users. WATER GUIDE helps to reach consensus on policy projects and build the capacity of choices and the way they can be water operators to be better prepared 115 Empower local authorities achieved. Such planning processes to attract new financial resources. in implementing sustainable cost should engage all relevant stakeholders. Also, improve the modalities for recovery systems. Where local This can lead to a more rational use of national governments and ODA authorities are responsible for service existing financial resources and facilitate investment in infrastructure and capacity provision, national governments must access to additional ones. development of regional importance. provide them the necessary authority to implement appropriate and sustainable 110 Diversify the sources of finance cost recovery systems, through tariffs, to bridge the gap in financing. The ■ budget subsidies, consistent with water sector's capital expenditure international obligations under the requirements are enormous. No single Element 2: Cost Recovery World Trade Organization and respective source of finance is large enough to Strategies as a Tool for agreements. They should be predictable meet its financing needs in the short to a Sustainable Water Sector in order to allow for investment, while medium term. In addition to optimizing ensuring affordability for all through the financing from tariffs, taxes and 113 Adopt fair and equitable cost subsidies and/or cross-subsidies that transfers, access to debt and equity recovery strategies. Achieve fairness makes access to water affordable for financing, from international financing between all categories of water users each category of water-user. institutions, commercial sources and while promoting universal access to from domestic financial and capital water and sanitation services. Ensure 116 Match cost recovery strategies markets, can be used to bridge the financial resources by appropriate cost with sustainable development financing gap for capital investments. recovery mechanisms for good quality objectives. Cost recovery strategies service, maintenance, infrastructure, should reflect sustainable development 111 Facilitate sub-sovereign access social objectives and investment as objectives. Ensure that tariffs are to financial markets. Governments needed. Such changes cannot be made perceived as responding to principles need to allocate adequate resources to without appropriate institutional and of fairness, equity and sustainability, the sub-sovereign level, especially technical reforms to carry out cost access to and consumption of adequate smaller and poorer towns, to finance a recovery reform and to enable cost levels of services remain affordable critical mass of basic local infrastructure recovery. Stakeholder participation is for each category of user, poor and services including water supply and crucial in order to achieve consensus low income level people in particular, sanitation. These allocations can leverage and a smooth transition. and cost recovery policies do not restrict additional sources of financing from access to water and sanitation services. development partner agencies and 114 Encourage sustainable cost Review and analyze water and sanitation lending institutions. Such payments/ recovery. The public authorities cost recovery policies according to transfers should be made more responsible for providing water services their implementation in a realistic predictable, performance- based and should develop sustainable long-term manner considering peculiarities of better targeted. Governments and cost recovery policies, anticipating all poor and low-income people. financial institutions should also help future cash-flow needs of the service local authorities and smaller communi- and to support new investments by ■ ties to access national and international combining revenues from tariffs that are capital markets and enable better affordable to each categories of user Element 3: Pro-poor Financing flows and coordination of existing with the budgetary resources from taxes Policies and Strategies finances. Increase the efforts for both and transfers that are predictable functional and fiscal decentralization enough to allow investment. Sustainable 117 Promote innovative pro-poor and private sector involvement, where cost recovery includes investment and financing policies and strategies. suitable and in the context of an operating costs as well as the cost of Promote such initiatives as microfi- appropriate regulatory framework. maintaining existing infrastructure. nance, output- and outcome-based aid, Include environmental costs of water the financing of local private sector 112 Increase Official Development services provision in cost recovery for providers and sharing the costs between Assistance (ODA) to capacity deve- maximum efficiency. Also create the public and private sectors, for lopment and project preparation. pro-poor incentives or alternative cost connecting the unserved. Subsidizing Development partners and Multilateral recovery mechanisms according to the initial connection charges is often 27 Financing Institutions should increase domestic circumstances to ensure more effective for increasing access ISTANBUL than subsidizing recurrent marginalized and poor areas where principle of common, but differentiated WATER GUIDE consumption costs. Improve public networked water systems do responsibilities in this regard. investment environments by not reach. It is important to recognize establishing more effective their role and the gap they fill while 120 Reaffirm, in a period of global and diverse credit and financial also defining their role, increasing financial and economic crisis, the management systems that are their regulation and their capacity as importance of governments' conti- accessible and affordable to the well as their financing to utilize their nuous support to the water sector. poor. unique niche markets while ensuring Recognize that investments in water affordable prices and their capacity. infrastructure should be duly considered 118 Recognize the role of small- for inclusion in national economic scale water and sanitation suppliers. 119 Facilitate technology transfer stimulus packages. This could also Small-scale private water and sanitation and the generation of additional include the promotion of internationally suppliers provide water for many financial resources. Incorporate the coordinated financial instruments.
