Asia & Pacific Regional Synthesis Report

Final version
9 July 2024i

Content
1

INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................................... 1
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8

2

Concept Note and Drivers of Change in the Region ................................................................ 1
WWF10 – Integrating the Political, Thematic and Regional Processes ................................... 4
The Regional Process of WWF10 – Approach and Objectives ................................................ 5
The Asia-Pacific Regional Process – defining the sub-regions ................................................ 6
Water Security Assessment of the Sub-regions ....................................................................... 7
Activities carried out in the Asia-Pacific Regional Process....................................................... 8
Guiding Principles for Water Management ............................................................................. 12
Structure of this Report ........................................................................................................... 13
SUB-REGION NORTHEAST ASIA ........................................................................................ 14

2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
3

Characteristics of the sub-region and selected focus topics .................................................. 15
Topic 1: River Basin Management under Changing Climate (RP1) ....................................... 16
Topic 2: Incorporating Sociocultural Dimensions in WRM: Policies, Practices, and Challenges(RP2) ....................................................................................................................................... 19
Synthesis session: Youth session: Promoting intergenerational cooperation to create soundwater cycle (RS1).................................................................................................................... 21
Policy recommendations ......................................................................................................... 23
SUB-REGION SOUTHEAST ASIA ........................................................................................ 25

3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
4

Characteristics of the sub-region and selected focus topics .................................................. 26
Topic 1: Smart water management: Opportunities and Challenges (RP3) ............................ 26
Topic 2: Mobilizing Innovative Financing for Inclusive / Green and Climate Resilience for All(RP4) ....................................................................................................................................... 32
Synthesis session: Resilient and sustainable water scarcity management in Southeast Asia
(RS2) ....................................................................................................................................... 38
General policy recommendations from the sub-region ........................................................... 41
SUB-REGION SOUTH ASIA .................................................................................................. 43

4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4

4.5
5

Characteristics of the sub-region and selected focus topics .................................................. 44
Topic 1: Strengthening Resilience: Capacity Building for Gender-Inclusive Proactive Disaster
Risk Reduction (RP5) ............................................................................................................. 44
Topic 2: Climate resilient and inclusive WASH with a particular focus on inclusive sanitation
management and service delivery for marginalised groups in South Asia (RP6) .................. 48
Synthesis session: Towards the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 Cooperation, Governance, and Priority Setting for Climate Action and Resilience Building toGlacier Melt (RS3) .................................................................................................................. 52
Policy recommendations ......................................................................................................... 54
SUB-REGION CENTRAL ASIA AND CAUCASUS REGION ............................................... 55

5.1
5.2
5.3
5.4
5.5

Characteristics of the sub-region and selected focus topics .................................................. 56
Topic 1: Mobilizing Water Finance for Climate Resilience in Central Asia and the Caucasus(RP7) ....................................................................................................................................... 57
Topic 2: Transboundary Water Cooperation in the Aral Sea Basin for a better Future (RP8) 60
Synthesis session: Paths towards Water Security in Central Asia (RS4) .............................. 65
Policy recommendations ......................................................................................................... 67ii

6

SUB-REGION OCEANIA AND PACIFIC ISLANDS COUNTRIES ........................................ 68
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6

Characteristics of the sub-region and selected focus topics .................................................. 69
Topic 1: Water security and Pacific SIDS (RP9) .................................................................... 70
Topic 2: Strengthening Engagement in Water Security to Support Pacific Resilience (RP10)................................................................................................................................................ 74
Topic 3: Climate-resilient sanitation in Pacific Small Island Developing States (RP11) ......... 76
Synthesis session: Water security and resilience of small island communities of Asia-Pacific(RS5) ....................................................................................................................................... 78
Policy recommendations ......................................................................................................... 80

7
JOURNEY OF POLICY DEVELOPMENT IN ASIA AND THE PACIFIC REGION AND OURMESSAGES AND OUTCOMES FROM WWF10 ................................................................................. 82
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4
7.5

Water management at the global level: UN Vision on Water ................................................. 83
Regional policy coordination ................................................................................................... 84
Summarizing the messages and outcomes of the sub-regional sessions at WWF10 ........... 87
Pathways beyond Bali – implementing the Guiding Principles ............................................... 88
Reviving IWRM / Integrated River Basin Management and Coastal Resilience .................... 97

ANNEX A.

REGIONAL PROCESS (RP) SESSIONS PLANS ....................................................... 99

ANNEX B.

REGIONAL SYNTHESIS (RS) SESSIONS PLANS ................................................... 110

iii

List of Figures
Figure 1 Map of Asia-Pacific sub-regions ........................................................................................ 6
Figure 2 Population by sub-region, with dominant countries in these sub-regions......................... 7
Figure 3 Approach to water security in AWDO 2020....................................................................... 8
Figure 4 National Water Security Score by sub-region ................................................................... 8
Figure 5 Panel and attendance of RP1 session ............................................................................ 19
Figure 6 Presenters RP2 ............................................................................................................... 21
Figure 7 Presenters Youth Session RS1 ....................................................................................... 23
Figure 8 Presenters and participants session RP3 ....................................................................... 32
Figure 9 Presenters session RP4 ................................................................................................. 38
Figure 10 Presenters and audience session RS2 ........................................................................ 42
Figure 11 Number of Disaster Events in South Asia (1970-2010) ................................................ 45
Figure 12 Trends in Economic Losses Natural Disasters in South Asia (1971-2010) .................. 45
Figure 13 Presenters session RP5 ............................................................................................... 48
Figure 14 Population using different drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services in 2022, South
Asia ................................................................................................................................................ 49
Figure 15 Presenters session RP6 ................................................................................................ 51
Figure 16 Presenters synthesis session RS3 ................................................................................ 54
Figure 17 Impression of session RP7 ............................................................................................ 60
Figure 18 Presenters session RP8 ................................................................................................ 64
Figure 19 Presenters Synthesis session RS4 ............................................................................... 67
Figure 20 Pacific Water Ministers and high level officials meet to discuss common challenges andstrategic directions at the 2023 PWWA Ministerial Forum in Koror, Palau ................................... 72
Figure 21 Emergency repairs to water infrastructure undertaken by staff of the Water Authority ofFiji ................................................................................................................................................... 73
Figure 22 H.E. Ambassador Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Dr Pa’olelei Luteru, Chair of the Alliance ofSmall Island States (AOSIS), joins Pacific Ministers to advocate for water security as a key
determinant of Pacific resilience at the UN 2023 Water Conference. ........................................... 75
Figure 23 Presenters session RP11 ............................................................................................. 77
Figure 24 News article showing destruction on Vanuatu’s Pentecost Island, including extensive
damage to critical WASH infrastructure, in the days after Tropical Cyclone Harold in 2020 ........ 78
Figure 25 The Pacific Partnership for Atoll Water Security bringing together water practitioners toshare practical lessons and approaches from across the region’s many remote and low lying island
communities. .................................................................................................................................. 79
Figure 26 Asia and Pacific Roadmap for Policy Development towards achieving Water Security........................................................................................................................................................ 82
Figure 27 Presenting the A&P results at the Concluding Session of the Regional Process ....... 89
Figure 28 Presentation of the A&P Regional Process at the Plenary Synthesis Session ............ 97
Figure 29 IWRM spiral and process .............................................................................................. 98

List of Tables
Table 1 Overview of sub-themes and topics of WWF10 ................................................................. 4
Table 2 Sub-regions and countries participating in the Asia-Pacific Regional Process.................. 6
Table 3 Ten-topic framework of A&P regional process and link with thematic process WWF10 ... 9
Table 4 Sub-regional coordinating agencies with their sessions at WWF10 ................................ 10
Table 5 Subjects selected by the sub-regions from the 10-topic framework ............................... 11iv

Abbreviations
A&P
ADB
ADBI
APWF
APWS
ASBP-4AWC
AWDOAWPBAPPENASCACENA
CCA
COP
CPS
CREWS
DFRI
DMC
DOA
DPF
DRR
EA
EMS
EW4ALL
EWS
FPV
FRDP
GCF
GDP
GEDSI
GEF
GRiF
GWOPA
GWP
HLPW
IFAS
IPCC
IWAC
IWC
IWMI
IWRM
IYGP
JWF
KD
KMCRC
LDC
MPWH

Asia and the PacificAsian Development BankADB InstituteAsia-Pacific Water Forum
Asia-Pacific Water Summit (of APWF)
Aral Sea Basin Countries-4
Asia Water Council
Asian Water Development Outlook
Australian Water Partnership
Ministry of Planning (of Indonesia)
Central Asia and Caucasus
Climate Change Adaptation
Conference of the Parties – UN Framework Convention on Climate ChangeCountry Partnership Strategy (of ADB)
Climate Risk Early Warning Systems Initiative
Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance Strategy
Developing Member Countries (of ADB)
Direct Access Actors
Disaster Pooling Fund
Disaster Risk Reduction
East Asia
Early Monitoring system
Early Warning for All
Early Warning Systems
Photovoltaic power generation
Framework for Resilient Development in the PacificGreen Climate Fund
Gross Domestic Product
Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion
Global Environment Fund
Global Risk Financing Facility
Global Water Operator Partnership Alliance
Global Water Partnership
High-Level Panel on Water
International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangeInternational Water Assessment Center
International WaterCentre
Integrated Water Management InstituteIntegrated Water Resource Management
International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation (2025)
Japan Water ForumKey Dimension (of AWDO)
Korea-Mekong Water Management Collaboration Research Center
Least Developed Countries
Ministry of Public Works and Housing (of Indonesia)
v

MYE
NAP
NCD
NEA
NGO
NWS
PDNA
PICs
PRP
PWWA
RP
RS
SaciWATERs
SCM
SDG
SEA
SFDDR
SIDS
SPC
SWA
TBC
UNEP
UNESCOUNFCCC
USD
WASH
WMO
WSAP
WSP
WWC
WWF10

Meaningful Youth Engagement
National Adaptation Program
National Determined Contributions
North East Asia
Non-Governmental Organization
National Water Security
Post Disaster Needs Assessment
Pacific Islands Countries
Pacific Resilience Partnership
Pacific Water & Wastewater Association
Region Process (session)
Regional Synthesis (session)South Asia Consortium for Interdisciplinary Water Resources Studies
Stakeholders Consultation Meeting (of WWF)
Sustainable Development Goal
South East Asia
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
Small Island Developing States
Secretariat of Pacific Community
South West Asia
To be confirmed
United Nation Environmental Program
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
United States Dollar
Water Sanitation and HealthWorld Meteorological Organization (UN)
Water Scarcity Action Plan
Water Scarcity Program
World Water Council
World Water Forum 10vi

1Introduction
This report describes the approach and outcome of the Asia-Pacific Regional Process for the World
Water Forum 10 (WWF10) in Bali-Indonesia in May 2024.

1.1 Concept Note and Drivers of Change in the Region
1.1.1 Concept Note of the Asia of the Pacific Regional Process

The Asia and the Pacific region boast a diverse geography and climate. The region is home to 60
percent of the world’s total population, with varying levels of access to water resources, sanitation,and services. Asia and the Pacific's bustling urban centres, experiencing one of the fastest
population and economic growth rates, now face increasing demand for water for drinking,sanitation, and industries making it even more susceptible to frequent natural disasters,
environmental challenges, and exacerbating water insecurity. In the region, inequality and inequity
in access to natural resources and weak governance are socio-politically challenging. Effectively
addressing these multifaceted issues demands sustainable and integrated approaches that take
into consideration the region's unique characteristics and the diverse needs of its populations.
However, water services need help to keep up with the pace of urban development, already animperative challenge. In contrast, rural and marginalized areas face even more fundamental gaps
to bridge, including limited access to safely managed water, water scarcity due to increasing
demands and possible reallocation to meet higher economic needs, inadequate water
infrastructure and services, water pollution, socio-economic and gender inequalities, lack ofawareness and capacity, limited enabling environments for collective actions for water security
issues holistically, and limited financial resources.
The Asia Pacific Region is also home to almost half the world’s Small Island Developing States(SIDS), as well as countries with significant populations living on small islands. More than a third(17) of ADB’s member countries are SIDS, including the world’s only four nations comprised
exclusively of low-lying atolls (Kiribati, the Maldives, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, andTuvalu). As a sub-region, our Pacific Island Countries endure some of the world’s lowest levels ofaccess to safe water and sanitation and remain disproportionately impacted by the water-related
impacts of disasters and climate change. Approximately, 40% of the region’s Pacific population
live without access to basic drinking water facilities, and approximately two-thirds live without basic
sanitation.
Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive and holistic approaches. Comprehensive
solutions encompass various elements, such as leveraging science, knowledge, and innovation,
improving access to hydrological data, enhancing resilient water infrastructure, fostering inclusive
water governance, promoting collaboration among diverse stakeholders, reducing inequality andpoverty, ensuring gender and social inclusion in water governance, enhancing transboundary
cooperation, and utilizing innovative financing mechanisms.
The Asia-Pacific region must prioritize the development of quality-oriented societies that promoteresilience and sustainability in water management grounded in inclusivity. This can be achieved
through concerted efforts at various echelons from interventions at the local level to the sharing of
knowledge at regional and global levels. Such actions are imperative towards the realization ofregional prosperity as well as the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
1

Such endeavours will be envisaged by the comprehensive water management plans rooted in theprinciples of sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness through the collaboration of thegovernments, research agencies, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders thatparticipated in the 10th World Water Forum Regional Process. These plans will include locallytailored solutions, shared pathways, enabling conditions, tools and methodologies, and showcasesof best practices.
Lastly, we need to understand better the nexus of water-culture-innovation for countries andcommunities in the region and multi-stakeholders of the other regions in the world, particularly therole of culture in our present and future through showcased practices, debate, and collectively think
about how to best utilize and integrate the well of wisdom in our region for scaling impacts.
Culturally enabled resilience and shared prosperity will better protect our lives and livelihoods fora better future.

1.1.2 Drivers of change for the region

Climate change is critically important for Asiaand the Pacific, considering the high population
density and the economic impacts, but it also
threatens the diverse ecosystems in the region,
the vast deserts, rainforests, and tundra regions.
Climate change is also having serious impacts on
the functioning of the "Water Towers" of Asia,
which refer to the major mountain ranges such as
the Himalayas, Hindu Kush, and the Tibetan
Plateau. This area plays a crucial role providing
freshwater to about 1.9 billion people, about 30%of the world’s agricultural production, andsupporting their economic activities, by acting likenatural reservoirs that store and supply water to avast expanse of the continent.

Some facts on Asia and the Pacific:
 Over 500 million people without access to basic
water supplies, over 1.14 billion people without
access to sanitation
 80% of wastewater generated by cities
discharged untreated Rising demand for water for food and energy
production, outdated infrastructure Climate change impacts primarily felt throughwater with A&P the most disaster-affected region
globally with frequency and magnitude of natural
hazards and impacts likely to increase Fragmented governance depleting
environmental quality and resources with a lackof enabling environment for private financing andoperational sustainability

 Slow pace of technology adoption, innovations,digitalization, earth observation

Digital revolution. Rapidly developing information and communication technologies are alreadyhaving a major influence on water management. “Digital water” is transforming the way cities use
and manage water. Applications of artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to shift from current
maintenance systems based on routine inspections and work schedules to a more predictive
approach using intelligent sensors. Advances in AI models, sensors, and robotics will allow mobile
repair bots to detect and fix leakages, helping to reduce the significant volume of nonrevenue water.
Other applications might include the Internet of Things (IoT) for monitoring water consumption anddemand to improve short- and long-term forecasting; and AI-based techniques to optimize
reservoir operations, monitor water quality, and monitor and predict water-related disasters, forexample in flood forecasting. Broadening the application of AI-based techniques will require asignificant upturn in AI-related knowledge generation, awareness, skills, and data collection.
Agriculture in transition. The links between food production systems, the environment, andclimate change are complex and in constant flux. Climate change and environmental issues related
to water, biodiversity, soil health, and nutrient cycling are seen as the most important drivers of2

change, representing a mix of short- and long-term risks which all have implications for water use.
These implications cover the following:i. Climate and the environment, with a need for adaptation to change the carbon emissions
profile of agriculture and reduce its environmental footprint, including on water resources.
ii. Technological innovation (see above).
iii. The consequences of dietary change, including more healthy and sustainable diets, a risein aquaculture, and a quest for alternative protein (including the emergence of disruptive
technologies for protein generation).
Growth in renewable energy. Although demand for fossil fuels remains high, the share of
renewables continues to grow, driven mainly by wind and solar technologies. In parallel,hydropower is having a resurgence and will be promoted further to complement wind and solar
and to provide backup capacity, reservoir storage, and grid voltage stability to balance theintermittent production of solar and wind. This supporting role of hydropower will produce greater
diurnal variability of river flows as projects switch on and off rapidly to stabilize grid voltage, leading
to impacts for communities and ecosystems downstream. Such interconnectivity strengthens theargument for more coordinated planning and operation of electricity and water resource systems
to seek mutual benefits and mitigate impacts. The reduction of renewable energy costs will also
stimulate the expansion of desalination projects for water supply, particularly in coastal areas.
Overcoming the high cost and carbon emissions from fossil fuel-powered desalination projects isa major step forward, but concerns remain on minimizing the environmental impact of waste
products.
Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive and holistic approaches. Comprehensive
solutions encompass various elements, such as leveraging science, knowledge, and innovation,
improving access to hydrological data, enhancing resilient water infrastructure, fostering inclusive
water governance, promoting collaboration among diverse stakeholders, reducing inequality andpoverty, ensuring gender and social inclusion in water governance, enhancing transboundary
cooperation, and utilizing innovative financing mechanisms.
The Asia-Pacific region must prioritize the development of quality-oriented societies that promoteresilience and sustainability in water management grounded in inclusivity. This can be achieved
through concerted efforts at various echelons from interventions at the local level to the sharing of
knowledge at regional and global levels. Such actions are imperative towards the realization ofregional prosperity as well as the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Such endeavours will be envisaged by the comprehensive water management plans rooted in theprinciples of sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness through the collaboration of thegovernments, research agencies, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders. All
these parties were invited to contribute to the WWF10 Regional Process. The result of this processincludes locally tailored solutions, shared pathways, enabling conditions, tools and methodologies,
and showcase best practices.
Lastly, we need to better understand the nexus of water-culture-innovation for countries andcommunities in the region and multi-stakeholders of the other regions in the world, particularly therole of culture in our present and future through showcased practices, debate, and collective
thinking about how to best utilize and integrate the well of wisdom in our region for scaling impacts.
Culturally enabled resilience and shared prosperity will better protect our lives and livelihoods fora better future.

