No.35 – May 2008

WWC News Update

Editorial

The catastrophe from which Burma is still reeling inspires feelings of both sadness and regret.

Sadness for the death and the grief of a decimated population and a devastated country, and because a people’s suffering cannot be eased when faced with the destructive force of nature. cc creativecommons.org

Regret at the silence and indifference of the Burmese authorities, who refuse the helping hands of the entire planet. Regret when considering this Focus on disregard for human life, which has resulted in such a tragic waste.

This catastrophe must encourage us to increase our Food Crisis, water crisis efforts to improve the prevention of water-related disasters. It must also lead us to reinforce our While an unprecedented food crisis is affecting the capacity to evaluate the effects of such disasters. whole world, it is surprising to observe that very few experts, very few media link this crisis to the water This is the very essence of the mission entrusted crisis. by Mr. Ban Ki Moon, Secretary General of the United Nations, to a few organizations, including the World We might see the reason for this in the message Water Council, brought together in the form of a that the water community has been repeating group of experts. continuously over the last years: “the water crisis is mainly a crisis of governing.” In , on June 9 and 10, this group of experts will come together to prepare simple, concrete Water is certainly not the only cause of the crisis, proposals, which can be easily implemented by all, but the difficulties in its mobilization for agriculture so that water-related catastrophes are no longer explain the increase of international food just misfortune, but also an expression of solidarity exchanges, within a context of strong economic shared between the citizens of the world. growth.

LOÏC FAUCHON. To best manage water is, in particular for agriculture, certainly necessary, but it is not on the same scale as the problem we will be forced to face in the coming years. We must reconsider our messages: integrate the idea of the insufficiency or the lack of mobilization for water for agriculture and measure the implications.

DANIEL ZIMMER

cc creativecommons.org World Water Council - News Update

WWC News

WWC at CSD-16

On May 13th, Mr. Daniel Zimmer was one of four panellists on the Review Panel for Water and Sanitation that was held during the 16th session of the Commission on Sustainable Development at the UN Headquarters in New York. In the company of Ms. Margaret Catley-Carlson, Mr. David Molden and Mr. Mike Muller, Mr. Zimmer addressed the subject of international cooperation in the water field, underlining the following major points: • the essential but delicate nature of transboundary cooperation and the role of Parliamentarians in creating treaties that address the political nature of water issues; • the importance of exchanges of experience among local authorities in order to build capacity; • the mechanism of solidarity funds in north-south cooperation. In collaboration with the 5th Forum Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of , the Council also participated in a side event entitled “Toward a Global Water Agenda: Preparing the 5th in ”. Speakers included 5th Forum Ambassador Mr. Klaus Töpfer among others.

Finally, Mr. Zimmer also participated as a panellist in a side event on water for food and agriculture co-organised with FAO*, IFAD* and ICID*, which exhibited the fact that there is a great diversity of views in the wa- ter community about the water-dimension of the current food crisis.

*FAO: Food and agricultural organisation / IFAD: International Fund for Agricultural Development / ICID: International Commission on Irrigation and Drainage

Zaragoza Participation Welcome to the New WWC As the Spanish city of Zaragoza is preparing to welcome Director 7 million visitors this Summer, two WWC representatives traveled to Spain 17 April to prepare the Council’s parti- Mr. Ger Bergkamp has been cipation in Expo Zaragoza 2008. The second objective appointed as General Director was to clearly establish the link between this event and of the World Water Council, the 5th World Water Forum in Istanbul. The discussions effective June 1st, 2008. Mr. with the President of the Expo, Mr Roque Gistau and the Daniel Zimmer, who has served Director of the Water Tribune, Mr. Eduardo Mestre, cen- as Executive Director of the tered on a Forum Side Event to be held, as well as on the Council since November of 2001, various events in which the Council are involved in and will continue until June 2009 as one of the thematic weeks: “Water and Cities”. This week Associate Director in charge of will lead to a roundtable discussion between Mayors who the Preparation of the 5th World will work together on the Istanbul Water Consensus. The Water Forum. Read the press © WWC President of the Council and several Governors will be release on the WWC website: present at the Expo opening on 14 June. www.worldwatercouncil.org