THEME VI: Education, Knowledge and Capacity Development
Element 1: Education, sector, and those that are marginalized be identified and reviewed -decision Knowledge and Capacity by society yet have important roles to makers need to learn from these Development play in water resources management. stakeholders and apply the lessons Everyone needs opportunities to learned, such that they use local 121 Share information and know- access education on water resources capacity and knowledge, work with ledge. Free access to scientific literature such as non-traditional and vocational local reformers, build capacity of local for professionals and researchers in training. Strengthen the role of the institutions and civil society, and apply developing countries should become media in this regard. The concepts of the subsidiary principle to empower an increasingly important factor in virtual water and water footprints are the local actors. A balanced combination reducing the knowledge gap that now powerful communication tools. They is called for to incorporate top-down exists between the North and the should be further developed and used (often larger scale) and bottom-up South. Decision-makers should adopt to influence decision makers in (often smaller-scale) approaches and policies and set incentives for their governments and the private sector procedures. organizations to overcome hurdles of so that the imports on water scarce communication, lack of data and skills regions are taken into account in trade, 124 Build learning networks. training, to improve knowledge and agriculture and industry policies. Networks are also becoming very helpful know-how and remove limits on the These concepts should also be used to to disseminate and share informal private sector to engage in information educate consumers about the impacts knowledge, identify common problems, and communication services. Deve- of consumption of food and other build attitudes and confidence, and lopment partners should provide more commodities on water resources. It is generate new knowledge. South-South fellowships dedicated to e-learning. also necessary to give attention to and North-South triangular cooperation providing water education to children and networks provide platforms to 122 Educate all water users and on the conversation of water. share lessons and adapt them from one decision makers. Concerted global place to another. In addition to these action should be taken to educate and 123 Build on existing local knowledge. horizontal networks of peers, the need enhance the knowledge of water, Local actors are at the front line as they is growing for "vertical" connectivity sanitation, ecosystems, water production are the first in addressing local problems. from networks through which local technology and water-related issues They hold valuable knowledge and stakeholders can access global networks to all water users, but especially to experience and this still too often goes and knowledge. 28 decision makers at national and local unrecognized. Their knowledge and levels, both in and outside of the water experience, as well as technology, should 125 Promote integrated approaches. others can be utilized in any part of the careers in areas where such ISTANBUL Multi-disciplinary problem-based world. International cooperation should advances are made. Such oppor- WATER GUIDE learning and demand-driven research be promoted in not only the transfer tunities and participation in such agendas should be promoted to over- of technology between countries, programs should be encouraged come the lack of capacity to tackle but also in the access to data related to at the national and local levels. with global challenges. Educational technology. and other knowledge institutions should play active roles in multi- 129 Broaden technological choices. ■ stakeholder partnerships for water The range of technology choices for resources management. This will agricultural, domestic and industrial Element 3: Professional allow more effective problem solving consumption must be broadened to Associations and Networks and better sharing of traditional and include the improvement of current formal knowledge. technologies and overcome limitations, 132 Support regional and national for instance desalination, water and professional associations. Where 126 Create "learning" organizations. harvesting, water reuse and recycling national and professional associations The best organizations in public and risk management and disaster exist, for governments to give further administration are "learning" organi- preparedness as well as the development support to achieve goals and mandates, zations, just as knowledge-driven of innovative, low-cost technical especially in Africa. Where no national corporations in the private sector tend approaches, such as local household associations exist, to partner with inter- to be the more successful businesses. technologies, that can be implemented national professional associations to They allow themselves to change in in poor communities. Where possible, support the formation of nascent response to new challenges and to new appropriate technologies and their national associations. knowledge. responsible use should be given precedence. How technology and 133 Carry out human resources technological options can be used by assessment. It is not currently clear ■ communities and the participation of how many people are working in water those communities in the planning around in the world, how are their living Element 2: Water Science and process should always be taken into and working conditions and, where and Technology - Appropriate and consideration. what are the precise needs of the sector. Innovative Solutions An urgent requirement is for a periodic 130 Support and promote global assessment of the state of the sector's 127 Combine advanced technology water science programmes. In order human resources in order to globally with capacity development. While it to understand complex interactions bet- monitor the state of the "professional is necessary to be innovative and ween the hydrological cycle, associated infrastructure" and help develop a high create new technologies, and especially biogeochemical cycles and the global performance workplace