3

1.2 WWF10 – Integrating the Political, Thematic and Regional Processes
The WWF10 distinguishes three parallel and integrated processes:
 The Political Process that involves negotiations, discussions, and the sharing of bestpractices and policies related to water management and conservation. The participants inthe political process worked towards consensus on key issues and made declarations toaddress water challenges.
 The Thematic Process that addresses a wide range of topics (see Table 1) related towater and aims to share results of research and innovative solutions.
 The Regional Process that focusses on issues specific to different regions of the world.
The regional process provided a platform for countries within a region to discuss common
challenges, share experiences, and collaborate on regional water management strategies.
Each process was developed separately for WWF10 but with the aim to contribute to each other.
The structures of all three processes are provided by the definition of six sub-themes and 30 topics.
An overview of these sub-themes and topics of WWF10 is given in Table 1.
Table 1 Overview of sub-themes and topics of WWF10
1

Sub-theme
Water Security andProsperity

2

Water for Humans andNature3Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management

4

Governance,
Cooperation and Hydrodiplomacy

5

Sustainable Water
Finance6Knowledge andInnovation

Topic
1A. Sound water supply and demand management
1B. Circular economy in the water sector and non-conventional water resources
1C. Water for food & agriculture
1D. Water for energy
1E. Water insecurity and development
2A. Water quality improvement
2B. Conservation and restoration of freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity
2C. Safe drinking water for all
2D. Water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) for all
2E. IWRM and cross-cutting and cross-sectoral approaches
3A. Integrated flood prevention and management
3B. Drought prevention and management
3C. Ecosystem-based DRR in the water sector
3D. Climate-smart sustainable and improved resilience of water infrastructures
3E. Early warning systems for all and emergency response mechanism
4A. International collaboration at all levels, incl. transboundary
4B. Decentralized cooperation (e.g. at RBC level)
4C. Enhanced cross-sectoral dialogue and cooperation
4D. Active stakeholder involvement and public participation
4E. Transparent and accountable institutions and legal frameworks, integrity andequity (incl. gender, youth, minorities, etc.)
5A. Revisiting international water financing architecture with emphasis ontransparency, accountability, fairness & equity
5B. Innovative sustainable funding, financing and delivery mechanisms
5C. Improved funding for basic access to safe water and sanitation for all
5D. Special schemes and incentives promoting green finance
5E. Enhanced funding to cope with water crises, water disasters and for climate
resilience
6A. Smart water management and technological innovation
6B. Innovative organizational approaches
6C. Respect and valuation of indigenous and community based knowledge
systems and integration into existing policies
6D. Upscaling of water information systems
6E. Enhance access to education & training on water & new concepts41.3 The Regional Process of WWF10 – Approach and Objectives
Different setting and environmental conditions enable diverse regions to share commonalities inchallenges and solutions. Hence, the Regional Process is essential in organizing the World Water
Forum, considering that it provides a regionalized voice and priorities, enabling the two otherprocesses to have an in-depth understanding of regional perspectives on the status of the thematic
issues and political water agenda. This process also encourages acquiring new knowledge andsharing of experiences and best management practices across different regions.
The Regional Process has its core value in developing, analysing, and presenting case studies
and practices related to issues at the local and regional levels. Hence, this process differs from theThematic Process, which takes a more analytical/ theoretical approach based on global thematic
priorities. The Regional Process had incorporated local and regional perspectives throughout its
preparatory process and other processes.
The Regional Process is interlinked with the two other processes bearing in mind that theimportance of each Sub-theme for the Thematic Process varies in every regional or local context.
While the challenges in a particular region might be comparable, understanding the priority issues
and solutions in each region or local was considered. The Regional Process also drives the politicalprocess through policy recommendations, commitments, and sharing of knowledge andexperiences from a regional and local perspective as topics of every discussion within and between
five different Political Process segments.
Dialogues and implementation plans can only be responsive when rooted in the local context.
WWF10 has reinforced regional processes to articulate thematic and political issues from local andregional perspectives. This has resulted in more customized political commitment for action at the
local level and practical solutions for thematic areas. The regional process also targeted
understanding different regional experiences and knowledge in water management. To do this, awide range of multi-stakeholders from regions and sub-regions were invited to draw localized
solutions that could be realized in the regional context.
The objectives of the Regional Process were formulated as follows: To specify regional priorities and related tangible local action plans to share and implement
for the solutions to the priorities identified in the regions.
 To facilitate regional dialogues and cooperation on local/ regional water-related challenges
by identifying local and regional water priorities and developing solutions to thosechallenges.
 To catalyse the exchange of experiences, ideas, lessons, and potential solutions among
different regions on common water issues through a set of inter-regional dialogues.
 To strengthen regional stakeholders of water able to raise the political profile of water inthe respective region.

5

1.4 The Asia-Pacific Regional Process – defining the sub-regions
The Asia-Pacific region, as addressed in the Regional Process for WWF10, covers 47 countries,
is divided into 5 sub-regions (Table 2 and Figure 1).
Table 2 Sub-regions and countries participating in the Asia-Pacific Regional Process

Sub-region

Countries

Central Asia
and Caucasus
RegionAfghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic,
Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan (10 countries)

Northeast Asia

People’s Republic of China (PRC), Japan, and the Republic of Korea (3countries)

Southeast Asia

Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand, East Timor, and Vietnam (11 countries)

South Asia

Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka (7countries)

Oceania &Pacific Island
Countries

Australasia Sub-Region: Australia, New Zealand (2 countries)
Pacific Island Countries: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands,
Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea,
Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu (14 countries)

Figure 1 Map of Asia-Pacific sub-regions

The total population in the region is about 4,200 million (based on 2018 census). It is noted thatthe number of people living in each sub-region differs greatly as indicated in Figure 2. The figure
shows also that India, PR China, and Indonesia are, in terms of population, very dominant in theirsub-region. The sub-region Oceania & Pacific (with a population of 41 million) includes Australia
and New Zealand. Without these two countries the population of the sub-region is only 11.5 million
6

of which 9 million live in Papua New Guinea. The total population of remaining Pacific Island
nations alone in this region is about 2.5 million people.

Figure 2 Population by sub-region, with dominant countries in these sub-regions

1.5 Water Security Assessment of the Sub-regions
The goal of water management is to enable humans
Definition of Water Security
to live in harmony with nature and among
themselves. Water is needed to support life and“The capacity of a population to safeguardsustainable access to adequate quantities ofsocio-economic activities, and if managed well theacceptable quality water for sustaining
impacts of water-related disasters can belivelihoods, human well-being, and sociominimized. In other words, the aim is to become
economic development, for ensuring protection‘water-secure’. The concept of water security isagainst water-borne pollution and water-relatedcomparable to other important resource securities
disasters, and for preserving ecosystems in asuch as food security and energy security. A
climate of peace and political stability.”
UN-Water, 2013
definition of the term is provided in Box 1. Water
security has many dimensions: ensuring theavailability of adequate and reliable water resources, mitigating water-related risks and addressing
the conflicts that may arise from disputes over shared waters. By specifying the dimensions ofwater security, decision-makers and stakeholders can form clear objectives within their plans.
Approaches are available that aim to quantify Water Security and its various dimensions. The bestknown example of such approach is given in the ADB publication “Asian Water Development
Outlook 2020” (AWDO 2020) in which 5 Key-Dimensions (KDs) were identified, as demonstrated
in Figure 3. The approach is used to measure the level of water security in the 48 countries in the
Asia and Pacific Region and scores the countries for each KD at a scale of 1 (extremely poor) to
20 (perfect). Combining the five KDs results in an overall national water security score at a
maximum score of 100. Based on the results, countries can identify gaps and solutions andultimately increase their water security. AWDO 2020 has assessed the water security in the regionin 2013, 2016 and 2020. This enables to analyse the progress made in the countries over time.

7

Figure 3 Approach to water security in AWDO 2020
Source: ADB (2020)

The water security of all countries involved in the regional process over those years is presented
in the regional chapters. The average scores of the regions as defined in the regional process arepresented in Figure 4. It is noted that the Australia and New Zealand are excluded from the datain the Pacific sub-region to focus on thedeveloping countries in the sub-region. The
figure shows relative weak performance of theregions Pacific, Central Asia, and Southeast
Asia and the relatively good performance ofEast Asia (mainly PRC) and South Asia. All
countries show a good progress over time
except for South Asia from 2016 to 2020.
Figure 4 National Water Security Score by subregion
Source: ADB

1.6 Activities carried out in the Asia-Pacific Regional Process
1.6.1 Structure of the Asia-Pacific Regional Process

The Asia-Pacific Regional Process of the 10th World Water Forum has been coordinated by the
Asia Pacific Water Forum (APWF: secretariat - Japan Water Forum), Asia Water Council(secretariat - K-Water), and the Asian Development Bank. Firstly, APWF and AWC signed a Letterof Intent with the government of the Republic of Indonesia and the World Water Council on thecooperation to support the organization of the 10th World Water Forum. This was done during the
2nd Stakeholders Consultation Meeting held on 12 October, 2023, in Bali, Indonesia. Since January2024, the ADB joined APWF and AWC as one of the coordinators of the Asia-Pacific Regional
Process, particularly to contribute to the Asia-Pacific Regional Process Synthesis Report.
Following the suggestion from the WWC, the regional processes of the 10th World Water Forum
were based on a sub-regional division of the region. The Asia-Pacific regional process was
structured into five sub-regions: Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Central Asia and the8Caucasus, and Oceania and the Pacific Islands. Designated sub-regional coordinators wereselected from both APWF and AWC member organizations for each sub-region to facilitate themulti-stakeholder coordination at the sub-regional and country levels.
1.6.2 Establishment of the 10 Topics Framework of the Asia-Pacific Regional

To ensure cohesive multi-stakeholder discussions, the APWF and AWC established the 10-topic
framework of the Asia-Pacific Regional Process (Table 3), aligned with the six sub-themes andtopics of the thematic process for the 10th World Water Forum. This 10-topic framework wasdeveloped prior to the 2nd Stakeholders Consultation Meeting of the 10th World Water Forum heldin Bali on 12-13 October 2023. APWF and AWC agreed to develop the specific objectives for the
Asia-Pacific regional process, i.e. to identify:a. the challenges in the sub-regions and opportunities in addressing the issues and actions;b. the breakthroughs, enabling environment and methodologies to address thesechallenges and enhancing the actions to deliver effective water management practices;and,c. locally tailored solutions, pathways, best practices and showcases, tools andframeworks.
Table 3 Ten-topic framework of A&P regional process and link with thematic process WWF10
1

2

3
4

5

6
7
8

9
10

Topic framework Proposal
Smart water management:
opportunities and challenges

Addressing water scarcity in A&P:
effective tools for sustainableagricultural water management
Sanitation improvement in A&P
Diverse wastewater management
challenges and the innovation to
overcome the challenges
The future of green water
infrastructure harnessing thepower of nature
Basin management for DRR andDRM
Empowering youth leadership in
addressing water challenges A&P
Sustainable, resilient, inclusive
sound water cycle from mountainto sea in each basin

Mobilizing water finance forclimate adaptation and DRM
Roles of culture in solving water
challenges

Corresponding with topics of Thematic Process at WWF10
1A. Sound water supply and demand management
1B. Circular economy in the water sector and non-conventional
water resources
1D. Water for energy
6A. Promote smart water management and technologicalinnovation
6D. Upscale water information systems
1C. Water for agriculture

2D. Access to water sanitation and hygiene for all
2A. Water quality improvement

2B. Conservation and restoration of freshwater ecosystems andbiodiversity
2E. IWRM
3. Disaster Risk Reduction and Management – all topics
4D. Ensure active stakeholder involvement and public participation
2E. IWRM
4A. International collaboration at all levels, incl. transboundary
4B. Decentralized cooperation (e.g. at river basin council level)
4C. Enhanced cross-sectoral dialogue and cooperation
4D. Active stakeholder involvement and public participation
5E. Secure and increased funding to prevent and overcome watercrisis, water disasters and enhance climate resilience
2E. IWRM
4B. Decentralized cooperation (e.g. at river basin council level)
6B. Innovative organizational approaches
6E. Enhance access to education and training on water and newconcepts and others

9Before the 2nd Stakeholders Consultation Meeting, the APWF and AWC Secretariat had a briefface-to-face meeting in Incheon in September and shared the topic interests of the Asia-PacificRegional Process. Based on the meeting, the APWF Secretariat revised the 10 topics frameworks
integrating the interests of the AWC. APWF shared the Concept Note and the 10 Topics
Framework with the AWC. APWF Secretariat also shared the documents to the APWF membersin the 30th APWF Governing Council Meeting held on 6th October 2023 and received theirmembers' feedback. AWC Secretariat also shared the documents with the AWC members andreceived their feedback. Revising the documents based on the feedback of their members, both
APWF and AWC members agreed on the concept note and the ten topic proposals.
1.6.3 Topic Selections of the Asia and Pacific Regional Process sessions at WWF10

At the 2nd Stakeholders Consultation Meeting, APWF and AWC organized the Asia-PacificRegional Process roundtable discussion. The participants discussed the priority issues for each
sub-region among the 10 topic frameworks. They selected two priority topics as each sub-regionalsession, a synthesis of the Asia-Pacific regional process, and topics for discussion through theinter-regional process of the World. A summary of the preparations and discussion at the 2nd
Stakeholders Consultation Meeting can be found at the websites of APWF1,2. The topics of the fivesynthesis sessions of the sub-regional process were proposed in January 2024 andsubsequentially approved by the WWC.
Table 4 Sub-regional coordinating agencies with their sessions at WWF10
Sub-Region
North East Asia

South East Asia

South Asia

1
2

Coordinating Agencies
Lead: Japan Water Forum
Co-lead: Changjiang Water
Resources Commission
Members: Korea Water
Forum and UNESCO Office for
East Asia
Lead: GWP South East Asia
Co-lead: NOC, MPWH –coordinated with BAPPENAS
Members: KMCRC

Lead: Women for Water
PartnershipCo-lead: SaciWATERs &Smart Water Solutions (Nepal)
Members: IWMI and Gomal
Damaan Area Water
Partnership

Sessions WWF10
RP1: River Basin Management under Changing Climate
RP2: Incorporating Sociocultural Dimensions in Water
Resources Management: Policies, Practices, and Challenges
RS1: Youth session: Promoting intergenerational cooperation
to create sound water cycle
RP3: Smart Water Management: Opportunity andChallenges
RP4: Mobilizing Innovative Financing for Inclusive / Greenand climate resilience for all
RS2: Resilient and sustainable water scarcity managementin Southeast Asia
RP5: Strengthening Resilience: Capacity Building for
Gender-Inclusive Proactive Disaster Risk Reduction
RP6: Inclusive sanitation management and service delivery
with a particular focus on marginalized groups
RS3: Towards the International Year of Glaciers’
Preservation 2025 - Cooperation, Governance, and Priority
Setting for Climate Action and Resilience Building to GlacierMelt

Website: https://apwf.org/coordinator-of-the-asia-pacific-regional-process-of-10th-wwf/
PowerPoint: https://www.waterforum.jp/pdf/pr/Regional-Asia-Pacific-Result.pdf

10Sub-Region
Central Asia

Coordinating Agencies
Lead: Chair EC IFAS
Co-lead: GWP Central Asia

Pacific Islands &Oceania

Lead: Secretariat PacificCommunity (PICs)
Co-lead: Australian Water
Partnership (AWP)
Members: International
WaterCentre (IWC)

Sessions WWF10
RP7: Mobilizing Water Finance for Climate Resilience inCentral Asia and Caucasus
RP8: Transboundary Water Cooperation in the Aral Sea
basin for a better future
RS4: Paths towards Water Security in Central Asia
RP9: Water security and Pacific SIDS
RP10: Strengthening engagement in water security tosupport Pacific resilience
RP11: Climate-resilient sanitation in Pacific Small Island
Developing States
RS5: Water security and resilience of small island
communities

Table 5 gives an overview of the subjects selected by the sub-region from the 10-topic framework.
Some topics, such as Green Infrastructure and Wastewater Management, were not identified assuch in the title of the sessions but were introduced through the speakers’ presentations in the
sub-regional and synthesis sessions. Moreover, while the selected subject itself directly addresses
a certain topic, the program developed around that subject often appeared to be broader and thesession included elements of other subjects, such as green infrastructure. RP3 on smart water
management also included sanitation issues. Nature-based solutions were often mentioned as
effective means for building resilience and adaptive capacity and to achieve environmental
sustainability.
For all selected RS subjects a program was developed based on an analysis of the sub-regional
challenges (objective a), the breakthroughs (objective b) and local solutions (objective c). The
results of this analysis and the set-up and outcome of the sessions at WWF10 are described in the
sub-regional chapters (chapters 2 till 6) of this document.
Table 5 Subjects selected by the sub-regions from the 10-topic framework

10-topic framework
Smart water management
Water scarcity / agriculture
Sanitation
Wastewater management
Green infrastructure
Basin management / DRM
Empowering youth
Transboundary cooperation
Mobilizing financeRole of culture

NEA SEA
RP3
RS2

SA

CA

PAC

RP6

RS4 RP9
RP11

RP5

RP10

(RP3)

RP1
RS1
RP4
RP2

RS3 RP8
RP7RS5RP = Topic Session at WWF10
RS = Synthesis Session at WWF10

Table 5 includes also the 5 synthesis sessions (RS) that the Asia and Pacific sub-regions prepared
for WWF10. It is noted that these ‘synthesis’ sessions are not providing an assessment of the subregions or the overall region. Instead, most sessions address also specific subjects but approachthese subjects from a broader, not sub-regional, view. As such they are also linked to the topics ofthe 10-topic framework.