BioVision 2008

Mr. Daniel Zimmer, Executive Director of the World Water Council, was invited to Alexandria on 12-16 April to speak about Integrated Wa- ter Resource Management during the session: “Water Resources: The Global Concern”. Mr. Zimmer also gave a presentation on the reasons for the current water crisis and the importance of including all types of water,( blue water, and also green water and virtual water) in the reflection on resources for an increased ‘hydro solidarity’ The conference report is available on the site http:// www.bibalex.org/biovisionalexandria/ cc creativecommons.org 2 World Water Council - News Update

Collective Chart for Water and Sanitation in Togo

Within the framework of the Council’s programme: “Strengthening Local Authorities”, a national dialogue on water and sanitation was organized in Lome, Togo, in partnership with “Institut de la Gestion Déleguée“ (IDG) and the Union of Togo Municipalities under the patronage of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water in Togo. As an outcome of the meetings, the participants signed a resolution listing the urgent actions to be taken to strengthen local authorities and improve the management of water and sanitation services. A working programme was also established and a collective chart for water and sanitation in Togo is currently being prepared. The implementation of this chart will be supervised by the Inter-ministerial Steering Committee for essential services in Togo. A local dialogue will be organized in Atakpamé in June 2008. © WWC

King Hassan II Great World Water Prize: Call for candi- datures

The government of the Kingdom of Morocco and the World Water Council have launched the third edition of the King Hassan II Great World Water Prize – to be awarded at the 5th World Water Forum in March 2009. The Prize is awarded to an individual or an organization in honor of outstanding achievements in any aspect of water resour- ces. Candidatures are open until 15 October 2008, and all related information will soon be published on the 5th Forum website. Contact the secretariat for more information: cc creativecommons.org [email protected].

Mr Bzioui appointed Advisory Status at AIEA

Mokhtar Bzioui, WWC treasurer, has been appointed by the International Agency for Nuclear Energy (AIEA), to be part of an advisory group of 20 experts. This group will be in charge of advising the General Director on nuclear implemen- tation in AIEA’s activities in food, agriculture, health, water-resources, marine and terrestrial environment evaluation and management, the production of radioisotopes and radiation technology. The Council wishes to present him its sincere congratulations on his appointment

In Brief...

WaterAid on Google Earth A label for Water consumption

Water Aid is working with Goo- Indicating on consumer product labels the quan- gle Earth on a new programme tity of water was used in production is one of the that will let users see their suggestions resulting from the international confe- projects on ground. Millions of rence «Toilets Down Under 2008», organized in Internet users including dona- Adelaide from 15 to 17 April, 2008. The economist tors, fund-raisers, politicians James Hazelton argues that this initiative would and governments, will be able make it possible to the consumers to make their to access the data on water purchases with full knowledge of the facts. Labe- and sanitation in the countries ling would also feed public discussion, and would where this international orga- offer industrialists the occasion to set themselves nization is established. http:// apart from their competitors by showing their ef- www.wateraid.org/international/ forts to save water http://www.theaustralian.news. about_us/newsroom/6541.asp com.au/story/0,25197,23547185-23289,00.html cc creativecommons.org

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5th World Water Forum

European Water Partnership: On the Road to the 5th The Arab Water Council Prepares for the 5th Forum Forum in Istanbul The European regional process for the 5th Forum is now The first meeting for the Arab regional prepara- well underway with numerous activities and a strong po- tory process of the 5th World Water Forum was litical mobilization. On 11 April, various partners gathered held in Cairo on 14 April. The participants from in to discuss the latest advancements, among the Arab Water Council (AWC) and the World them, the drafting of the ‘European Vision for Water,’ Water Council discussed the food crisis in Egypt whose results will and the need to emphasise this global crisis be presented as The European Water Partnership (EWP) during the 5th Forum. A list of 12 priority topics, recommendations recently launched the ‘European Wa- questions and expected outputs for the Forum at the Forum minis- ter News’- a Europe-wide information sessions was established as well as a first draft terial agenda. platform on water-issues dedicated to outline of the Regional Report. Four other prepa- providing news, papers and reviews on ratory meetings are planned for June, Septem- water management in Europe : http:// ber, October and November. www.european-waternews.com/