whereby information technologies, that are drivers, scientific research in these workers have access to the skills cutting edge, this should be combined areas needs to be intensified and required of their jobs, including social with the use of indigenous knowledge. extended. It is of particular importance priorities. Sophisticated technology can only to build relevant capacities in developing work if it is accompanied with capacity countries and have the local research 134 Strengthen umbrella bodies. development. Sustained operations, community participate in relevant Numerous professional associations maintenance and skills training must global research programmes. The role and networks exist without a strong, coincide with the use of high-tech of international water education developed umbrella body with the aim solutions. Raising awareness is the institutions is extremely important in of facilitating stronger synergies first step, however, in making urban this regard. Appropriate scholarship between these associations and water managers, farmers and other programmes for developing countries networks. water professionals aware technology need to be developed and implemented. that is available to them. Considering 135 Engage professional associations the cost of energy and food, this is 131 Promote science and technology in policy and investment. Professional especially true for the use of irrigation in tertiary education. In order to associations including trade unions, technology. properly advance scientific and farmers associations, business asso- technological solutions to water ciations, chambers of engineers provide 128 Promote national, regional and resources problems, quality educational a wealth of knowledge and expertise international cooperation. While opportunities need to be in place in on various issues related to water, 29 some technologies are local in nature order to attract students to pursue depending on their central focus, from ISTANBUL the local. These associations and ■ gement and dissemination, which WATER GUIDE networks can be more involved constitute the foundation of all IWRM and engaged in capacity buil- Element 4: Access to data processes. The United Nations, the ding, at the earliest of stages of World Bank and other international implementation, to influence policy 139 Invest in data. The collection, agencies and development partners should and investments related to their expertise. analysis and compatibility of critical assist countries with comprehensive data and information should not be projects, in order to improve their data 136 Promote governments and regarded as an expenditure, but as a collection networks and build the professional associations working creditable investment, often financed knowledge and information bases that together to develop human resources. by tax payers, with high-quality future are needed to develop and manage Professional associations and networks returns. In particular, the number of water resources in a sustainable manner. offer a large amount of sectoral and basic hydrological stations in many career knowledge that can prove countries is inadequate to satisfy even 142 Include monitoring and assess- useful to the development of human the minimum needs and yet National ment in data collection. Simple data resources in the water sector. These Hydrological Services have seen the collection is not enough and monitoring associations, in partnership with national budgetary allocations for hydrological and assessing the data for trends is and local governments, should promote services systematically cut. National necessary for proper adaptation and training and education related to careers governments should take urgent mitigation measures of water-related in water resources management. Water measures, when appropriate, directed problems, floods and droughts in Operators Partnerships (WOPS) and at reversing the growing decline of particular. Urgent issues requiring an private educational institutions can assist these networks and should increase influx of data collection, monitoring with these initiatives. Concentrated support for operational hydrological and assessment include climate efforts should be to involve farmers, to and relevant meteorological observation change, sanitation, access to water, gender mainstream human resource networks. This is especially crucial in water-related disasters, groundwater policies and practices and encourage developing countries. and the interface between groundwater professional career opportunities for and surface water. Assessment should women and young professionals. With 140 Understand and assess vulnera- be carried out at local, basin, regional, youth being the future, young professio- bility. A better understanding of the national and global levels and include nals' associations need to be encouraged, impacts of global changes, including a peer review process for performance supported, guided and promoted climate change and variability, on for those who ascribe to the idea. throughout the world. Moreover, help water resources and their availability Reliability, consistency and compati- technical people to understand social and quality for multiple uses is necessary bility of data coming from different priorities. in order to prepare the required sources ought to be ensured. response strategies. Resources should 137 Create better links between be provided and efforts intensified to 143 Promote international and sectors. Coupled with the strengthening improve information and data collection interstate data exchange and of professional associations, it is also at first and promote research regarding cooperation between countries. essential to create better links with the potential impacts of climate varia- For a better understanding of the those associations and government, bility and change on freshwater hydrological cycle under the changing the private sector, civil society, com- resources in river basins. Activities climate, international data exchange munity-level organizations and other should include new investments in should be encouraged. International stakeholders. observations and measurements, and national policies should be reviewed capacity building, operation and and efforts needs to