11

1.7 Guiding Principles for Water Management
The development and management of our water resources to address the diverse and complex
water challenges are guided by a range of general principles. These principles are designed topromote sustainable and equitable use of the water resources, considering the needs of different
sectors and communities. The main principle is to follow an integrated approach by means ofIntegrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), which is based on: (i) a holistic approach ofmanaging land, water, and ecosystems, (ii) the involvement of all stakeholders at a basin-level,and (iii) cross-sector coordination. IWRM aims for a sustainable development of the water system
including resource conservation, environmental protection, and adaptation to climate change.
Based on the specific conditions in the Asia and Pacific Region, the general concept of IWRM has
been broken down to five ‘Guiding Principles’3 for water management interventions and initiatives.
These Guiding Principles have been used in the Asian and Pacific regional process to structure
the messages and policy recommendations resulting from the discussions in the sessions at
WWF10. The following five Guiding Principles were used.


Building Resilience and Adaptive Capacity
Asia and the Pacific is the most disaster-prone region in the world. It is expected that
economic losses will increase as climate change is likely to amplify and intensify the
impacts of the disasters. Building resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-induced
disasters such as flood, drought, and tropical cyclones, as well as economic and othershocks and public health emergencies is fundamental for the further development of
the region.
Promoting inclusiveness and Gender Equality
An inclusive and gender equality approach to water management has to be promoted
to give them equitable to access to water resources and involve them in decisionmaking processes. Promoting gender equality in water management can empower
women by giving them greater control over water resources, decision-making
processes, and economic opportunities related to water management.
Embracing Environmental Sustainability and Circular Economy
Environmental sustainability considerations need to be integrated early into theplanning process of developments. Emphasis is placed on three dimensions ofsustainability: (i) the circular economy,4 in which waste is viewed as a resource; (ii) thevalue of water-ecosystems to communities; and (iii) the potential for mutual benefits
from recognizing a nexus approach5, capitalizing on the links between water, food, andenergy. Nature-based solutions with a greater emphasis on “green” infrastructure will
help restore ecosystems and generate multiple benefits

3

The Guiding Principles as used in the Asia and Pacific Regional Process are based on the framework that ADB
applies for its support to water sector activities in the region. Reference is made to ADB’s Water Sector
Directional Guide of November 2022. https://www.adb.org/documents/strategy-2030-water-sectordirectional-guide4
A circular economy contrasts with a linear economy by emphasizing the importance of reusing resources, inthis case water, multiple times to extract maximum value and thereby free up the resource for other uses.
Examples include reuse of treated wastewater and recovering and recycling nutrients from fecal sludge.
5
The nexus approach aims to ensure overall water security by deepening the understanding of the linkages
and trade-offs between water and the food and energy security needs at project, sector, and country levels.

12





Improving Governance and Catalysing FinanceGood governance is critical for the delivery of effective services across all water
subsectors and the sustainable management of water resources. Institutional capacity
and resources are essential to address political and socioeconomic risks in
implementing good water management. This includes providing an enabling
environment for private sector involvement, such as through public–private
partnerships and to develop innovative financing arrangements such as green finance,
credit enhancement measures, pooled finance, etc.
Fostering Innovation and Technological Advancement
The technological advances of the rapidly evolving digital and communications
revolution are redefining what is possible for water resources management and service
delivery. This includes the scaling up of innovative technologies and digital solutions,
including smart network management, remote sensing and geographical information
systems, real-time data generation, artificial intelligence, and digital payment systems.

1.8 Structure of this Report
This report presents the outcome of the Asia and Pacific regional process. This is first done foreach of the five sub-regions (chapters 2 till 6). Each sub-regional chapter starts with a short
description of the main characteristics of the sub-region. The next section describes the sessions(RP and RS) that the sub-region prepared, including a description of the challenges, breakthroughs,
and solutions for the specific subject of the session, as well as the set-up and outcome of thesession itself. The sub-regional chapter is concluded with the main messages and policy
recommendations of the sub-region. The last chapter (chapter 7) presents the water management
policy context in the region and the specific messages and outcomes of the regional process forWWF10. Annex A provides the details of the 11 Regional Process (RP) sessions plans. Annex B
does the same for the 5 Regional Synthesis (RS) sessions plans.

The Asia-Pacific Regional Process has been coordinated by the Asia Pacific Water Forum (APWF),
Asia Water Council (AWC) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The coordination groupconsisted of: Asia Pacific Water Forumo Ms. Changhua Wu, Chair of the Governing Councilo Ms. Yumiko Asayama, Chief Manager, APWF secretariat
 Asia Water Councilo Mr. Taihwan Kim, Planning Director, K-watero Ms. Ilhyang Park, Program Officer, K-water Asian Development Banko Mr. Lance Gore - Principal Water Resources Specialisto Mr. Jitendra K. Singh – Water and Sanitation Specialisto Mr. Eelco van Beek – Water Resources Specialist - ADB consultant

132

Sub-region Northeast Asia
Participating countries in the sub-region Northeast Asia were: People’s Republic of China (PRC),
Japan, and South-Korea.
National Water Security in North East Asia in AWDO 2020

Populationin '1000
China, People’s Republic of 1,395,380
Japan
126,529
Korea, Republic of
51,607
Aver.-pop weighted
1,573,516

2013
57.1
87.1
85.9
60.4

NWS score
2016
2020
71.5
72.7
88.4
87.9
85.1
84.0
73.3
74.3

KD1: Rural Household Water Security
KD2: Economic Water Security
KD3: Urban Water Security
KD4: Environmental Water Security
KD5: Water-Related Disaster Security
NWS: National Water Security

Leads, Co-leads and Coordination supporting members North East Asia
Mikio Ishiwatari

Board Director

jwf@waterforum.jp

Lead

Japan Water Forum

YumikoAsayama

Chief Manager

asayama@waterforum.jp

Zhou Zhulin

Division Directorzhouzhulin@hotmail.com

Co-leadChangjiang Water
Resources
Commission (Agency
of MWR)

Liu YuanProgram Officer

751122878@qq.com

Coordination
supporting
member

Eun Namkung

Vice President

enamkung@snu.ac.kr

Korea Water ForumMs. Yoon Jeong
Kwon

Manager

yjkwon@koreawaterforum.org

Coordination
supporting
member

UNESCO MultiSectoral Office for
East Asia

Ai Sugiura

Programme
Specialist for
NaturalSciencesa.sugiura@unesco.org

142.1 Characteristics of the sub-region and selected focus topics
This sub-region is facing growing risks from water-related disasters that are being exacerbated byclimate change, urbanization, population growth, and development activities. Several significant
urban centres, such as Tokyo, Seoul, Shanghai, and Hong Kong are in low-lying coastal areas thatare vulnerable to sea level rise, flooding and storms.
The growing risks of water-related disasters call for urgent action. Effective disaster risk reduction(DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) are crucial for building quality-oriented societies. The
countries in this sub-region have developed integrated structural and non-structural measures asfundamental solutions, including planning supported by scientific evidence, institutional reforms,
and capacity building.
Structural measures, including channels, dams, and drainage systems, play fundamental roles in
reducing disaster risks alongside non-structural measures, such as early warning systems andawareness-raising activities. These measures are supported by scientific evidence, capacity
building, and institutional reforms. However, there is a need to prioritize and strengthen sciencebased community-driven innovative transformative approaches for effective DRR and CCA.
Understanding the water cycle system from a sociocultural perspective, incorporating local andindigenous knowledge, and addressing the sociocultural aspects is critical for managing water
resources properly. Consideration of cultural values, beliefs, and practices is necessary to shape
how people value and use water. In addition, sociocultural factors influence the institutional andgovernance structures that oversee water access and management.
Locally and culturally tailored solutions - selected focus topics of the sub-region
The following subjects were identified as specific for the region:
 Improving dam operation by using science-and engineering technology.
 Using modern information and communication technologies for early warning andevacuation systems.
 Prioritizing ex-ante investment for disaster risk reduction.
 Incorporation of local and indigenous knowledge for culturally sensitive flood management
options.
 Emphasize the importance of understanding and integrating the socio-cultural aspects ofwater management and how cultural values, beliefs, and practices influence the value anduse of water resources.
 Stress the importance of incorporation of tangible and intangible water heritage as part ofcomprehensive transdisciplinary approach in water resources management. This requires
incorporating local knowledge, traditions, and practices alongside scientific approaches toformulate effective contextualized policies.
 And, highlight the need to promote participatory approach for community involvement andparticipation in water-related policy development and decision-making.
Discussion on these issues resulted in the decision to organize the following sessions at WWF10:
 As topic sessions:o RP1: River Basin Management under Changing Climateo RP2: Incorporating Sociocultural Dimensions in Water Resources Management:
Policies, Practices, and Challenges15

As synthesis session:o RS1: Youth session: Promoting intergenerational cooperation to create soundwater cycle

2.2 Topic 1: River Basin Management under Changing Climate (RP1)
2.2.1 Challenges and opportunities

As climate patterns shift, river basins across the globe are confronted with unprecedented
challenges and heightened risks. Shrinking glaciers, irregular rainfall patterns, and extreme
weather events are not only altering the traditional flow of rivers but are also significantly increasing
the frequency and severity of flood and drought events. These extreme weather conditions haveprofound impacts on water availability, quality, and ecological balance. They pose significant
challenges to water resources management, agriculture, and hydropower generation. The
uncertainty and unpredictability of these changes further complicate efforts to plan and mitigate
their negative effects.
The impact of climate change on river basins calls for innovative and adaptive strategies to mitigate
its negative effects and build resilience against these new and emerging risks. One such strategy
is the integration of climate-smart approaches into river basin management. This involves theconservation of water resources, the enhancement of ecosystem services, and the improvementof resilience to climate shocks. It also requires a multi-pronged approach that encompasses water
conservation techniques, sustainable land use planning, and the promotion of climate-resilient
infrastructure.
Opportunities arise from the need to adopt sustainable and resilience-building practices. By
investing in and implementing these practices, river basins can not only mitigate the negative
impacts of climate change but also adapt to the new realities of a changing climate. This transition,
while challenging, offers the potential for significant environmental, social, and economic benefits,
including the preservation of critical water resources, the enhancement of ecosystem health, andthe improvement of resilience to climate-related disasters.
2.2.2 Breakthroughs, enabling environment, and methodologies

To address the challenges and harness the opportunities, there is a need for technological,
institutional, and policy breakthroughs. Technological breakthroughs in areas such as water-saving
irrigation, remote sensing, risk assessment and early warning, and advanced modelling for climate
risk assessment, and digital river basin construction can significantly improve river basin
management.
Enabling environments need to be created through policies and regulatory frameworks that foster
climate-resilient development. This includes promoting integrated water resources management,enhancing cross-sectoral coordination, and facilitating public-private partnerships.
Methodological advancements are crucial in incorporating climate change considerations into river
basin management plans. This involves the use of innovative methods to forecast hydrologicalcycles, carry out jointly scheduling of watershed water projects, develop adaptive management
plans, and monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies.

16In conclusion, river basin management under a changing climate presents both challenges andopportunities. To address the challenges and opportunities, the session provides locally andculturally tailored solutions and best practices of the Northeast Asia sub-region, including
technological, institutional, and policy breakthroughs, coupled with enabling environments andinnovative methodologies. Through collective efforts, we can achieve a comprehensive,
sustainable, and resilient river basin management to face the forthcoming escalating risks broughtby climate change.
2.2.3 Objective and outcome of the session at WWF10River basin management is becoming a mainstreamed tool to enhance water security and more
effectively respond to climate change, and its broad deployment is enabled and empowered bymaturing and innovative technological capabilities such as digital twin, smart water conservancy,
early warning, risk assessment and management. This is witnessed in the three countries of the
sub-region as follows.
In the People’s Republic of China
 Much intensified legislative efforts in the last five years, in particular, when the legislators
took the first step to stipulate separate laws to strengthen integrated river basin
management and water-based ecological integrity for the Yangtze and the Yellow rivers,
respectively; Setting time-bound national action targets to build a national water network by 2035,
enabled by smart technologies; and,
 While protection and conservation are adopted as top priorities, water resources utilization,
governed by laws and regulations and enabled by smart solutions, are expected to be
managed and delivered in respect of ecological boundaries and play the due role ofenhancing climate resilience.
Digital Empowerment in Management and Protection of Hanjiang River Basin
The Hanjiang River is the major tributary of the Yangtze River, with a total length of 1,577 kilometers and adrainage area of 159,000 square kilometres. Since 2022, the Changjiang Water Resources Commission(CWRC) has carried out the digital twin Danjiangkou Reservoir pilot project, which was listed among the 11
digital twin water conservancy pilot projects by the MWR, P.R.C, successfully established a comprehensive
monitoring and sensing system with "sky-land-water-inner" integration. Together working with the digitaltwin Hanjiang River, the project realized holographic real-time mapping between water, reservoirs, anddams and forged an intelligent application system covering multiple services, installing a "smart brain" forcomprehensive management of the Hanjiang River basin. The project plays a positive role in ensuring
water safety in the Hanjiang River basin, improving the capacity of integrated management of the basin interms of flood control, hydropower generation, dam safety, reservoir safety, and water supply safety, andwater quality safety.

In Republic of Korea:
 Large dams are rapidly adapting low-carbon green growth by developing eco-friendly
renewable energy technologies that use water surface and water temperature, in addition
to their traditional role of hydroelectric power generation; The hydrothermal energy, which uses deep water from the dam reservoir, is expected toreach a capacity of 1.0 GW by 2030 contributing to energy savings and greenhouse gas
reduction as well as create quality jobs in the region and revitalize the around dam site; Floating photovoltaic power generation (FPV) facilities utilize the expansive reservoir
surfaces of dam reservoirs without harming the environment. The largest FPV facility in17South Korea, with a capacity of 41 MW and an area equivalent to 65 soccer fields. It begancommercial generation at Hapcheon Dam last year after testing for more than 20 years.
Particularly, it has been designed to promote local coexistence, tourism, and social valueenhancement, such as sharing profits with residents and providing jobs.
In Japan: Following up the Kumamoto Initiative for Water at the 4th Asia-Pacific Water Summit,
Japan has committed to proactively contributing to the solution of water-related social
issues faced by the Asia-Pacific region by developing “Quality Infrastructure” capitalizing
on Japan’s advanced technologies.
 Based on the new policy, “River Basin Disaster Resilience and Sustainability by All”,
related laws were revised to take comprehensive and multilayered actions by all
stakeholders. To enhance the action by all stakeholder in each river basin, it is important
to share the risk assessments information tailored for each stakeholder and to disseminate
lessons learned from past disasters.
 Effective use of existing dams by operational improvements such as preliminary release
operations that utilize ensemble rainfall predictions and by renewal and upgrading of dams
such as enhancement of discharge facilities and raising the dam height are consideredhybrid technologies that provide both climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.
 Reservoir sedimentation management is also important both for reservoir and river basinsustainability.
The objective of this session was to provide a platform for key stakeholders and partners inNortheast Asia to:
1. Share pioneering practices and the cases made in the region in order to scale deploymentof smart-tech-enabled river basin management;
2. Convene leading expertise and institutional capability to explore how to overcome hurdles
and bridge the gaps next to achieve accelerated deployment of river basin management
through partnership and collaboration;
3. Strengthen relevant measures to encourage financing at scale to invest in river-basin
projects for enhanced water security and climate resilience;
4. Showcase good government policies such as laws and regulations; etc.
5. Stimulate efforts and participation awareness of stakeholders (dam management entities,
power production companies, local residents, civic environmental groups, etc.); and,6. Promote continuous technology development.
The session was carried out successfully, with experts and representatives from various countries
attending enthusiastically. The meeting room was overcrowded. Structuring around the two
principles “Building resilience and adaptive capacity” and “Fostering innovation and technologicaladvancements”, the highlights of the results of the meeting were: A consensus on the participants that countries and stakeholders in the region should
further strengthen communication and cooperation to address the challenges brought
about by climate change.
 The meeting recommended that investment in the research and application of newtechnologies and methods should be further strengthened, such as digital twin technology,
and the application of digital twin technology in related fields should be promoted as soon
as possible.
 The meeting also believed that comprehensive management and utilization research ofbasin reservoirs under climate change conditions should be strengthened, and the role of18

reservoirs in flood protection, disaster reduction, green emission reduction, and otheraspects should be fully utilized.
A specific outcome of this session was:
 A call for Open Science in river basin management, including data sharing platforms andinitiatives and collaborative research frameworks (UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia)

Figure 5 Panel and attendance of RP1 session

2.3 Topic 2: Incorporating Sociocultural Dimensions in WRM: Policies, Practices, andChallenges (RP2)
2.3.1 Challenges and opportunities

Informed by local indigenous knowledge and cultural practices, effective management of water
resources is essential towards sustainable development. Given that water issues are exacerbatedby climate change, population growth, and development, it is essential to strengthen water
resource management efforts for quality growth.6
Countries tend to focus on technical solutions and economic efficiency. For countries to formulate
policies and make decisions, they need to understand that sociocultural factors influence theinstitutional and governance structures that improve water access and management. The region
needs to be particularly sensitive to these sociocultural factors. This is because sociocultural
factors are diverse and usually not fully understood and considered over the past several decades
and the gap between technical based solutions and socio-culturally sound solutions has widen due
to rapid economic and social welfare developments.
2.3.2 Breakthroughs, enabling environment and methodologiesEmphasize the importance of understanding and integrating the socio-cultural aspects ofwater management and how cultural values, beliefs, and practices influence the value anduse of water resources.

6

Ishiwatari M, and KE Seetha Ram (Ed.) 2024. Sociocultural Dimensions in Water Resources Management,
Asian Development Bank Institute. DOI: https://doi.org/10.56506/UFZU3909

19



Stress the importance of incorporation of tangible and intangible water heritage as part ofa comprehensive transdisciplinary approach in water resources management. Thisrequires incorporating local knowledge, traditions, and practices alongside scientificapproaches to formulate effective contextualized policies.
Highlight the need to promote participatory approach for community involvement andparticipation in water-related policy development and decision-making.



