Discussion input to theIHP V, Sub-theme 4
Strategies for water resourcesmanagement in emergency andconflicting situations
Presentation by:
Johan Kuylenstierna
Director, Corporate Services, ERM Scandinavia
Funded by WMO as a member of the IAHS Hy2020
working group

”An expert is someone who knows
more and more about less and less,until eventually he knows everything
about nothing."-Anon.

Underlying Theme 4• Shared resources may cause multitude
of conflicts – but also cooperation• Increased stress – more conflicts• Water conflicts have strong
cultural/political components• Vulnerability most evident underemergency situations• Past approaches too simplistic

!!Reflections!!
• Theme 4 part of the new approach
to what IHP can deal with, paradigm
shift? Only with ”STRATEGIES...”• Focus on managerial, social andpolitical issues and not only purescientific aspects - Clear decisionmaking relevance• Very forward looking• Global approach – national committes

!!Reflections!!
• Initiatives focusing on possibilities
rather than problems¾ Negotiations over water –including training!
¾ Public participation participatory processes¾ River basin management cooperation

!!Reflections!!
• Truly interdisciplinary activities– hydrology leaving its pidgeon
hole! Knowledge sharing.
¾ Hydrologists¾ Water resources managers¾ Managers¾ Social scientists¾ Economists¾ Engineers¾ Legal experts

!!Reflections!!
• State of the art knowledge, from anacademic point of view!
• Clear and valuable documentation fromworkshops• Interesting focus on some ”Hotspots” (Aral Sea, Caspian Sea)
• Challenging topics – interbasin transfer,negotiations etc.
• Broadening scope – from EIA to SIA andEconomics.

??Reflections??
• Funding for activities!
• Where are the strategies?
• Comprehensive Risk Management Plans• Intergovernmental mandate – provide
support for decisions – but how do you get themto listen?? Water issues so important??
• Where are the implementors – from theory topractice? Knowledge transfer!
• Involvement of additional actors – less focus on
traditional academia?
• Be a platform for dialogue!

??Reflections??
• Link between theme and activities
sometimes questionable – more focused!
• Challenge conventional wisdom andnarrow-mindedness and be more proactive in communication• Involve behaviour scientists etc – newgroups – but do not forget hydrology!
• Identification of next generation ofscientific challenges within the field• Focus further on dealing with ”realworld” challenges

IHP VI• Very clear link between theme 4and IHP VI themes 1, 4 and 5.
• Very interesting activities –reflecting current developments(water value, ethics, digital divideetc)• Challenge of getting relevant
people involved

For IHP in the Future
The knowledge and expert advice providers

Problem
identification

Impacts
EnvironmentSocialEconomicEffects
Poverty
Degradation
Conflict

The users (clients)

Managementoptions

Strategies
developmentandImplement.

rfor...
W

ateScience
Going deep

Policy andStrategies
Priorities

UnescoWate

rfor...

Make connections throughthe IHP VI
Other UNESCO programmes

Sub-theme

Nat. Prog.

Other relevant UN programmes
Sub-theme

IHP VI Theme

Universities

Sub-theme

Other relevantorganizations

Research organizations

Support for success andefficiency• Safeguard that information andknowledge is transferred from onephase to the other (one generation tothe next) – avoid duplication• Horizontal cooperation between
themes – capacity of the secretariat• Match ambition with funding andsupport from the start? Review!
• Flexibility through the programme –adaptability to a changing world• Dare to address sensitive issues

A conference is a gathering ofimportant people who singly can
do nothing, but together can
decide that nothing can be done.
-- Fred Allen

Some things never change – or will they?

Thank you!