be directed in 138 Involve professional associations maintenance of existing monitoring order to facilitate the international in national commissions. Using the systems, including the redevelopment exchange of hydrological and related experience of international professional and upgrading of the existing hydro- data and products, so that regional and associations, governments should invite logical networks. global studies of freshwater resources representatives from these associations and climate change and variability can to serve in a standing capacity on national 141 Support from international be conducted and useful results science, research and development organizations and development produced for the benefit of mankind. commissions in order to link effectively partners. The international development research to policy developments. partner community should support 144 Strengthen the use of data in comprehensive projects to improve decision making. The role of the 30 data collection, including improvement water manager is essential to water of hydrological networks, data mana- security in that it includes proposing a comprehensive range of options to organizations' structures to reflect MINISTERIAL PROCESS ISTANBUL meet the desired societal objectives cultural diversity, establishing national- Ministerial Conference WATER GUIDE and needs for water security. Data in local partnerships to monitor Discussion Paper the hands of water managers enhances changes promoting cultural diversity, their capacity to develop practical and understanding, respecting and ANNEX I: solutions. At the same time, decision documenting effective traditional CONTRIBUTING DOCUMENTS makers should be sensitized to the water management adaptation strategies, importance of data so that quality data more resource sustainability will exist Alicante Declaration: The Global Importance can influence policy decisions. and help in realizing the Millennium of Ground Water Development Goals. Beppu Policy Brief 2007 (1st Asia-Pacific Water Summit) ■ 148 Evaluate the relationship between Brisbane Declaration: Environmental Flows are cultural diversity, biodiversity Essential for Freshwater Ecosystem Health and Element 5: Water and Culture and water resource management. Human Well-being Recognizing marked decline in cultural Civil Society Statement - AfricaSan + 5 145 Ensure cultural diversity. and biodiversity, governments and Commission on Sustainable Development - Thirteenth Session: Freshwater management: Incorporating traditional and local development financial institutions policy options and possible actions to expedite knowledge about the use, management should add to their social and environ- implementation and conservation of water in water mental safeguards an explicit concern Dushanbe Declaration on Water-related policies, reforms and scientific research for cultural diversity and therefore Disaster Reduction will make actions on the ground more should evaluate the inter-linkages eThekwini Declaration (AfricaSan Conference sustainable, effective and engaging for between cultural diversity, biodiversity on Sanitation and Hygiene) those who carry out the work. and water resource management at the Financing Water for All: Report on the World Through adopting processes and project specific, local, national, regional Panel on Financing Water Infrastructure strategies that recognize traditional and global levels. First African Water Week: Summary of Pro- ceeding and Outcomes and local knowledge, and crediting ownership of those to specific cultural 149 Protect water and its cultural Geneva Conventions groups, this can ensure the viability of value. Sacred water sites exist in every Global Corruption Report 2008: Corruption in cultures and ecosystems. nation on every continent. There is the the Water Sector need to identify and then protect these Hashimoto Action Plan 146 Recognize, integrate and promote sacred sites. In addition, water's cultural International Symposium: Water for a Changing World - Enhancing Local Knowledge and cultural diversities and technologies importance is also reflected through Capacity in water management. Through songs, stories, designs, dance, music, Lisbon Congress and Kampala Conference: recognizing the value of diverse cultural sports, festivals and multimedia, International Association of Hydrogeologists practices and technologies in water which should not only be protected as (IAH) management, integrating these practices well, but should also celebrate water. Manual on the Right to Water and Sanitation and technologies with scientific know- (COHRE) ledge and developing guidelines and 150 Improve the institutional Marseille Statement (UNESCO Symposium on recommendations for incorporating framework of water and culture. Frontiers in Urban Water Management) them into water management, strategies Inclusion of cultural diversity in water Message from Beppu (1st Asia-Pacific Water Summit) and policies can better achieve sustai- projects and programmes can increase nable water management. understanding and collaboration and Paris-2007 Statement (UNESCO International Symposium on New Directions in Urban facilitate their implementation. In Water Management)
147 Embed cultural diversity in carrying out transparent participatory Previous World Water Fora Declarations water governance. Both national and decision-making processes, taking Sharm El-Sheikh Commitments for Accelera- local governments should create an into consideration the United Nations' ting the Achievement of Water and Sanitation enabling environment through appro- guiding principles, cultural diversity Goals in Africa priate reforms of water policy and aspects should be respected. ■ Third International Conference on Managing legislation in such a way that customary Shared Aquifer Resources in Africa law, informal water use practices and Third United Nations World Water Develop- ment Report (WWDR-3) cultural diversity are formally recognized and accommodated. Through analyzing Up to and Beyond 2015: Emerging Issues and Future Challenges for the International Water water policies and laws to see where and Sanitation Agenda gaps are between the modern and Water for a Sustainable Europe - Our Vision 31 traditional, reforming water management for 2030