2.3.3 Objective and outcome of the session at WWF10

The session offered a comprehensive exploration of the intricate relationship between water andsociety, shedding light on how cultural values, beliefs, and practices influence societal perceptionsof water. The session emphasized the need for policies and strategies integrating sociocultural
aspects into water resource management, recognizing that these factors play a crucial role inshaping governance structures and improving water access. By analysing cases from various
countries, including PRC, Indonesia, Japan, and others, the session provided valuable insights
into the evolution of water management mechanisms in response to historical contexts, socioeconomic structures, and cultural influences. The lessons learned underscore the importance ofintegrating local knowledge, traditions, and customs into water resource management approaches,
promoting cooperative governance, and adapting strategies to evolving sociocultural dynamics.
The outcomes of this session were: The launch of the book “Incorporating Sociocultural Dimensions in Water Resources
Management: Policies, Practices, and Challenge” produced by JWF and ADBI.
 Increased global awareness of the value of cultural diversity and indigenous wisdom in
shaping inclusive water policies and practices.
 A platform for potential partners, including UNESCO, to collaborate in furthering the causeof culturally sensitive water management.
Showcases of Sociocultural Dimensions in Water Resources Dimensions in Japan, China, and theRepublic of Korea
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Novel Approaches in Flood Management Policies in Japan: Integrating Sociocultural Wisdom in
Climate Change Adaptation
The Shift to Risk Management-Based Water Resources Policy in Japan
Managing Water by the Local Community: Development and Implications of Japan’s Irrigation
Management System
Traditional River Engineering for Social Sustainability and Environmental Preservation
Passing on Indigenous Knowledge to the Next Generation through Water Learnings in Kumamoto,Japan
Community-based Disaster Management Through Linking with Traditional Community
Mechanisms: Flood Prevention Units
Transforming Water Resources Management Investment: The Evolution of Cost Sharing among
Local Communities, Governments, and the Private Sector in Japan
Integrating Safety, Security, and Cultural Values for Integrated Water Resources Management: A
UNESCO World Heritage Case Study in the People’s Republic of China
A Review of Public Awareness of Water Source Regulations and River Management in the
Republic of Korea

All are in Sociocultural Dimensions in Water Resources Management published by the AsianDevelopment Bank Institute (2024). Citable URL https://doi.org/10.56506/UFZU3909

20

Figure 6 Presenters of session RP2

2.4 Synthesis session: Youth session: Promoting intergenerational cooperation to createsound water cycle (RS1)
2.4.1 Challenges and opportunities

The Asia-Pacific region, particularly Northeast Asia, is confronted with escalating challenges
related to climate change and the maintenance of a robust water cycle. The youth, as a significant
demographic, offer an untapped potential for innovation and sustainable solutions that can catalysea societal shift towards improved water management practices. However, meaningful youth
engagement (MYE) in water cycle management faces several obstacles, including limited accessto decision-making platforms, scarcity of resources, and a lack of intergenerational dialogue that
could facilitate the transfer of knowledge and experience.
Opportunities arise from the recognition of these challenges and the commitment to address them.
The youth session at the UN Water Conference in March 2023 highlighted the importance of MYE
and the establishment of a network among youth groups. This momentum can be harnessed todevelop implementable strategies that not only promote MYE but also integrate scientific and social
components to solve water issues. The key lies in sharing youth-led projects, adopting bestpractices, and fostering intergenerational cooperation.
2.4.2 Breakthroughs, enabling environment and methodologies

To achieve breakthroughs in promoting MYE, an enabling environment must be cultivated that
supports the following:
1. Capacity Building: Investment in education and training programs to equip youth with thenecessary skills to participate effectively in water management initiatives.
2. Inclusive Policy-making: The creation of policies that ensure youth representation in water
governance, providing them with a platform to voice their concerns and contribute todecision-making processes.
3. Intergenerational Exchange: Facilitating dialogue and collaboration between different
generations to combine the experience of older generations with the innovative thinking of
the youth through the establishment of a platform to be co-created.
21

4. Financial Support: Securing funding for youth-led initiatives, possibly through grants,
subsidies, or innovative financing mechanisms that reward sustainable water management
practices.
5. Technology and Innovation: Leveraging digital platforms and technological advancements
to co-create scalable solutions, enhance water management, and monitor progresseffectively.
6. Community-based Initiatives: Encouraging and supporting local projects that allow youth
to take the lead in addressing water issues, thereby building a sense of ownership andresponsibility.
7. Research and Development: Promoting research in the field of water science andtechnology to provide evidence-based solutions and encourage innovation.
By focusing on these areas, the region can make significant strides in promoting MYE and drive
sustainable water cycle management. The success of these efforts will depend on the collaboration
between governments, civil society, the private sector, and most importantly, the youth themselves.
2.4.3 Objective and outcome of the session at WWF10The Asia-Pacific Region faces mounting challenges related to climate change and maintaining asound water cycle. In this dynamic landscape of water management, youth engagement isincreasingly crucial. Young people possess the potential to drive innovation and sustainable
solutions, leading to a societal transformation towards a sound water cycle. The youth session at
the UN Water Conference in March 2023 confirmed the necessity of “Meaningful YouthEngagement" (MYE) and established a network among various youth groups, building upon thediscussions initiated at the 4th Asia-Pacific Water Summit in Kumamoto, April 2022. Building on
this momentum, the Youth Water Forum Asia, hosted by the Japan Water Forum and the Korea
Water Forum in Kumamoto in November 2023, proposed activities that integrate both scientificand social components. Promoting MYE is essential for solving water issues. The key to furthering
MYE is to share Youth-led projects, adopt the best practices, and engage in intergenerational
dialogue.
The objective of this session was to propose implementable strategies to MYE in resolving water
cycle problems. The session showcased community-based activities led by youth groups anddiscuss opportunities for intergenerational cooperation to support youth group activities andexplore joint programs of multiple youth groups in the field. Engaging the audience in discussions
at the session was be facilitated by a moderator. Prior to this session in Bali, an introductory
session was organized among panellists and organizers virtually. This preliminary session serves
as a platform to discuss and refine the ideas for joint programs and collaborations.
The concrete outcome of the session were:
1. Joint programs were proposed that will provide continuous opportunities for potential
partners to collaborate in furthering the cause of youth-driven, culturally sensitive water
resources management.
2. Tangible examples of successful cross-cultural initiatives such as cultural intergenerational dialogue for water management, protecting urban tidal flats, and local water
management by youth were showcased that integrate local and indigenous knowledge into
sustainable water cycle solutions.
3. A Video competition was announced focusing on innovative solutions for water
sustainability. The competition targets 15-18-year-olds to create videos on a range ofwater-related themes, such as water-related research, international exchange activities, or22

traditional and volunteer efforts related to water, emphasizing the importance ofintergenerational efforts for a sustainable future.
4. Follow-up activities were planned for the next Youth Water Forum Asia in 2024, ensuringcontinuity and building upon the outcomes of this session.
5. Collaboration opportunities were provided with a platform for potential partners, including
UNESCO, to collaborate in furthering the cause of youth-driven, culturally sensitive water
resources management. Tangible examples of successful cross-cultural initiatives that
integrate local and indigenous knowledge into sustainable water cycle solutions.

2.5 Policy recommendations
The main policy recommendations from the three sessions were: River basin management under changing climate: It is necessary to vigorously promote
new technologies and methods, such as digital twin technology, to improve the adaptabilityof river basin management to climate change. Open science and data sharing is importantfor effectively managing river basins under climate change challenges and guidelines shallbe developed..
 Socio-cultural dimensions: Water resource management needs to integrate socio-cultural
aspects into its approaches and policies by incorporating local knowledge, traditions andcustoms. This requires the involvement of communities at operation and decision-making
level. A dynamic and adaptive approach should be followed to couple indigenous
knowledge, traditional technologies supported by sociocultural aspects with state-of-art
technology.
 Youth session: Youth-led initiatives and intergenerational collaboration offer refinedsolutions to attaining a sound water resource management.

Figure 7 Presenters Youth Session RS1

23

Showcases of Youth-led initiatives
Japan - Protecting Wajiro Tidal Flat: The Struggle To Save an Urban Tidal Oasis
Students at Fukuoka Institute of Technology Jyoto High School are part of a project to protect the Wajiro Tidal
Flat in Hakata Bay, Fukuoka, Japan. They study eelgrass, which plays a critical role in absorbing CO2 andproviding a habitat for marine life. They focus on increasing the amount of eelgrass, which is in decline, toimprove the marine environment. They also emphasize the importance of preserving tidal flats and increasingshellfish populations to filter organic materials and keep ocean waters clean.
Fukuoka Institute of Technology Jyoto Highschool Science clubhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRQaqd0Y_ZM
Japan - Challenges to co-work with local water management by youth
Students at Tomikawa High School created digital maps showing the water supply system and conducted water
quality surveys to ensure the safety and sustainability of local water resources. They aim to develop an
autonomous water supply system managed by local residents to address the decreasing population challengein Hidaka Town, Hokkaido, Japan.
Hokkaido Tomikawa High School https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8e1xIKoJSmU
Mongolia - Extract bone charcoal filter from the waste bones of Mongolian cows in order to improve thequality of drinking water in the Gobi region of Mongolia
Darkhan-Erdene.A's research addresses the environmental and health issues in Mongolia's Gobi region causedby high fluoride levels in drinking water and the pollution from waste bones generated by the local animalhusbandry. The innovative solution involves converting these waste bones into bone charcoal filters, which cansignificantly reduce fluoride in water, thereby improving public health and reducing environmental pollution. Thisapproach ingeniously integrates local resources and lifestyle with scientific innovation to promote sustainable
development.
Darkhan-Erdene.A, Mongolia University of Science and Technology
South Korea - From People to the Government: Introduction of Cooperation between youth andgovernment in the water system in ROK)
Hayoung Park shares the vision and strategies of ROK’s water management and the government’s effort tolisten to the public's voice through her presentation. 3 key policies, including integrated water management,
basin water management, and public safety water management, are introduced, followed by 6 strategies
adopted by ROK to reach a sound water cycle, varying from enhancing sustainability to vitalizing international
cooperation. She concludes with case studies that show how the youth and civil society work together with the
ROK government in the water sector, such as citizen-led committees, workshops, job opportunities, and capacity
building.
Hayoung Park, Turntable24

3

Sub-region Southeast Asia
Participating countries in the sub-region Southeast Asia were: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao
PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, East Timor, and Vietnam.
National Water Security in Southeast Asia in AWDO 2020
Populationin '000
Brunei442
Cambodia
15,643
Indonesia
265,000
Lao People’s Democratic Republic
6,779
Malaysia
32,400
Myanmar53,860Philippines
106,600
Singapore
5,639
Thailand
67,831
Timor Leste
1,324
Viet Nam
94,700
Aver.-pop weighted
649,775

2013
74.3
55.7
56.6
49.0
72.6
44.7
59.0
58.7
54.5
49.2
54.4
56.2

NWS score
2016
2020
74.2
75.5
58.6
57.5
60.5
61.0
55.6
55.2
73.3
74.7
47.1
48.6
67.0
67.8
79.4
78.0
56.8
58.6
53.1
49.9
58.5
59.9
60.5
61.4

KD1: Rural Household Water Security
KD2: Economic Water Security
KD3: Urban Water Security
KD4: Environmental Water Security
KD5: Water-Related Disaster Security
NWS: National Water Security

Leads, Co-leads and Coordination supporting members South East Asia
GWP Southeast Asia
fany.wedahuditama@gwpsea.org
Regional Coordinator
The NOC and MPWH
Director of Water
coordinated with The Ministry Mohammad
Resources Indonesian
Co-leadmirfans@bappenas.go.idof National Development
Irfan Saleh
Ministry of National
Planning / Bappenas
Development Planningmin58@kwater.or.kr,
Minkyeng Park
Manager
Coordination
hanmekong@kwater.or.kr
supporting
KMCRC
YoungminmemberSenior Manager
youngmin@kwater.or.kr
Hong
Lead forFAO Regional Office for Asia Caroline Amy
Water Scarcity
Caroline.Turner@fao.org
RS2
and the Pacific
Turner
Programme Manager
Lead

GWP Southeast Asia

Fany
Wedahuditama

25

3.1 Characteristics of the sub-region and selected focus topics
Water management in Southeast Asia is characterized by a blend of challenges and opportunities
shaped by the region's unique geographical, climatic, and socio-economic conditions. The region
includes diverse landscapes such as river deltas, mountainous regions, and extensive coastlines.
Major river systems like the Mekong, Irrawaddy, and Chao Phraya are vital for water supply,
agriculture, and fisheries. The region's water resources are highly dependent on seasonalmonsoons, which can cause both floods and droughts.
Rapid urbanization and population growth in cities like Jakarta, Bangkok, and Manila have led toincreased demand for water and sanitation services. Urban water management faces challenges
such as inadequate infrastructure, water pollution, and over-extraction of groundwater. At the sametime industrialization, urban runoff, and agricultural activities in rural areas contribute to significant
water pollution in the sub region. Contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and untreatedsewage degrade water quality, posing risks to human health and ecosystems.
Agriculture is the main water consumer in the sub-region, particularly for rice cultivation. Efficientirrigation practices are critical, yet many areas still rely on traditional, inefficient irrigation methods.
There is a growing need for sustainable agricultural practices to ensure water availability for othersectors and future generations.
Like other parts of the region, this sub-region is highly vulnerable to climate change, experiencing
increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like typhoons, floods, and droughts.
Rising sea levels threaten low-lying coastal areas, exacerbating saltwater intrusion into freshwater
systems and affecting water availability.
Discussion on the issues and priorities to address them resulted in the decision to organize thefollowing sessions at WWF10:
 As topic sessions:o RP3: Smart Water Management: Opportunities and Challengeso RP4: Mobilizing Innovative Financing for Inclusive / Green and climate resilience
for all As synthesis session:o RS2: Resilient and sustainable water scarcity management in Southeast Asia

3.2 Topic 1: Smart water management: Opportunities and Challenges (RP3)With positive economic growth in the region, rapid industrial and population growth is inevitable inSoutheast Asia. Demand for water is predicted to increase exponentially especially in industrial
and agricultural use, as these are one of the main driving economic forces in Southeast Asia.
Besides industrial and agriculture, rapid population growth will add more stress to the region’s
water resources. Thus, proper water resources management system is required to have asustainable water future in the region.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to improve water security. It caused many
challenges in the water sector, and the challenges also made the response to the pandemic more
complex, affecting vulnerable populations unequally. Although handwashing and sanitation are
fundamental measures to fight COVID-19, 1.5 billion people in rural areas and 600 million people
in urban areas still lack access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation in the Asia-Pacific26Region. Challenges in responding to water-related disasters under the pandemic include thereduced capacity of evacuation shelters and impediments to external assistance. The Southeast
Asia region is one of the most disaster-prone region in the world. Its monsoon areas account for
two-thirds of the global deaths and victims of water-related disasters each year. Supply chain
disruptions, deterioration in financial conditions, and lockdowns have hindered the continuity ofservices in irrigation, water supply, and sewerage, and water resources management facilities.
Climate change will further aggravate the cascading multi-hazards.
The water sector plays a vital role in recovering from the pandemic and beyond. By restoring asound water cycle and implementing smart water management, we can reduce disaster risks,achieve multiple SDGs, and strengthen transboundary cooperation.

3.2.1 Challenges and Opportunities

Rapid urbanisation, climate change, and water demands
By the year 2050, it is projected that around 70% of the population in Asia will reside in city areas.
Presently there are about 269 million Asians that do not have access to clean water supply andsanitation, and this is due to the exponential increase in Asia’s urban population and theinadequate infrastructure in most Asian countries.
According to the 2030 Water Resources Group, the gap between global water supply and demandis projected to reach 40% by 2030, and in many places, demand is already exceeding sustainablesupply. Access to clean water, disposal of sewage and wastewater, water conservation, reuse,and sanitation are critical for a growing city’s competing demands – from the public and industrial.
Industrial & agricultural water demand and untreated wastewater
The agriculture industry accounts for roughly 70% of total freshwater withdrawals globally and forover 90% in most Least Developed Countries (LDCs), which includes countries in Asia. Without
improved efficiency measures, agriculture water consumption is expected to increase by about
20% globally by 2050.7
Projected increase in water demand, primarily from manufacturing, electricity and domestic use
will generate further stress on water resources and possibly impact water allocation for irrigation.
Water demand for energy, and electricity generation, in particular, will grow significantly as energy
demand is expected to grow by more than one third in the period of 2010 – 2035.
Besides water usage and demand, the rate of untreated wastewater in Southeast Asia is alarmingly
high. According to United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific(UNESCAP), 80% – 90% of wastewater from industrial usage and agriculture industry is being
discharged into rivers and the sea with no proper treatment. In the Philippines, for example, only
10% of wastewater is treated, while in Indonesia 14% is treated and in Vietnam 4% is treated.
Because of this, untreated wastewater contaminated the overall water ecosystem. By 2030, theUnited Nations are aiming to reduce the percentage of untreated water by half.

