UNITED NATIONSECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFICSTATISTICAL INSTITUTE FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (SIAP)

In-depth Training on Water Accounts(e-Learning course)
10 May – 18 June 2021
GuidelineI.

OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE

Water is essential to achieving sustainable development. At a fundamental level, the availability ofclean water in and of itself is necessary for our health and overall well-being. Water is also an
important input to many economic activities, from the production of food and energy to themanufacturing of computers and cars. High quality and timely statistics on water are need in order tomanage our water assets and track water supply and use.
This course will focus on water statistics and accounts, as well as some important water aggregatesand indicators (including SDGs). The water accounts are based on the System for EnvironmentalEconomic Accounting-Water (SEEA-Water) and the International Recommendations for Water
Statistics (IRWS). These two documents support analysis of the role of water within the economy,
understanding of the hydrological cycle and valuation of water assets. They are consistent with theSEEA Central Framework and follow a similar accounting structure to the System of National
Accounts (SNA).
Depending on resource availability, countries interested in compiling water statistics and accounts
will be provided with additional in-kind support after the completion of the course.
II.

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

The target audience are officials in national statistical offices, line ministries (especially ministries ofwater, natural resources and environment) and other institutions who are working on water related
issues. The course can also be useful to a wider audience who is interested to learn more about waterinformation.
III.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of the course, participants will be expected to:•••learn the basic concepts, definitions and classifications used in water statistics and accounts
understand the hydrological cycle and the conceptual framework for the water accounts
understand how water data contributes to developing water related policies
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IV.

COURSE DESIGN AND CONTENT

Each module consists of slides with explanations. After all modules have been completed, participants
will be required to complete a final test that will cover all modules. The modules are expected to takea maximum of 6 hours to complete. Participants are also expected to attend three webinars. The
webinars will provide an overview of the course topics and allow for participants to ask questions.
Furthermore, participants are encouraged to actively participate in the online forum of the course.
Topics for discussion will be posted on a regular basis and participants are invited to share theirviews/comments/questions.
The course will be conducted in English.
OutlineModuleCoverage

1. Introduction to the SEEA
Central Framework andSEEA-Water•••••SEEA and its links to SNA
What is SEEA-Water and IRWSSEEA-Water and SDGs
Water policies
Implementation of the accounts

2. Physical supply and use forwater••••Following the flows of water
Concepts of physical supply and use
Structure of physical supply and use tables
Water aggregates

3. Emissions to water•••••

Overview of emissions to water
What substances are emitted to water
Coverage and sources of water emissions
Concepts of water emissions
Water emission accounts

4. Water asset accounts inphysical terms and a short
introduction to valuation•Asset accounts and their relation to physical flowaccounts
The hydrological cycle
Scope and relevant definitions
Asset account in physical terms
Asset account in monetary terms (valuation of waterassets)

5. Combined presentations

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Integration of data
Core accounts
Combined presentations
Indicators (including SDGs)

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6. Practical guidance forimplementation

V.

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Establishing a work programme on water statistics
Data sources and methods
Metadata and data quality
Compilation of water accounts

EVALUATION

Participants must receive a 70% or higher in the test at the end of this course.
Participants will be given 60 minutes to complete the test. They may take the exam up to three times
and retain their best score. Participants may not work together on the test. The course facilitator
reserves the right to deny course certificates to participants suspected of cheating on the test. The
supervisor is expected to ensure that the test of the course is taken in his/her presence.
VI.

FOLLOW-UP PHASE

Following the completion of the training and depending on resource availability, in-kind support will
be made available to countries interested in compiling water statistics, accounts and indicators.
Further details on the follow-up phase will be provided during the course.

VII.

SOURCE MATERIAL

This course draws upon various sources, including international statistical standards and case studies
from national statistical offices.

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