Sarajevo Hosts Second Regional Meeting for the 5th World Water Forum

Several Balkan ministries, institutions and water agencies were invited to a two-day workshop in Sarajevo on 15-17 April. Organized by the Mi- nistry of Environment and Forestry of Turkey and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the meeting aimed at addressing water related issues in the Balkan countries under one of the Forum themes. The President of the World Water Council, Loïc Fauchon and WWC Governor Hachmi Kennou,addressed the audience underlining the importance of the presence and participation of the Balkan countries in the 5th World Water Forum process. Seve- ral of the Ministries and local authorities welcomed discussions with the WWC on future ways to collaborate. The President also took the cc creativecommons.org opportunity to speak to Turkish media about the world’s current water situation in the relation to increasing food and energy prices.

IWFE 2009 : Ready for Submissions 5th Forum Preparatory Process - Coming up: Confer- ence on Water-Related Disaster Reduction You can already submit your films and spots on the new International Water and Film Events 2009 In view of increasing concern about water disasters, the website, http://www.riec-iwfe.org/. Via the site, you Government of the Republic of Tajikistan is organizing an can also enter the H2O contest for short films on international conference to address related issues. An im- water and sustainable development. The contest portant input to the 5th World Water Forum regional prepa- is under the patronage of the International Exhibi- ratory process in and around Turkey, the conference held tion in Zaragoza 2008 Water Tribune, and is being in Dushanbe on 27-29 June 2008 will offer a side event on organized by Expo Zaragoza and the International the 5th Forum. The conference is also expected to incite Secretariat for Water. discussions on the results of the 1st Asia-Pacific Water Summit, on one of the Forum themes: ‘Global Changes and Risk Management’ as well as to contribute to Forum ses- sions on specific regional water issues and to discussion in the UNSGAB high level panel on water and disasters. The first plenary session in Dushanbe will be dedicated to these issues and chaired by WWC President Loïc Fauchon: http://www.icwrdr2008.tj/eng/index.php?option=com_conten t&task=view&id=23&Itemid=29)

4 World Water Council - News Update

News from Members and Partners

A Water Alliance for Agriculture in Africa Departures and Arrivals...

In response to the reduction in the investments in the James Lenahan will leave GWP to join the water control these twenty last years, five international International Institute for Democracy and organizations - The World Bank, The African Develop- Electoral Assistance (IDEA) at the end of ment Bank, The Food and Agriculture Organization of this month. He will be replaced by Stephen the United Nations (FAO), The International Fund for Downey who arrives on 01 July, 2008 as Agricultural Development and the International Water Head of Public Awareness and Communi- Management Institute (IWMI) - combined their forces cations. GWP has also appointed Helene to prepare a new strategy for agricultural water, to the Komlos Grill as Communications Officer. attention of the NEPAD*. Read the press release.

* NEPAD: New Partnership for Africa’s Development

And the Prize Goes to India for the Most The Karachi Water Partnership Innovative Solutions to the Sanitation and Water Crises “Karachi Water Partnership,” an initia- tive of Hisaar foundation, member of Three Indian organizations won the contest, the WWC, is a public-private platform, “Tapping Local Innovation: Unclogging the thus the objective is to find solution Toilets and Sanitation crisis”, organized by to water-related problem in regards two associations, Global Water Challenge and to, sanitation, pollution and waste Ashoka’s Changemakers. Fifty four countries treatment for Karachi, the world’s 16th participated, contributing some 265 local largest city. Citizens are invited to play proposals and solutions, as innovating as an active role, working with the govern- they were inventive. After a public vote on the ment on these challenges: http://www. website, http://www.changemakers.net/, the karachiwaterpartnership.org/ winners were chosen from 9 finalists. cc creativecommons.org

In Brief... The SEM Hopes to Help the Burmese A 145 km walk for water An evacuation team and three rescue teams, comprised of a total of 24 indivi- Travelling along the Rio Rimac, from its source at an altitude of duals, were mobilized by the Société des over 5000 meters to its mouth at the Pacific Ocean you will find Eaux de Marseille, and were placed at the the artistic and journalistic project, which started last May 8th, on disposal of international organizations, the initiative of three Peruvian artists. Their objective is to sensiti- ready to take turns to provide drinking ze the public to the catastrophic state of one of Peru’s most impor- water, to clean and treat wells and to tant rivers, which supplies water and electricity to the city of Lima. manage waste-waters. Loïc Fauchon, The artwork displayed throughout walk (photographs, paintings, President-Director General of the SEM videos, maps, etc.) will be exposed in October beside the work of and President of the World Water Council, architects, engineers, economists and other artists. http://rimacri- launched a call to all the members of the ver.wordpress.com/ Council to bring their expertise and their assistance to the victims of the catastro- phe.