7

https://www.asiawater.org/market-insights/

27

Current efforts to overcome the challenges
Many strategic efforts have been implemented by governments and non-government stakeholders.
Waste and sanitation programs in Southeast Asia has been implemented by governments and its
development partners to keep up with the rapid growth of population. As in other countries, inIndonesia, very large community-based water supply and sanitation programs (they are called
PAMSIMAS and SANIMAS) have been rolled out since 2004 with the support of several major
donors, complemented by many national and international NGOs to ensure safe water supply,
sanitation and hygiene (WASH) access for people in the rural areas. As for the access in urban
areas, strategic efforts from water operators have been facilitated through the establishment of
Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance (GWOPA). GWOPA is an international network
created to support water operators through Water Operator’s Partnerships (WOPs), peer support
exchanges between two or more water operators, on a not-for-profit basis, with the objective ofstrengthening their capacity, enhancing their performance and enabling them to provide a better
service to more people.
On the issue of managing sustainable supply and efficient demand amid climate change, FAO andthe Australia Water Partnership have launched its Water Scarcity Program (WSP) in Cambodia,
Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam with focus on resilient and sustainable agriculture and foodsecurity. WSP is expected to help countries to build its capacity to conduct water accounting which
will be the basis for water allocation and further Water Scarcity Action Plan (WSAP). In addition,
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) through its Climate Risk Early Warning Systems
Initiative (CREWS) that will be implemented in Cambodia and Lao, is also contributing to the effort
in water-related disaster risk reduction in the region.
From the private entities (multinational companies), many private companies have been
contributing to the achievement of water security in the region. There are two main water related
programs from the private companies’ sustainability programs, they are the WASH project andWater Replenishment project. These two types of projects are being implemented in Southeast
Asian countries, although limited to the companies’ area of concern (catchment where they areoperating).
With these many efforts on the ground, one of the challenges is to align these government andnon-government efforts. Based on this need, GWP Southeast Asia, has developed Integrated
Water Security Open Program to help to identify who is doing what, where and how, to help tobetter facilitate alignment and collaboration to accelerate the achievement of water security goals.
Now that all strategic efforts are identified, and the platform for alignment and collaboration is inplace (with further improvement), smart water management with the support of innovative technicalsolutions and financing will be crucial to help to overcome technical challenges and accelerate theachievement of water security goals. The experience of Singapore, Korea, Japan, Australia andother countries that have already successfully implemented smart water management will bevaluable to be shared with Southeast Asian countries.
3.2.2 Breakthroughs

Based on the strategic context, challenges, current and urgent future efforts, the proposed way
forward is to strengthen inclusive, just, resilient and sustainable water governance which supported
by science & technological solutions, and innovative financing. For strengthening inclusive, just,resilient and sustainable water governance, a comprehensive Smart Water Governance28

Improvement Program shall be developed and implemented in Southeast Asia countries to ensure
strong enabling environment as the foundation for smart water management.
Following up the smart water governance improvement program, science-based innovative
solutions should be promoted and supported by the water business associations for
implementation at economic scale. Without the support of the water business association, sciencebased innovative solutions will not be able to be implemented at scale. In addition, the financing
for this economic scale implementation also needs to be thought of. Innovative financing such as
establishing platform such as “Sillicon Valey for Water” would help to open doors to non-traditional
financing, such as venture capitals, and accelerate the science-based innovative solutions at
economic scale.
3.2.3 Objective and Outcome of the Session at WWF10

The session discussed country-wide scale best practices of smart water management employedby countries amid their limited resources and growing development and climate change pressures.
Singapore, Korea, Japan, Australia, and Netherlands are among the countries that have shown
exemplary practices in smart water management in such challenging situations that can be referredby developing countries in Southeast Asia. It is therefore important to share the stages ofdeveloping smart water management that can ensure higher resiliencies for all.
The objectives of this session are:
 To examine the critical elements of transforming conventional water management into
smart water management through country sharing in implementing Smart Water
Management amid challenging situations.
 To explore pathways toward systemic change, innovation, and meaningful collaboration
for transformational, resilience and sustainable smart water management in Southeast
Asian countries.
The outcomes can be described as individual innovations - united effort to realize smart water
management in Southeast Asia facilitated to achieve SDGs with as concrete solutions theestablishment of a SEA Smart Water Management Support Facility.
Follow up linkages with events for this session are:
 GWP SEA – Innovative Solutions for Water Secure World and Sustainable Development
Webinar Series
 GWP SEA – Integrated Water Security Open Program
 GWP SEA – SEA Catchment Knowledge Hub (piloted first in Indonesia – in Collaboration
with Indonesia Water Coalition)
 KOMEC – Development of the Water-related Decision Support System Utilizing theDigital Technology in the Mekong Region Project KOMEC – Mekong-Korea International Forum (Theme: Climate Resilience throughDigital Water Management in the Mekong Region)
Key messages of the session were: Critical elements in smart water management transformation are based on ability to
manifest principle of efficiency, sufficiency, sustainability, and resiliency in every aspectof program implementation. Each principle should be supported with a clear framework
and roadmap of applied innovative technologies that suits the local context.
29

The policy recommendations from the session were: High-level country agreement on the establishment Smart Water Management Centre of
Excellent Facility should be established to allow easier access to best practice andlessons learned from countries in implementing smart water management (SEA Smart
Water Management Facility).
 Encourage dedicated technical assistance through consolidated, both internal andexternal, support for countries to take the smart water management transformation pathto accelerate the achievement of water security goals in the region (SEA Water Portfolio
Fund Coalition. Reference is made to the practical action under RP4.
Showcases from countries that joined the RP3
Korea - Water Loss Management
 The government of Korea, through K-Water, has been implementing long-term and short-term NonRevenue Water (NRW) management projects by integrating traditional methods and digital technologies.
One critical lesson learned is the importance of gaining a high level of competence in traditional methods
before introducing new technologies.
 Digital technologies are not silver bullets. Integrating traditional methods and digital technologies canoffer much more effective solutions in managing NRW. If local water utilities do not master the traditional
methods, the cutting-edge smart water management system may not be sustainable.
Japan - Smart Sewerage Management Comprehensive flood control by sewerage
Relying only on infrastructure measures is insufficient for recent heavy rains due to climate change.
Comprehensive inundation countermeasures combining hardware and software is necessary.
Comprehensive flood control must include stormwater storage piping, pumping stations for stormwater, andan information system for rain and flood hazard maps. For sewerage management, Japan has developed
technology for Sewerage pipe-jacking methods. This technology allows pipes to be installed without digging
up the ground. Enabling construction that takes sites and traffic conditions in urban areas into account. In
addition, Japan has developed pump gate equipment that is space-and-time efficient using full-speed, fulllevel horizontal-shaft submersible pumps.
 Circular economy in wastewater management
In order to treat wastewater, it is necessary to pull out and treat sewage sludge appropriately. Sewerage law
obliges appropriate sewage treatment through dewatering, recycling as fuel or fertilizer, and incineration.
Japan has connected sewage sludge to food by developing fertilizer made from sewage sludge (BISTRO
Sewerage). This smart sewage management system was introduced in Saga.
 Asia Water Management Partnership (AWaP)
To contribute to the achievement of SDGs, specifically on SDG 6 target 6.3 (Halving the ratio of untreatedsanitary wastewater), AWaP was established in July 2018 to mainstream sanitary wastewater managementin Asia. AWaP will focus on (i) raising consciousness for sanitary wastewater management, (ii) monitoring
sanitary wastewater management, and (iii) solving common issues.
Indonesia - Irrigation Modernization
Indonesia has approximately 7,3 million Ha of irrigation area. However, only 11% of the irrigation area is
supplied by reservoirs. While reservoirs are not sufficient to cover the whole irrigation area, irrigation
infrastructures also suffer from damage due to, among others, (i) exceeded service life, (ii) natural disasters,(iii) unoptimized management, (iv) limited operation and maintenance; and (v) inadequate rehabilitation.
The government of Indonesia has decided to implement a national program on the modernization of irrigation.
Modernization of irrigation consists of 5 pillars: (i) enhancing irrigation water supply reliability; (ii) improving
irrigation facilities and infrastructures; (iii) refining irrigation management systems; (iv) strengthening irrigation
management institutions; and (v) empowering human resources management.
One of the case studies is the Rentang irrigation area. The result of this case study is that implementing thefive pillars has improved water productivity from 0,59 kg/m3 to 1 kg/m3. Canal efficiency has reduced water
loss by more than 50 percent. The reliability of the water supply has improved from 43.299 Ha to 86.423 Ha.
Most importantly, weekly monitoring of water allocation has improved water efficiency to 1 kg/m3 as mentioned
above.

30

Malaysia - National Water Balance Management System (NAWABS)
Malaysia's water balance scenario consists of 43% evaporation, 51% surface runoff, and 6% groundwater
recharge. Of the surface runoff, 17% is stored in 104 dams, 1.16% is managed in water treatment plants (with
0.4% lost as non-revenue water), 2.1% is used for agriculture, and 80-85% is released to the sea. Climatechange has disrupted this balance, leading to significant impacts. Floods affect 10.1% of Malaysia's area,
exposing 21% of the population to risk and causing economic losses of up to 36 million Ringgit (USD 9 billion).
Drought reduces paddy yield by 25%. In response, Malaysia prioritizes water management, emphasizing theneed for trained water managers and improved data management to enhance planning and decision-making.
Flood and drought management are key priorities.
Malaysia developed the National Water Balance Management System (NAWABS), a comprehensive river
basin management tool to address data management. NAWABS supports better planning and operational
decisions regarding water prioritization, allocation, quality, dam management, drought indexing, and auditing.
It predicts droughts two months in advance and issues warnings 14 days ahead, aiding in water shortage
preparedness. NAWABS is gaining acceptance among state governments as a decision-making tool.
Vietnam - Improving Water Security Through Demand-Oriented Management Approach – Case Study in
Danang City
Rapid urbanization and water-intensive lifestyles in many large cities and provinces in Vietnam aresignificantly increasing water consumption demands, challenging current water infrastructure andmanagement institutions and risking future water security. To address these challenges, cities and provinces
often employ a supply-oriented management approach as the primary solution to meet current and future
demands.
The government of Danang City, in collaboration with the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES),
has conducted a research project to evaluate the effectiveness of a demand-oriented management approachwith smart water use solutions as a complementary measure to the supply-oriented approach. The project
aims to address the city's water security challenges and proposes scaling up the solutions.
The combination of both approaches has managed to help Danang city to optimally manage water resources.
The demand-oriented approach helps to promote smart water use lifestyles among Danang residents throughparticipatory research, demonstrations and education on reducing water and energy consumption throughwater-energy nexus. The supply-oriented approach helps to enhance the city’s water security by improving
the energy efficiency of water pumping systems, leading to benefits such as increased water safety and supply
capacity, energy savings, CO2 emission reductions and lower operation costs for the utility.
Thailand - Smart Water Management in Irrigation
Thailand, in collaboration with the TSRI-NRCT Spearhead Research Program, has a project to improve water
management efficiency at the local level. This project aims to reduce water access disparity in the Thor Tong
Daeng (TTD) Irrigation Project area, save irrigation water by reducing conveyance loss, and summarize goodwater management practices through participatory training.
The project uses hardware (in-situ soil moisture sensors, water level monitoring, and automatic gate control),software (water demand planning, allocation, release, and feedback), and community-based action research(meetings, interviews, and online data collection).
Research findings were:: Implementing real-time IoT monitoring for water delivery and demand management reduced irrigationwater usage by at least 15%.
 Surveys in five TTD districts showed a 16%-33% increase in household income from rice cultivation,amounting to 1,942 – 3,948 Baht per rai (USD 360 – 750 per Ha).
 Community enterprises for azolla, lemon, and lemongrass cultivation increased income by 1,634 –
35,756 Baht per rai (USD 310 – 6,700 per Ha).
 Social improvements included increased community cooperation, better water sharing, and reduced
conflict.
 Participation in group activities and adherence to rules improved.
In conclusion, tracking systems with sensors in irrigation projects enhance water delivery efficiency andreduce losses. Developing water user groups facilitates knowledge transfer, improves water management
planning, reduces conflict, and increases farmer incomes, serving as a model for smart water management.

31

Figure 8 Presenters and participants session RP3

3.3 Topic 2: Mobilizing Innovative Financing for Inclusive / Green and Climate Resilience for All(RP4)
The Southeast Asia region is one of the most disaster-prone region in the world. Its monsoon areas
account for two-thirds of the global deaths and victims of water-related disasters each year. Supply
chain disruptions, deterioration in financial conditions, and lockdowns have hindered the continuityof services in irrigation, water supply, and sewerage, and water resources management facilities.
Climate change will further aggravate the cascading multi-hazards.8
A fundamental obstacle all cities in Southeast Asia must overcome on the path to a water secured
and climate-resilient region is the lack of capital and access to finance. International adaptation
finance flows to developing countries remain between five and ten times lower than the estimatedneeds, and the gap is widening. As the impacts of climate change intensify (increasing floods anddrought incidents), the developing world urgently needs financial mechanisms to mobilise funds tohelp vulnerable countries and communities adapt and build disaster-resilient infrastructure.
3.3.1 Challenges and Opportunities

Growth of population coupled with urbanization, especially in developing countries, is resulting inincreased exposure to risk from hazards of all kinds. Climate change is exacerbating known risks

8

Mikio Ishiwatari, Akhilesh Surjan, Good enough today is not enough tomorrow: Challenges of increasing
investments in disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, Progress in Disaster Science, Volume 1,
2019, 100007, ISSN 2590-0617,

32

and rearing unknown complications experienced through heat stress, water scarcity, water andvector borne diseases and even extreme events. Increased investment in disaster risk reduction(DRR) and climate change adaptation (CCA) is required from global actors, regional and national
governments as well as local actors including corporates, non-profits, municipalities, andindividuals.
The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, adopted in 2015, stresses that proactive
investment in DRR is highly cost-effective in protecting human lives and preventing economic
damage and can save recovery costs.9 The third Asia-Pacific Water Summit adapted ‘The Yangon
Declaration: The Pathway Forward’. One of the key declarations of this summit was doubling
investments to address water-related disasters and increase water security in the Asia-Pacificregion.10 The High-Level Panel on Water (HLPW), established jointly by the United Nations andthe World Bank, recommends doubling investment in water-related DRR within the next 5 years in
the Outcome Document published in March-2018. 11 Key measures for investment include: (i)reducing risk to acceptable levels through structural and non-structural investments; and (ii)managing the residual risk through disaster preparedness measures, such as early warning
systems and financing arrangements for disaster relief and recovery.12
Despite recent global, multilateral, and regional impetus, most countries are not able to proactively
investment enough in DRR. In contrast, investment in DRR and CCA is far behind compared withinvestments in expansion of human settlements and development of infrastructure and services.
3.3.2 Current efforts to overcome the challenges

Many countries have started integrating DRR into national development plans. Some countries
also formulated long-term plans that cover targets, policies, projects, and other related issues
pertinent of DRR.13 These approaches are helpful in promoting DRR in some of the major disasterprone countries in the Asian region as detailed below through selected cases.
From the 1970s, budget is allocated for flood prevention in Malaysia's five-year development
plans. 14 Philippines development plans mention DRR policies and approaches. Indonesia's
national development plans have included DRR approaches and major projects. Vietnam adopted
National Strategy for Natural Disaster Prevention, Response and Mitigation (2007–2020)
comprising necessary approaches for DRR to minimize human losses and economic damage.

9

UNISDR, Sendai framework for disaster risk reduction 2015–2030, UNISDR, Geneva (2015)
Asia-Pacific Water Forum, Yangon declaration: the pathway forward, Japan Water Forum, Tokyo (2017)11
High-Level Panel on Water, Outcome document: making every drop count, United Nations, New York (2018)12
Asian Development Bank (ADB), Understanding disaster risk for advancing resilient development: knowledge
note, ADB, Mandaluyong (2018)
13
S.V. Prabhakar, A. Abu-Bakar, S. Becker, J.J. Pereira, D.S. Solomon, Insurance for disaster risk reduction andclimate change adaptation–an overview, S.V. Prabhakar, J.J. Pereira, J.M. Pulhin, G.S. Rao, H. Scheyvens, J.
Cummuins (Eds.), Effectiveness of insurance, effectiveness of insurance for disaster risk reduction and climatechange adaptation: challenges and opportunities, IGES, Hayama (2015)
14
A.M.H. Shah, Z. Mustaffa, K.W. Yusof, Disasters worldwide and floods in the Malaysian Region: a brief
review, Indian J Sci Technol, 10 (2) (2017), pp. 1-9
1033

Stand-alone DRR finance mechanisms
The Philippines established stand-alone DRR finance mechanisms. The Philippine government's
national disaster risk reduction and management fund is specifically used for mitigation,
prevention, and preparedness activities. Thirty percent of the fund is marked as a quick response
fund, while the remaining comprises a stand-by fund for relief and recovery programs. Local
governments are also required to dedicate 5% revenue as the local disaster risk reduction andmanagement fund and are to be used to support pre-disaster and preparedness activities.15
Sharing costs with local governments and communities
Decentralization of responsibilities and cost between national, sub national and community inaddressing the financing gap is also a good practice that has been done by some governments. In
Indonesia for example, the government has developed a National Resilient Village Program where
village government has the responsibility to build their capacity on mitigation and adaptation, withthe support from national, provincial, and local governments.
No regret investment principles
Given the need for and importance of paying attention to water-related disasters, the High-level
Experts and Leaders Panel on Water and Disasters (HELP), drafted ‘principles on investment andfinancing for water related disaster risk reduction’, which was launched during the 8th World Water
Forum in Brazil. Building on a cooperation between the Global Water Partnership (GWP), the
HELP and Japanese government, a session on DRR was organized in Southeast Asia (Vietnam,
VACI 2018), with the main objective to consult on investment and financing for water relateddisaster risk reduction principles. The draft principles comprise the following: Water-related disaster risk reduction is indispensable for socio-economic development
 Ex-ante measures of water related disaster risk reduction should be prioritized Governments should improve their fiscal systems and allocate sufficient budget for water
related disaster risk reduction
 The international community should expand financing for water related disaster risk
reduction
 Financing for science and technology should be strengthened to support sound investment
decisions3.3.3 Breakthroughs

Financing loss and damage from Climate Change
The concept of loss and damage was first raised in the 1991 climate change negotiations by
Vanuatu as a facility to compensate small island developing states for the devastating impacts of
sea-level rise. Subsequently, the term “loss and damage” has come to be understood as any
negative consequences of climate change on economic, social, and environmental systems.
This concept was further elaborated at the Conference of Parties (COP-13) in Bali, Indonesia, in2007. The Bali Action Plan emphasised the need for enhanced action on adaptation, including
disaster risk reduction strategies and means to address loss and damage. Moreover, the COP-18
in Doha in 2012 agreed to establish institutional arrangements to address loss and damage under
the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The following

15

Government of the Philippines, Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act. Republic Act No.
10121. Manila (2010)34

summarises the progress and evolution of loss and damage in COPs of UNFCCC from 2007
through 2022.
The most recent COP-27 in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh reached a breakthrough agreement on the
Loss and Damage Fund for vulnerable countries hit by climate change. The new pledge during the
COP-27 was more than 230 million US dollars to help vulnerable communities through concrete
adaptation solutions.
The COP-27 made two important decisions: Decisions 2/CP.27 and 2/CMA.4 established funding
arrangements for responding to climate-induced loss and damage. These new funding
arrangements will assist developing countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects
of climate change. The assistance includes providing and mobilising new and additional resources
to complement existing funding support.
Disaster risk financing: disaster pooling fundIndonesia has made significant strides in bolstering its capacity to mitigate the risks associatedwith frequent natural disasters. This has been achieved via the implementation of a range ofpolicies, with particular emphasis on fiscal measures and institutional frameworks. The government
launched the Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance (DRFI) Strategy in 2018 with the goal of
improving disaster management capacities and increasing economic resilience in the face of
calamities. The DRFI instrument, known as the Disaster Pooling Fund (DPF), works in tandem withthe state budget. The World Bank has committed to disbursing a US$500 million loan packagethrough the “Indonesia Disaster Risk Finance and Insurance” initiative to fund the DPF from March
2021 to March 2024. The Global Risk Financing Facility (GRiF) has also contributed US$14 million
to this loan. Furthermore, Indonesia is nearing completion of the Adaptive Social Protection (ASP)
roadmap, which integrates climate change adaptation and catastrophe risk management into thesocial protection system. While DPF has been in operation since 2021, the DRFI roadmap has yet
to be fully implemented.
3.3.4 Objective and Outcome of the Session at WWF10

The session discussed the strategic directions and a customizable roadmap for the public sector,
private sector, international organizations, intermediaries, and others to collaborate towards
catalysing greater financing and innovation for the water sector. We must fundamentally re-alignthe trillions of public and private financial flows and investment with adaptation and resilience
goals. To re-align the trillions of public and private financial flows and investments, one of the key
factors is to enhance the public sector so that it can deliver and review a sound project businesscase. The objectives of this session were: To identify and examine out-of-the-box innovative financing mechanisms that can catalyse
the acceleration of water security goals at country and regional level.
 To investigate the existing leverages that can help to re-align trillions of public and private
financial flows and investments for resilience and sustainable water security at the country
and regional level.
The outcomes of the session were: Identification of individual innovations and united efforts to realize smart water
management in Southeast Asia facilitated to achieve SDGs
 Increased water investment from multi funding windows, especially the private sector inSoutheast Asia to accelerate the achievement of SDGs

35

With as possible concrete solutions a SEA Water Portfolio Fund Coalition (supported by existing
donors such as GCF, Adaptation Fund, GEF, Climate Fund, etc.) This platform aims to help tosynchronize and synergize existing water portfolio fundings of various donors agencies to ensure
strategic impact in SEA. This coalition is not aimed to create another water funding window
platform, but rather it’s to align the different funding platforms to address the same water security
targets.
Follow up linkages with events of this session were: SEA Water Financing Coalition Funding High-Level Discussion (TBC – end of 2024)
 SEA Water Financing Coalition Funding Technical-level discussion (TBC – end of 2024)
The key messages of the session were: Effective financing strategy should be aimed to contribute to resilient and sustainable
development. Effective financing strategy should be measured through its ability to ensure
expected results (performance-based financing), capacity to mitigate the risks associatedwith frequent natural disasters (disaster risk financing), and maximization of the social,economic, and environmental value of infrastructure investments (value-based
infrastructure financing).
 Alignment of existing water portfolio fundings through shared-performance indicators (suchas safe water and sanitation access, wetland rehabilitation, etc.) shall be explored to allow
synergy and acceleration to achieve water security goals in the region.
The policy recommendations of the session were: High-level country agreement on the water security key performance indicators as theanchor to re-align the trillions of public and private financial flows and investment withadaptation and resilience goals.
 Development of effective financing strategy and mechanism to ensure achievement of
expected results (performance-based financing), capacity to mitigate the risks associatedwith frequent natural disasters (disaster risk financing), and maximization of the social,economic, and environmental value of infrastructure investments (value-based
infrastructure financing).
 Enhance the capacity of public sector and other key stakeholders to ensure effective
programs delivery in realizing resilient and sustainable development on the ground.
Showcases introduced in RP4
CDP - Mandatory Disclosure for Water Security
The global north's dependence on external water use has led to unsustainable practices in global supply chains.
CDP aids companies in disclosing efforts to manage water sustainably, involving both buyers and suppliers.
This collaboration is expected to improve products and foster innovative solutions.
CDP's "Stewardship at the Source" report shows that 1 in 5 companies (623) report significant supply chain
water risks, totaling USD 77 billion. Companies integrating suppliers into risk assessments are 7x more likely toreport these risks. However, only 50% of buyers (1,542) engage with suppliers on water issues. 118 global
brands offer financial incentives to leadership teams to achieve water goals. CDP's efforts show that businesses
can reduce water risk costs by up to three times through proper mitigation investments. Engaging suppliers also
makes companies 14x more likely to report opportunities. Despite this, Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia,
Philippines, and Singapore) shows insufficient disclosure.
The EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) mandates water disclosure from January 1,
2024, via the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). This shift towards transparency affects
about 40% of G20+ jurisdictions and is likely to influence Southeast Asia, where many MNC branches arelocated.

36

World Bank - Thirsty for Change – Financing Water
Policy recommendations for public finance include:
1. Government budgetary actions: Ensure predictable funding for water agencies, support operationand maintenance, and reward service performance.
2. Water agency-level actions: Implement cost recovery and demand management, improve staffing
and systems, and enhance data access and transparency.
Beyond public finance, recommendations include enabling long-term financing by improving the financial
sustainability of water agencies, supporting institutional and regulatory reforms, and encouraging private sector
solutions and financing. Additionally, diversifying and expanding finance options, advancing climate outcomes,
and increasing private participation in infrastructure projects and risk mitigation are crucial.
DFAT - Performance-Based Grants Program
Water operators often struggle to deliver beneficial services, hindering their bankability and service levels. To
address these issues, the Government of Indonesia, in collaboration with DFAT, implemented a performancebased grants program. This program uses Indonesia's existing monitoring and evaluation system for water utility
performance and focuses on four key components, measured by seven indicators:
1. Governance: Business plan.
2. Financial Sustainability: Operating ratio and billing collection effectiveness.
3. Operational Efficiency: Non-revenue water and energy efficiency.
4. Service Quality: Water quality and continuity of supply.
Performance-based measurements followed by grants incentivize improvements. For example, operators
increasing household access to water with expected quality receive reimbursements. This mechanism,combined with technical assistance, effectively improves the bankability of water operators, maintaining highperformance and enabling better financing in the water sector.
Asian Development Bank - Value-Based Infrastructure Financing
Value-based infrastructure financing involves capturing and monetizing the positive externalities created byinfrastructure. ADB's reports, "Sustaining Transit Investment in Asia’s Cities" (2019) and "Infrastructure
Financing Through Value Capture in Indonesia" (2021), discuss this concept, focusing on the Value Cycle ofcreation, capture, and capitalization. A common example is land value capture.
Lower state capacity typically means fewer economic agents can be efficiently taxed. Taxes are often
collected at concentrated economic activity points like ports and airports. As state capacity develops, indirect
taxation becomes predominant, with a narrow tax base providing most revenue, as seen in advanced
economies.
Land value capture moves beyond the "government pays" and "user pays" binary to include "beneficiary pays."
Both government and private sectors can utilize value capture, though institutional and regulatory frameworks
significantly impact its success, often requiring reforms.
This approach applies to the water sector too. Wastewater services are public goods with low willingness topay, making cost recovery challenging. Cleaner areas don't directly increase land values, raising questions
about using land value or rental taxes for sanitation investments. In contrast, water supply is a private good witheasier cost recovery, but many networks exclude peri-urban populations. Connecting homes to the water supply
increases property values significantly, presenting a value-capture opportunity.
The government can identify and capture existing value in various sectors, particularly water, to predict futurefinancial benefits while considering climate impacts.

37

Figure 9 Presenters session RP4

3.4 Synthesis session: Resilient and sustainable water scarcity management in Southeast Asia
(RS2)
In Southeast Asia, water resources form the foundation of agricultural productivity and economic
growth. However, the Asia-Pacific region faces increasing water scarcity driven by population
growth, rapid industrialization, urbanization, and climate change. From 1975 to 2010, thepopulation living under high or severe water scarcity increased from 1.1 billion to over 2.6 billion,
while those experiencing green-blue water scarcity—where there is insufficient water for both
environmental and human needs—rose from 200 million to nearly 1.5 billion.
Agriculture, which accounts for a large part of the region’s freshwater usage, is crucial for Asia's
food production but increasingly competes with other sectors for water. This competition isheightened by the region's rapid economic expansion, placing further strain on water systems.
Water scarcity issues manifest through insufficient availability, over-utilization, variable supply, andpoor water quality, posing significant risks to the region’s development.
The FAO estimates a 50% increase in global food production is needed by 2050 to meet risingdemand, which will intensify the competition for scarce water resources among urban, industrial,
38

and environmental sectors. Agriculture, as the largest consumer of water, is a major driver of water
scarcity and significantly impacts water quality.
To effectively address Southeast Asia's escalating water challenges, implementing robust wateraccounting and allocation systems is crucial. Enhanced water management tools can help quantify
water use, identify inefficiencies, and optimize distribution among agricultural, industrial, and urban
users. This strategic approach is essential for ensuring sustainable water use and supporting theregion's agricultural needs amidst growing scarcity pressures.
3.4.1 Context

In mainland Southeast Asia, water scarcity is most pronounced in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar,
Thailand, and Vietnam. The central dry zone in Myanmar and the areas north and east of Bangkok,
Thailand, are particularly affected by significant water stress. The Mekong and Red River Deltas
in Vietnam face acute water scarcity. While Laos and Cambodia are not as severely impacted atpresent, inadequate water storage infrastructure may present future challenges. This situation isespecially concerning given the increasing competition for water resources between agricultural,energy, urban, and environmental needs.
Across island Southeast Asia, countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, andSingapore are experiencing water scarcity hotspots, particularly in highly populated areas like Bali,
Java, and Manila. In Malaysia, cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Malacca face water scarcity due
to high population density. These urban centres often struggle with limited surface water availability
and unreliable public water supply, leading to extensive private groundwater extraction. This overextraction can result in groundwater depletion, water quality degradation, and infrastructuredamage from land subsidence and flooding. Additionally, reduced water availability for natural
habitats and ecosystems can lead to the degradation of wetlands, rivers, and forests, further
impacting biodiversity and environmental health. Cities like Bangkok, Jakarta, and Manila areprime examples of urban areas grappling with these complex water scarcity challenges, wherebalancing human and environmental water needs is increasingly difficult.
3.4.2 Objective and Outcome of the Session at WWF10

The objectives of this synthesis session were:
1. Increase awareness and foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders regarding water
scarcity in Southeast Asia.
2. Highlight national successes and challenges in managing water scarcity in Southeast Asia.
3. Promote south-south learning to share best practices in water management acrossSoutheast Asia, with an emphasis on adaptable strategies suitable for various local
contexts.
4. Raise awareness of various national and regional initiatives to tackle water scarcity,emphasizing the value of shared experiences and regional technical cooperation.
5. Advocate for the broader use of water accounting and management tools to help
stakeholders across Southeast Asia better understand and address competing water
demands.
During the synthesis session on water scarcity at WWF10, participants engaged in a thoroughdiscussion on several key policy recommendations aimed at addressing the pressing water
challenges in Southeast Asia. The need for accurate water accounting systems was emphasized,
as precise measurement and monitoring of water usage are fundamental for understanding
39

resource availability. This data-driven approach allows for identifying inefficiencies and overuse,
which is particularly crucial in water-stressed regions, enabling informed management decisions
for sustainable and equitable water distribution.
The importance of establishing and enforcing stringent water quality regulations was also
highlighted. Participants noted that maintaining usable water availability requires addressing
contamination from agricultural runoff, industrial discharge, and urban wastewater. By setting andenforcing high standards, these regulations protect both water resources and public health,ensuring that water remains safe and usable for all sectors.
Proactive water-sharing and allocation mechanisms were discussed as necessary to prevent overallocation and costly crisis-driven adjustments. Experts pointed out that anticipating future
demands and potential shortages ensures that water resources are distributed fairly among
agricultural, industrial, urban, and environmental needs, reducing conflicts, and promoting longterm sustainability.
There was a consensus on the fundamental need for investing in both human and financial
resources to implement effective water scarcity management policies. The discussion underscoredthe importance of training and capacity-building for water management professionals, as well as
securing funding for the development and maintenance of water infrastructure and management
programs. Such investments are crucial for building the necessary skills and resources to tackle
water scarcity challenges effectively.
The concept of river basin management was presented as an integrated approach to balancecompeting needs and optimize water use across sectors and regions. Managing water resourcesat the basin level allows for a holistic understanding of interconnected water systems, ensuringthat allocation and use of water are optimized considering the various demands placed on theseresources.
Effective water management requires strong institutional coordination across different levels ofgovernment and sectors. The session highlighted the need for clear governance structures andcommunication channels to ensure consistent policy implementation. Coordination among
institutions ensures that all stakeholders work towards common goals, enhancing the effectivenessof water management efforts.
Integrating climate change policies into water management strategies was another key point of
discussion. Participants emphasized the importance of considering climate change impacts, suchas altered precipitation patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events, in planningand decision-making. This integration is essential for building resilience and ensuring the longterm sustainability of water resources in the face of climate change.
Lastly, the session highlighted the vital role of inclusive stakeholder engagement in water
management processes. Engaging a wide range of stakeholders ensures that decision-making isequitable and considers the needs and interests of different communities and sectors. In regionswith severe water scarcity impacts, inclusive engagement helps build consensus, ensure fair
allocation, and foster cooperation among all parties involved.
The outcomes of the session were:
1. Enhanced understanding and awareness among stakeholders about the critical water
scarcity issues in Southeast Asia.
40

2. Strengthened regional collaboration and exchange of knowledge and practices to manage
water scarcity more effectively.
3. Identification of successful national strategies and potential areas for improvement in water
management practices.
4. Increased adoption of water accounting and management tools across the region to
improve efficiency and sustainability in water usage.
5. Development of actionable policy recommendations to address water scarcity,
incorporating insights from regional initiatives and stakeholder experiences.
3.5 General policy recommendations from the sub-region
1. The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing significant water scarcity due to factors likepopulation growth, rapid industrialization, urbanization, and climate change, which is
impacting its agricultural productivity and posing risks to economic growth anddevelopment.
2. Effective management and strategic allocation of water resources, including theimplementation of robust water accounting systems, are crucial to addressing thechallenges of water scarcity in Southeast Asia, especially to support agriculture and ensuresustainable water use amidst competing demands from various sectors.
Showcases RP5
Experiences of Indonesia
Indonesia has abundant water resources but are unevenly distributed seasonally and geographically. Only 6%
of water resources are in Java, which houses 57% of Indonesia’s population, causing water shortages. Water
needs are projected to increase by 31% by 2045. Rice irrigation uses up to 80% of the available water. By 2045,
67% of the national GDP and over 60% of the population will be in river basins with high water stress. During
the dry season, 24 out of 128 river basins will not meet water needs.
To address this, the long-term policy direction for 2025-2045 aims to:
1. Manage needs and supplies to ensure water balance in each river region.
2. Increase water storage capacity to 200m³ per capita.
3. Address the increasing need for irrigation and energy and manage water stress.
4. Utilize water resources based on environmental care along the supply chain.
5. Integrate structural and non-structural approaches to enhance regional resilience against flooding witha return period of at least 100 years (specific cities: Medan, Palembang, Jabodetabek, Kedungsepur,
Gerbangkertasusila, IKN, Makassar, and Manado).
For irrigation, the government will focus on increasing water efficiency through modernization. Indonesia will
strengthen the water accounting and allocation approach by collaborating with FAO and the Australia Water
Partnership. This approach will consider water provision interventions and future needs amid climate hazards.
Experiences of Lao PDR
Water scarcity in Lao PDR arises from six factors:
1. Geography: Its landlocked location limits maritime water access, and rugged terrain makes water
distribution challenging.
2. Climate Change: Irregular rainfall and prolonged droughts reduce water availability for agriculture,industry, and domestic use.
3. Population Growth: Increasing demand strains limited water resources.
4. Pollution: Industrial activities, urbanization, and agricultural runoff pollute water supplies.
5. Agricultural Practices: Traditional farming and inefficient irrigation wastewater.
6. Infrastructure: Inadequate facilities for water storage, treatment, and distribution worsen water
scarcity, especially in rural areas.
A study on the Lancang-Mekong River Basin shows increased droughts in recent decades, significantly
impacting lower Mekong countries, including Lao. Water scarcity, especially from February to May, affects
irrigation, reducing crop yields and threatening food security and livelihoods. As agriculture is vital for Lao, thishas serious implications.

41

The Lao government addresses water scarcity by developing policies, investing in infrastructure, promotinginternational cooperation, and strengthening water accounting to support informed decision-making bymanagers and policymakers.
Experiences of Thailand
Thailand ranks 9th globally for suffering from extreme weather events. Water shortages persist even whenreservoirs are full, with total water allocation at 63,882 MCM against an average demand of 69,334 MCM.
Recognizing this, the government developed short-term and mid-term plans. The short-term plan focuses onflood and drought prevention and resolution, while the mid-term plan includes a 20-year water resourcesmanagement master plan. This plan addresses consumer water management, production sector water security,
flood management, good water governance, water quality management, and water conservation.
To combat water scarcity, the government has implemented nine countermeasures:
1. Monitor and provide water reserves and plan machinery and equipment in risk areas.
2. Efficiently fill water sources.
3. Define water allocation and plan crops for the dry season.
4. Manage water resources with the river basin committee prioritizing usage.
5. Enhance water use efficiency.
6. Monitor and resolve water quality issues.
7. Strengthen water management.
8. Raise awareness and engage in public relations.
9. Monitor and evaluate operations.