The Partenariat Français pour l’eau (The French Water Partnership) invites you to read its first letter of information and discover its new website: http://www.partenariat-francais- eau.fr/ cc creativecommons.org 5 World Water Council - News Update

Where to meet In Brief...

ECWATECH 2-6 June 2008 - Moscow, Russia A Rescue plan and Water Charter for the Niger river http://www.ecwatech.com/ Loïc Fauchon, Céline Dubreuil On the occasion of the 8th Summit of the Niger Basin Authority, Four Heads of State from West Africa adopted a Expo Zaragoza 2008 - inauguration 20 year, 5.5 billion Euro Rescue Plan in favour of the Niger 13-14 June 2008 - Saragossa, Spain River, which is threatened by the accumulation of silt. A http://www.expozaragoza2008.es/Home/seccion=3&s Charter was also adopted, guaranteeing the «reasonable eccionRaiz=3&idioma=en_GB.do and equitable» division of water. The program will ensure Loïc Fauchon, Daniel Zimmer, Ger Bergkamp reforestation, rehabilitation of the plains and silt removal from the 4200 kilometre-long river, which snakes through Water in the City & Urban Sanitation Guinea, Mali, Niger and Nigeria. 23-24 June 2008 - Paris, http://www.eau-seine-normandie.fr/index.php?id=5323 Dani Gaillard

Singapore International Water Week & Water Leaders Summit 23-27 June 2008 - Singapore http://www.siww.com.sg/ Loïc Fauchon

International Conference on Water Related Disas- ter Reduction 27-29 June 2008 - Dushanbe, Tajikistan cc creativecommons.org http://www.icwrdr2008.tj/eng/index.php?option=com_c ontent&task=view&id=23&Itemid=29) Laila Morsli The ADB Invests in Water Treatment in China Agenda The Asian Development Bank has created a joint-venture with three companies from Singapore, to help the local go- OECD Forum 2008 - Climate Change, Growth, vernments in China to develop new projects to supply water, Stability sanitation and waste-water treatment. To date, only 40% of 3-4 June 2008 - Paris, France waste-water is being treated in the world’s most populated Organisation : OECD country, while the remainder is being poured directly into Information : http://www.oecd.org/site/0,3407,en_ lakes, rivers and the sea 21571361_39644413_1_1_1_1_1,00.html Spanish Government gives 1.5 million dollars for Water Sustainable Irrigation 2008 - 2nd International The Spanish govern- Conference on Sustainable Irrigation Management, and Sanitation in South America - ment announced this week its newly established Coopera- Technologies & Policies tion Fund for Water and Sanitation, which is a part of the 11-13 June 2008 - Alicante, Spain Spanish Agency for International Cooperation under the Organisation : Wessex Institute of Technology Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. The Fund aims http://www.wessex.ac.uk/conferences/2008/ at supporting infrastructure on a local scale, reinforcing the irrigation08/index.html institutional system for better water and sanitation manage- ment and promoting awareness among the public at large, IAHR International Groundwater Symposium on the continent. 18-20 June 2008 - Istanbul, Turkey Organisation : IAHR; the Institute of Environmental Sciences, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey http://www.iahr-gw2008.net/web/index.asp Please feel free to send your press releases, publication & event Groundwater & Climate in Africa international announcements, etc. to be published in the conference WWC News Update to: 24-28 June 2008 - Kampala, Uganda Mélanie Giard, Communication Organisation : UCL; UNESCO-IHP; Ministry of Tel.: +33 (0)4 91 99 41 00 Water & Environment of Uganda Fax: +33 (0)4 91 99 41 01 http://www.gwclim.org/ E-mail: [email protected]

World Water Council : Espace Gaymard, 2-4 Place d’Arvieux, 13002 Marseille, France