Figure 10 Presenters and audience session RS2

42

4

Sub-region South Asia
Participating countries in the South Asia sub-region were: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives,
Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
National Water Security in South Asia in AWDO 2020

Bangladesh
BhutanIndia
Maldives
Nepal
Pakistan
Sri Lanka
Aver.-popul. weighted

Populationin '000
164,600
734
1,332,000
512
29,102
212,820
21,6701,761,438

2013
47.0
60.1
46.3
53.2
50.7
40.8
56.4
45.9

NWS score
2016
2020
51.6
52.8
61.3
62.8
50.0
46.8
60.4
62.8
53.2
52.3
42.5
42.7
58.5
60.0
49.4
47.1

KD1: Rural Household Water Security
KD2: Economic Water Security
KD3: Urban Water Security
KD4: Environmental Water Security
KD5: Water-Related Disaster Security
NWS: National Water Security

Leads, Co-leads and Coordination supporting members South Asia
GWP South Asia Regional
Chair / Women for Water mkusumathukorala@gmail.com
Partnership

Lead

Women for Water
Partnership

Kusum Athukorala

Co-lead

SaciWATERs

Jayati Chourey

Executive Director

jayati@saciwaters.org

Co-leadSmart WASH
Solutions (Nepal)

Ramdeep SAH

Chairmansah.ramdeep@gmail.com

Mark Smith

Secretary-Generalmark.smith@cgiar.org

Co-leadIWMI

Coordination Gomal Damaan Area
supporting
Water Partnership
member(GDAWP)

Lead for
RS3

United Nations
Economic and Social
Commission for Asiaand the Pacific(ESCAP)Country Representative Manohara Khadka
Nepal
Researcher- Water ResourSantosh Nepal
ces and Climate Change
Brig Aslam Khan

Anshuman Varma

Ms. Hitomi
RankineM.Khadka@cgiar.org
s.nepal@cgiar.org
brig.aslam@gmail.com

Economic Affairs Officer,
Environment andDevelopment Division
Chief, Environment andDevelopment Policy
Section, Env. andDevelopment Division

varmaa@un.org

rankine.unescap@un.org

43

4.1 Characteristics of the sub-region and selected focus topics
South Asia encompasses a wide range of geographical features, including the Hindu Kush
Himalayan (HKH) mountain range, the Indo-Gangetic plains, and extensive river systems like theGanges, Brahmaputra, and Indus. These rivers are crucial for water supply, agriculture, andhydropower, but their management is complex due to seasonal variability and transboundary
nature. A main source of water of these rivers are the glaciers of the HKH region.
South Asia has some of the world’s highest population densities, with rapidly growing urban
centers like Delhi, Mumbai, and Dhaka. This urban growth places immense pressure on water
resources and infrastructure, leading to challenges in providing adequate water supply andsanitation services. Industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and inadequate sewage treatment
contribute to significant water pollution in South Asia. Improving water quality management andenforcement of environmental regulations are critical.
The region heavily relies on the monsoon season, which brings most of the annual rainfall withina few months. This leads to challenges in water storage and distribution, causing floods during therainy season and water scarcity during dry periods. Climate change exacerbates these issues,
increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and the base flow in the rivers
from the glaciers of the HKH region. In the event of extreme events, data shows that women andgirls in South Asia are disproportionately affected by flood disasters due to their roles and social
vulnerabilities.
Women are underrepresented in water management decision-making processes, although they
are often the primary users of water for domestic purposes (drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene)
and they are actively involved in agricultural activities requiring irrigation water. Efforts are being
made to involve women more actively in water governance and to empower them to takeleadership in community water management.
Discussion on these issues resulted in the decision to organize the following sessions at WWF10:
 As topic sessions:o RP5: Strengthening Resilience: Capacity Building for Gender-Inclusive Proactive
Disaster Risk Reduction and Managemento RP6: Inclusive sanitation management and service delivery with a particular focus
on marginalized groups As synthesis session:o RS3: Towards the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 - Cooperation,
Governance, and Priority Setting for Climate Action and Resilience Building toGlacier Melt

4.2 Topic 1: Strengthening Resilience: Capacity Building for Gender-Inclusive Proactive
Disaster Risk Reduction (RP5)4.2.1 The Context

South Asia is recognized as one of the most vulnerable regions to climate risks, confronting
challenges including cyclones, extreme variability in monsoons, floods, food and water insecurity,and heatwaves. Over the past two decades, more than half of South Asians, approximately 750

44

million people, have been affected by one or more climate-related disasters.16 According to theWorld Bank's analysis, floods alone could impose an annual cost of up to $215 billion by 2030,
potentially leading to 40 million climate migrants in the region by 2050. Individual hazards
intensified by climate change also cascade and compound, creating complex and enduring
disaster risks that disproportionately affect disadvantaged social groups, such as low-income
communities, women, and the elderly. Ubiquitous poverty and other social asymmetries in theregion, along with acute environmental degradation, further increase the susceptibility ofdisadvantaged communities to natural hazards and climate change, creating a vicious loop ofvulnerability and disaster risk.

Figure 11 Number of Disaster Events in South Asia
(1970-2010)

Figure 12 Trends in Economic Losses Natural
Disasters in South Asia (1971-2010)

Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction (SFDDR) (2015-30)17: The SFDDR outlines
seven global targets 18 for the next 15 years, encompassing a substantial reduction in global
disaster mortality, affected populations, and economic losses. It emphasizes the importance ofminimizing disaster damage to critical infrastructure and basic services, fostering international
cooperation, and increasing access to early warning systems and risk information. The framework
also recognizes the importance of building environmental resilience as an integral part of disasterrisk reduction.
Role of Stakeholders: 36.a(i) Women and their participation are critical to effectively managing
disaster risk and designing, resourcing, and implementing gender-sensitive disaster risk reduction
policies, plans, and programs; and adequate capacity-building measures need to be taken toempower women for preparedness as well as to build their capacity to secure alternate means of
livelihood in post-disaster situations.

Gender Perspective: The SFDDR (2015-2030) recognizes the crucial need for integrating agender perspective into disaster risk reduction (see above box). It acknowledges the specificvulnerabilities women face due to pervasive gender inequality and underscores the indispensablerole of women, including grassroots women, in risk reduction efforts.

16

Disaster Risk Management in South Asia: The Regional Overview, The World Bank Group, 2012:https://documents1.worldbank.org/curated/en/648281468170977802/pdf/763020WP0P11400Box0379791B0
0PUBLIC0.pdf
17
Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015 -2030;
https://www.preventionweb.net/files/43291_sendaiframeworkfordrren.pdf?_gl=1*10w3e3d*_ga*MTE2ODA0
MDE4NS4xNzAxMTQ3Mjc1*_ga_D8G5WXP6YM*MTcwMTE0NzI4NC4xLjAuMTcwMTE0NzI5MC4wLjAuMA.
18
https://www.undrr.org/implementing-sendai-framework/monitoring-sendai-framework45Effective Gender Participation as a Proactive Disaster Risk Reduction Strategy:
The intensity and complexity of rising disaster risks call for inclusive disaster management
strategies, where gender mainstreaming is a key element. Achieving effective gendermainstreaming in disaster risk reduction necessitates an investment in capacity building throughskill development and education. This should be complemented by creating an enabling societal
environment, advocating for gender-responsive policies, inclusive institutions, and community
engagement to empower women in disaster risk reduction efforts. It also requires reorientation of
curricula to build in a gender perspective while training professionals for disaster risk reduction.
4.2.2 Objective and Outcome of the Session at WWF10

In a commitment to gender and social inclusion, the organizing partners (Women for Water
Partnership (WfWP) and SaciWATERs,) have launched various capacity-building initiatives atdifferent levels across South Asia related to climate change and proactive disaster risk reduction.
While significant progress has been made over two decades, the journey continues towards
realizing the envisioned paradigm shift, marked by successes, lessons learned, challenges faced,
and future needs and opportunities.
In this context, the organizing partners organized a session at WWF10 to underscore the urgencyof prioritizing gender perspectives in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience efforts in South
Asia. The organizing group, led by the Women for Water Partnership (WfWP) & SaciWATERs,
aimed to extend discussions beyond the usual 90-minute sessions and foster a participatory andongoing dialogue and actions. Prior to the World Water Forum 2024, a series of collaborative
regional multi-stakeholder consultations known as 'Signpost to Bali (STB)' were conductedacross South Asia. These consultations aimed to amplify the voices of marginalized groups,
particularly women and youth from the region. The STB activities were organized by WfWP and
SaciWATERs, in partnership with Youth for Resilience, SCOPE, Dasra, NIDM, NCWF, SARNET,
Hisaar Foundation, and numerous other valued individual and organizational partners. The
initiative "Bali & Beyond" was launched during this process to further advance gender-inclusive
disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) policies and practices.
The session shared successful initiatives from the region, focusing on capacity-building for genderinclusive proactive disaster risk reduction. It also facilitated discussions on challenges andstrategies for integrating gender into water, disaster risk management, and climate change
curricula, leveraging the valuable insights and lessons gained from the South Asian experience toinform and inspire similar initiatives worldwide. By advocating for gender-inclusive proactive
strategies in disaster risk reduction, the session contributed to a more resilient and inclusive future
for South Asia and beyond.
The specific objectives of the session were: Raise awareness about integrating gender perspectives into disaster risk reduction inSouth Asia, emphasizing capacity building.
 Showcase successful capacity-building initiatives, ranging from formal higher educational
programs to community-based initiatives, in Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India forgender-inclusive disaster risk reduction.
 Discuss challenges in mainstreaming gender in water, disaster risk management, andclimate change curricula, and explore strategies.
 Identify innovative approaches for overcoming barriers to gender mainstreaming indisaster risk reduction.
46

Promote international collaboration among stakeholders in disaster risk reduction andgender inclusion, emphasizing capacity-building exchange.

The outcomes of the session can be summarized as Increased understanding of women's vulnerabilities to climate-related disasters in SouthAsia, with a focus on building capacity.
 Recognition of gender-inclusive approaches in building resilience to disaster risks,
supported by capacity-building efforts.
 Dissemination of practical tools for integrating gender perspectives into disaster risk
reduction efforts.
 Opportunities identified for cross-sectoral collaboration to mainstream genderconsiderations, leveraging capacity-building initiatives.
 Recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and educators on prioritizing genderinclusion, with a focus on capacity-building strategies.
 Establishment of networks to support ongoing efforts in gender-inclusive disaster risk
reduction, emphasizing capacity building.
Showcase to Strengthen Resilience: Capacity Building for Gender-Inclusive Proactive Disaster Risk
Reduction in South Asia
1. Strengthening Gender-Inclusive Disaster Risk Reduction in South Asia through Higher Education
The "Crossing Boundaries" and "SAWA Leadership Program" exemplify excellent practices in capacity building
for gender-inclusive disaster risk reduction and management. Initiated by SaciWATERs in collaboration with four
South Asian universities i.e. Anna University (India), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology,
Nepal Engineering College, and the University of Peradeniya (Sri Lanka), these programs have establishedinnovative higher education and research opportunities in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM).
The Crossing Boundaries project began in 2005, offering Masters and Ph.D. programs integrating technicalexpertise with interdisciplinary and gender-sensitive approaches. The SAWA Leadership program, which
evolved from this initiative in 2012, focuses on gender-inclusive interdisciplinary training in water and climatechange sciences, fostering regional and transboundary cooperation.
Over the years, more than 300 fellowships have been awarded, significantly promoting women's participation
in STEM fields focused on water and climate change studies. Notably, it emphasizes gender inclusion in the
sector, with a 75% quota for female students, and provides comprehensive support, including mentoring, career
counseling, and internships. These programs not only enhance technical skills but also promote the creation ofan enabling societal environment and inclusive institutions. By building a network of well-equipped women
professionals, these initiatives address gender disparities and promote inclusive, proactive disastermanagement strategies in South Asia
2. Empowering Communities and Local Governments in Sri Lanka:
The Marga Institute - Centre for Development Studies in Sri Lanka has adopted a gender-sensitive approach inits efforts to promote community and local government capacity building. They have been actively facilitating
training sessions and capacity-building activities aimed at enhancing understanding of gender equality at thegrassroots level. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a notable shift in community perspectives,
recognizing the crucial role of women, particularly in conflict resolution. Additionally, the institute has provided
training to Local Government Authorities on Result-Based Management, enabling them to establish specificindicators related to public health, public utilities, physical planning, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, andHygiene).

47

The Bleeding Tides is a powerful narrative that sheds
light on the intersection of climate change and women’s
health in the cyclone capital of India, the Sundarbans.
Climate change impacts men and women differently. The
impact of climate change on women in Sundarbans ismultifaceted and complex. One of the lesser-known
impacts is on the menstrual and reproductive health ofwomen, who are disproportionately affected by increased
salinity & pollution in the region. The film reveals how thelack of safe water for drinking, sanitation and hygiene,
along with the lack of livelihood options and limited
healthcare access, has triggered a public health crisis in
this region.
Watch this impactful documentary featuring real stories
from the Indian Sundarbans on https://youtu.be/MX4PkypSFM
For further details and to support the cause, please write
to jayati@saciwaters.org.
Visit www.saciwaters.org

Figure 13 Presenters session RP5

4.3 Topic 2: Climate resilient and inclusive WASH with a particular focus on inclusive sanitation
management and service delivery for marginalised groups in South Asia (RP6)
Water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) are crucial for public health and well-being, yet they remain
major challenges in South Asia, a region prone to climate change and natural and human-caused
disasters. Access to improved water has increased from 73% to 93% since 1990. However, over
134 million people still do not have access to improved drinking water. Similarly, significant
progress has been made in recent years towards improving sanitation coverage, with theproportion of the population with access to improved sanitation facilities increasing from 30% in
2002 to 87% in 2022. Despite this progress, over half of the region's population lacks access tosafely managed sanitation facilities, leaving millions vulnerable to preventable diseases and healthhazards.
South Asia is highly vulnerable to both natural and anthropogenic disasters. Each year, floods,
cyclones, droughts, and earthquakes displace and bring suffering to millions of people, particularly
pregnant and lactating women, persons with disability, and socio-economically disadvantaged48

groups. Around 12.5 million people were displaced in South Asia in 2022 due to natural disasters.
Insufficient access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and inadequate hygiene practices
exacerbate the situation for those affected by disasters, leading to a rise in waterborne diseases
and hindering recovery efforts. Particularly in rural areas, limited access to clean water, inadequate
sanitation facilities, and poor hygiene practices contribute to health problems and hinder overall
well-being. Many rural communities lack proper infrastructure for water supply, sanitation, andwaste management, leading to the contamination of water sources and the spread of waterborne
diseases. Applying a Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) lens to the water,
sanitation, and hygiene sector in South Asia is essential as it focuses on identifying and addressing
the specific challenges faced by women, persons with disability, and other groups of people
marginalised due to caste, gender, ethnicity, geography, and religion. Thus, the region needs toprioritise inclusive water security and access, as well as safely managed sanitation and equitable
sanitation services.
South Asia is behind the track to achieve SDG targets for WASH. As shown in Figure 7, only 93%of the population (1.78 billion) has access to basic drinking water, 49% of the population has safely
managed sanitation, but still 12% has limited, 3% has unimproved, and 9% has open defecation.
There is still a great disparity of these services between urban and rural population. Nine out often people in South Asia have access to at least basic drinking water services, but safely managed
drinking water is still limited. A quarter of the population does not have access to a basic sanitation
service or a handwashing facility with soap and water present.

Figure 14 Population using different drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene services in 2022, South Asia
Source: WHO/UNICEF JMP, 2023; www.washdata.org

Inadequate sanitation is particularly severe for marginalized groups living in informal settlementswith limited sanitation and water supply infrastructure. They are more likely to be exposed tountreated wastewater, sludge, and related diseases, as public sanitation services frequently do
not extend to these areas. This underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions andimproved sanitation infrastructure to ensure the well-being and health of individuals in marginalized
communities.
Inclusive sanitation, defined as sanitation that is accessible, equitable, and non-discriminatory, isessential for achieving SDG 6 on Clean Water and Sanitation but also a critical component of SDG
49

11 on Safe and Resilient Cities, SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-being, and SDG 5 on Genderequality. Poor sanitation in South Asia results in substantial economic losses, primarily stemmingfrom adverse effects on public health, water resources, and the environment. 19 , 20 Therefore,
improved sanitation infrastructure with effective and safe faecal sludge management is particularly
important for designing inclusive sanitation services.
4.3.1 Challenges and opportunities

The challenges to achieving inclusive sanitation management and service delivery in South Asia
are mainly financial constraints, focus on centralized approaches, weak governance andimplementation, and limited inclusion of marginalized groups. Historically, sanitation is recognized
as a public service and the governance structures and approaches have been mainly focused oninvesting in centralized sewer networks. However, many people in South Asia use on-site
sanitation systems where safe disposal and treatment is costly and difficult, therefore, often leading
to mismanagement and contamination of surrounding area.21
Historically, countries facing limited resources for water infrastructure development focused oninvesting in water supply rather than on wastewater and sanitation. Centralized design andplanning of sanitation infrastructure did not pay much attention to decentralized faecal sludge
management solutions. Adequate funding for the comprehensive development of sanitation has
been a constant challenge. Consequently, little or no attention was paid to making sanitation
solutions locally adapted and inclusive, considering the needs of marginalized groups. In thecontext of climate change and climatic extreme events, building climate-resilient WASH systems
is very crucial. Traditional WASH systems might not be able to cope with the brunt of climatechange and extreme events and there is urgent need to make WASH system climate resilient.
Innovative approaches and solutions are required to make sanitation service chains more
inclusive. New pathways towards a more sustainable and inclusive sanitation delivery prioritize
decentralization, technology standardization, and community engagement.3
In South Asia, significant progress has been made in recent years towards improving sanitation
coverage, with the proportion of the population with access to improved sanitation facilities
increasing to 87% in 2022. Several promising inclusive sanitation initiatives have emerged in SouthAsia, often involving multi-stakeholder partnerships between governments, the private sector,
NGOs, and community-based organizations. In the last decade, decentralized sanitation on-site
sanitation solutions have gained traction and proven to be successful in small-scale community
and town-level projects, even when state funding is limited. The benefits of decentralization include
increased access to sanitation in informal areas, adaptability to local contexts, affordability due to
low-cost and small-scale systems, and the involvement of multiple stakeholders.

19

Naoyuki, Yoshino., Eduardo, Araral., K., E., Seetharam., K., E., Seetharam., K., E., Seetharam. (2019). Water
Insecurity and Sanitation in Asia. Social Science Research Network
20
Maksud, Bekchanov., Pablo, Evia. (2018). Resources recovery and reuse in sanitation and wastewater
systems: Options and investment climate in selected South and Southeast Asian countries. Research Papers in
Economics.
21
Kelkar, V. (2019). A literature review evaluating new approaches to resolving the sanitation challenge indeveloping Asia. Asian Development Bank, 976. https://www.adb.org/publications/evaluating-newapproaches-resolving-sanitation-challenge-developing-asia

50

4.3.2 Objective and Outcome of the Session at WWF10

The session addressed the issues and obstacles related to inclusive sanitation management andservice provision in South Asia, focusing on marginalized groups. Women, children, and individuals
with disabilities encounter specific difficulties in accessing WASH facilities, especially in rural
areas. The lack of inclusivity in policies and practices exacerbate these vulnerabilities. Moreover,there is a pressing need to adapt WASH practices to be climate-resilient in the face of the climate
crisis. The conversation in this session involved various stakeholders who will lead the efforts tomake the water and sanitation sector more climate-resilient and enhance inclusive sanitation
management and service delivery in South Asia. The session also included a presentation on theoutcomes of the South Asia regional consultation and panel discussions to address, challenges,
barriers, and solutions for improving inclusive WASH in South Asia.
The specific objective of the session was to: Address challenges and obstacles related to inclusive and climate-resilient WASH in SouthAsia, particularly focusing on sanitation management and service provision for
marginalized groups.
 Discuss strategies to enhance inclusivity and climate resilience in the water and sanitation
sector, with a focus on improving access for women, children, and individuals withdisabilities in rural areas of South Asia.
The outcomes of the session were:
1. Increased awareness of the vulnerability of the WASH sector to climate change andextreme events
2. Improved understanding of gender equality, disability inclusion, and social inclusion in the
WASH sector, ensuring equitable access to water security and safely managed sanitation
3. Key recommendations for the governments to prioritise climate-resilient and inclusive
WASH policies in their policy frameworks and secure investment to achieve this.
4. Improved understanding and collaboration between WASH and other pertinent sectors,
such as Water Supply, Health, and multiple water resource usage, are essential.
5. Enhanced understanding of the need for a holistic perspective and systematic investment
to make the existing WASH system inclusive and climate resilient.

Figure 15 Presenters session RP651

4.4 Synthesis session: Towards the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 Cooperation, Governance, and Priority Setting for Climate Action and Resilience Building
to Glacier Melt (RS3)4.4.1 The context

There is a critical need to strengthen cooperation to address the challenges posed by glacial andsnow melt and its interactions with other climate-related phenomenon and the demand for water.
The Hindu Kush Himalaya, Karakoram and the Pamir Mountains, also known as the ‘Third Pole’,
are among the world’s highest. These mountainous regions encompass the largest mass of ice
and snow outside of the North and South Poles and is home to almost 55,000 glaciers.22 Also
referred to as the ‘Water Tower of Asia’, these ranges are the source of 10 major rivers, namely
the Amu Darya, Brahmaputra, Ganges, Indus, Irrawaddy, Mekong, Salween, Tarim, Yangtse andYellow River.23 They are crucial to the water security of two billion people in Central, Northeast,
South and Southwest, and Southeast Asia who depend on them for freshwater resources for
consumption, sanitation, food and energy production as well as inland waterways transport,
tourism and ecosystem services.24
However, climate change is shifting glacial and snow melt patterns. Glaciers in the Third Pole are
melting at a faster rate than the global average ice mass and it has been projected that by 2050
the glacier mass in the Everest region will shrink by 39%-52%.25 The accelerated rates of melting
and retreat of glaciers induced by global warming and altered precipitation regimes—and further
reinforced by factors such as black carbon deposition—are driving water-related disasters andimpacting multiple sectors, with women, smallholder farmers and indigenous and marginalized
communities among those most vulnerable. For example, as reiterated in recent research26, glacial
melt is a contributor to flash floods, landslides, and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods. In the agriculturaland energy sectors, increased water flows in the short term elevate the risk of downstream flood
damage to farm production and to dams and hydropower facilities. In the long term, reduced waterflows and drought are expected to deepen water scarcity which can jeopardize food security andundermine the operation of the hydropower facilities. The impacts will vary by river basin,
depending on the relative contributions of glacial melt, snow melt and precipitation throughout theyear, while land use, infrastructure investments and demographic change will also continue to play
an important role in shaping the picture at the local level.
Effective management, adaptation and investment strategies will rely on appropriate governancearchitectures for transboundary collaboration. Better monitoring and understanding of ongoing andprojected changes in water demand and supply, impacted communities and sectors and priorities
for building resilience will support effective planning and investment in affected areas.

22

The World Bank (2021). Glaciers of the Himalayas. Climate Change, Black Carbon, and Regional Resilience.
Available at https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/ff8b1264-d631-5d3d-814f80f509c82aa9/content (pp. 1).
23
ICIMOD (2019). Water Security in the Hindu Kush Himalaya. HIMAP Chapter 8 Brief (pp. 2).
24
UNEP (2022). A Scientific Assessment of the Third Pole Environment. Available athttps://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/39757/ASATPE.pdf (pp. IV).
25
The World Bank (2021). Glaciers of the Himalayas. Climate Change, Black Carbon, and Regional Resilience.
Available at https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/ff8b1264-d631-5d3d-814f80f509c82aa9/content
26
Ibid (pp. 1-2).

52

Governments in Asia have taken significant steps forward, with approaches shaped by geography,
culture, and other factors. In Central Asia, the International Fund for the Aral Sea is promoting
cooperation for the management of transboundary water resources. In the Mekong River Basin,
also highly vulnerable to climate change and impacts of glacial melt, the Mekong River
Commission is enabling dialogue and collaborative action on shared water resources management
including monitoring, forecasting, and basin planning.27 South and Southwest Asia’s cooperation
is being cemented by high-level political cooperation, among other developments. There areimportant opportunities for learning from the progress made to date across these and othervulnerable sub-regions.
4.4.2 Objective and Outcome of the Session at WWF10

The session, co-organized by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia andthe Pacific (ESCAP), International Water Management Institute (IWMI), and the Asia-Pacific Water
Forum (APWF) took a closer look at ongoing scientific cooperation and key aspects oftransboundary cooperation needed to address glacial melt and related impacts.
The outcomes included: Increased awareness of the key vulnerabilities to, and challenges posed by, glacial melt inAsia.
 Shared assessment of the state of scientific cooperation and critical gaps.
 Enhanced understanding of progress achieved, and the lessons learned in different subregions of Asia regarding key aspects of transboundary cooperation such as integrated
river basin management and monitoring, science-policy interface, financing and investment,
and cross-border institutional coordination.
The United Nations General assembly adopted a resolution in December 2022 to declare 2025 as
the International Year of Glaciers' Preservation (IYGP). In this context, an international conference
on glaciers preservation will be held in Tajikistan in 2025. The discussion in the session helped toshape contributions to this international conference.
The specific policy recommendations resulting from this session were: Glacial melt is a reality which will impact more than 2 billion people in the river basins ofSouth Asia, Central Asia, Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia. More frequent and severe
droughts and floods and declining water flows are starting to impact water security, humansecurity, food security and trade, energy production, transportation, and a broad range of
economic activity.
 Political commitment to transboundary collaboration, governance, and scientificcooperation that meets evolving needs is urgent. Progress is being made, but not quickly
enough. Investments in infrastructure and nature-based solutions, effective and credible
early-warning systems, joint planning and research, environmental monitoring networks,
and science communication are needed. Legal agreements that work, including theConvention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International
Lakes (Water Convention), lay a foundation for building trust. Communities and sectors
must be engaged and empowered to adapt - good examples such as those involving open
data sharing and community-based early warning systems can be built on.

27

https://www.mrcmekong.org/

53





At the same time, immediate action is needed to prevent conflict and rolling crises.
Development partners’ actions and support are urgently needed. A framework for action isneeded to mobilize the right projects and investments.
The International Year for Glaciers’ Preservation 2025 calls attention to these needs andwill be a critical milestone for action.

4.5 Policy recommendations
The main policy recommendations from the 3 sessions were: Capacity building for gender-inclusive proactive disaster risk reduction: Recommendations
for policymakers, practitioners, and educators on prioritizing gender inclusion, with a focus
on capacity-building strategies.
 Inclusive sanitation with focus on marginalized groups: Recommendations to governments
to prioritise climate-resilient and inclusive WASH policies in their policy frameworks and tosecure investment to achieve this.
 Glacier melt: The urgency of political commitment to transboundary collaboration andgovernance and scientific cooperation that meets evolving needs; and calling upon all
stakeholders to help mobilize this commitment on the occasion of the International Yearfor Glaciers’ Preservation 2025.

Figure 16 Presenters synthesis session RS3

54

5

Sub-region Central Asia and Caucasus Region
Participating countries in the Central Asia and Caucasus Region sub-region were: Afghanistan,
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,and Uzbekistan. It is important to note that at the forum the main attention within regional process
was devoted, mainly, to issues of the Aral Sea basin, territory of which is only a part of the entire
sub-region.

Afghanistan
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Georgia
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyz Republic
Mongolia
Tajikistan
Turkmenistan
Uzbekistan
Aver.-pop weighted

Population
NWS scorein '1000 2013
2016
2020
30,075 39.2
40.0
39.5
2,971 65.3
72.0
71.8
9,940 63.5
66.8
65.1
3,727 60.3
62.8
64.4
18,276 66.5
72.6
73.7
6,257 62.5
68.3
72.6
3,208 55.4
62.6
61.1
9,026 49.5
54.7
58.1
5,851 62.5
66.4
67.6
32,955 55.7
64.2
62.1
122,286 54.5
57.2
59.3

KD1: Rural Household Water Security
KD2: Economic Water Security
KD3: Urban Water Security
KD4: Environmental Water Security
KD5: Water-Related Disaster Security
NWS: National Water Security

Leads, Co-leads and Coordination supporting members Central Asia and Caucasus

Lead

Chair of the Executive
Committee of theInternational Fund for
Saving the Aral Sea(IFAS)

Serik Bekmaganbetov
Murat Bekniyazov
Zhanar Mautanova
Vadim Sokolov

Co-leadGWP CACENA
Mrs. Guljamal
Nurmukhamedova

Representative of EC-IFAS
serik.ifas@gmail.com
Chair country
Representatives of ECmurat.ec.ifas@gmail.com
IFAS chair country
Director, Internationalmautanova@mail.ru
Water Assessment Center
Chair of the TAC, GWP
CACENA / Head of Agency
vadim_sokol@mail.ru
of IFAS, Uzbekistan
Regional Coordinator of
nurmuhag@mail.ru
GWP CACENA,

55

5.1 Characteristics of the sub-region and selected focus topics
Central Asia stretches from China in the east to the Caspian Sea in the west, Afghanistan and Iranin the south to Russia in the north, and includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan,and Uzbekistan. Those last five countries have a population of more than 80 million people (2023)
and are located in the centre of the Eurasian continent, covering an area of approximately 3.9
million square kilometres. The climate in the sub-region is harsh continental, arid, with hotsummers and cold winters. Steppes and semi-deserts cover most of the territory, and the Tien
Shan and Pamir Mountains with centuries-old glaciers rise from west to east.
The water resources of Central Asia are the basis for achieving water, food, energy, andenvironmental security, as well as ensuring socioeconomic stability in the countries. The rivers
Amu Darya (Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) and Syr Darya(Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) are the largest transboundary
river basins connecting Central Asian countries. From a hydrological perspective, the region is
unique in that it is divided into three main zones:
 Runoff formation zone (upper reaches in southeast mountainous areas).
 Runoff transit and dispersion zone (central part).
 Delta zone (northwest).
Both rivers form the Aral Sea basin, which was formerly one of the largest lakes on Earth. The Aral
Sea's anthropogenic-natural ecological disaster, which has resulted in the loss of up to 90% of its
water volume since the 1960s and the appearance of the Aralkum desert in its stead, necessitates
the Central Asian countries to establish diverse forms of cooperation. Simultaneous efforts andactions are required due to the growing issues of global climate change, which already has an
impact on the environment, society, and economy throughout the region and beyond.
It is important to note that each topic selected from the topic proposal for the Asia-Pacific Water
Forum (see section 1.5 in Chapter 1) is pertinent to Central Asia. Key themes of WWF10 relate
not only to SDG 6 on Clean water and Sanitation”, but also to the SDGs 3, 5, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15 andothers.
Locally and culturally tailored solutions - selected focus of the sub-region
The following subjects were identified as specific for the sub-region:








Irrigated agriculture: key issues – uses 80-90% of total water, almost all irrigated lands
affected by salinization; goal – achieve food security with less water.
Transboundary dimension: goal – to increase effectiveness of cooperation in the face ofgrowing modern challenges, and involve Afghanistan into regional cooperation.
Water and Environment: goal – to find practical ways to ensure sustainability of
ecosystems, especially the Aral Sea zone, which is still degrading.
Water and sanitation: goal – agree on ways to achieve maximum possible targets onaccess by population of the regional countries to high-quality drinking water supply andsanitation.
Water and climate: goal – to elevate capability to seize the opportunity of scaling
deployment of finance to deliver climate goals and targets.
Water delivery infrastructure: issues – aging of the existing water infrastructure, large
unproductive losses of water during delivery to water consumers. The goal is to coordinate56



joint actions for rehabilitation and development – with the final aim to minimize theunproductive conveyance losses.
Water-related disasters: goal – to agree joint actions to improve the effectiveness of
preparedness for water-related emergencies.

Discussion on these issues resulted in the decision to organize the following sessions at WWF10:
 As topic sessions:o RP7: Mobilizing Water Finance for Climate Resilience in Central Asia andCaucasuso RP8: Transboundary Water Cooperation in the Aral Sea basin for a better future As synthesis session:o RS4: Paths towards Water Security in Central Asia

5.2 Topic 1: Mobilizing Water Finance for Climate Resilience in Central Asia and the Caucasus(RP7)5.2.1 Challenges and Opportunities

The most common challenging issues for the Caucasian sub-region are the low access to proper
drinking water supply and sanitation, water ecosystems degradation, floods, and in some zones
water scarcity. For Central Asia, they are increasing water deficit (droughts in irrigated zones) andwater ecosystems degradation. Climate change aggravates all these problems.
Climate change will further increase the number of extreme weather conditions in the region, thatis, periods of drought and high summer temperatures, a change in the mode of water formation,
which can lead to further negative consequences. In this context, all countries’ efforts consolidationis necessary to limit the negative impact on the environment. Timely identification and developmentof measures framework for climate risk management will mitigate or prevent the negative effects
of climate change.
UNEP’s Adaptation Gap Report 2022 “Too Little, Too Slow. Climate adaptation failure puts world
at risk” is stressing reasons for concern, especially for Central Asia and the Caucasus. The reportshows that the status of adaptation planning in Central Asian and Caucasian countries are behind
global progress in adaptation actions.
The University of Notre Dame’s Global Adaptation Initiative (ND-GAIN) country index is ameasurement tool that helps governments, businesses and communities examine risks
exacerbated by climate change, such as over-crowding, food insecurity, inadequate infrastructure,and civil conflicts (https://gain.nd.edu/our-work/country-index/rankings). In 2023, the ND-GAIN
country index assessed the Central Asia and Caucasus countries as vulnerable to climate change
impacts and ranked them out of 185 countries, as following (lower scores means the country is
ranked better in terms of vulnerability). The first number is the rank, the number between brackets
is the ND-GAIN country index.
 Kazakhstan – 36 (59,8)
 Georgia – 38 (58,5)
 Armenia – 49 (56,9)
 Mongolia – 59 (54,2)
 Kyrgyz Republic – 65 (53.3)
 Azerbaijan – 65 (53,3)
57






Uzbekistan – 72 (52,2)
Tajikistan – 98 (47,6)
Turkmenistan – 117 (44,2)
Afghanistan – 179 (32,8)

As part of their obligations under the UN Climate Conventions, all 8 countries of the region regularly
submit their national communications on climate change. The presentation of the first and second
communications by all 8 countries (during 1998 - 2010) showed that they started to pay increasing
attention to impacts of climate change and specific adaptation and mitigation measures. However,at the same time, attraction of investments by the countries of region from international funds foradaptation and mitigation remained practically unrealized up to 2011.
To mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts, first, it is necessary to develop and implement
national adaptation plans (NAP) for long-term adaptation and low-carbon development andintegrate measures and actions to combat climate change within framework of sectoraldevelopment strategies and plans, as well as attracting significant technical and financial
assistance from international funds and donors. All countries started to attract international climate
funding only after 2016.
Preparation and implementation of effective, targeted, and funded projects requires a significant
increase in capacity of experts for project preparation and increased international cooperation with
UNFCCC financial institutions. There is a clear need to continue and develop research on
assessing vulnerability and adaptability of ecosystems and sectors of economy to climate change,
which will require collection and analysis of a large amount of information and, accordingly,
improvement of system of governmental statistics, as well as strengthening cooperation andinteraction with relevant ministries and departments.
5.2.2 Breakthroughs

As recommended by “The UN Climate Change Regime” adaptation capacity development
includes: Improvement of hydrometeorological observation and expansion of network for real timeobservation of snow coverage and glaciers in zone of flow formation;
 Surveys in the runoff formation zones of the two main transboundary rivers;
 Improvement of drought early warning systems for selected basins; and,
 Development of plans aimed at educating public and governing bodies to act in the faceof dangerous hydrometeorological phenomena.
Climate change affects all segments of the population. In this regard, task remains to regularly
explain and widely publicize cases and consequences of climate change, measures, and activities
to prevent its negative consequences, inform about energy-saving technologies, policies andmeasures that reduce GHG emissions and dangerous hydrometeorological phenomena.
There is a need to integrate climate change issues, as well as knowledge about environment, into
educational programs and development plans for various sectors of economy. The most importantis implementation of measures to integrate all sectors contributes to more effective adaptation toclimate change.
It should be kept in mind that climate change also exacerbates other (always existing) pressure
factors on all spheres of life and the economy:
58







Following the political interests of the country
Pressure from economic growthSocial pressure – population growth and welfare needs
Increasing risks of ecosystem degradation
The importance of considering innovation and new technologies

Thus, we must focus on interconnection (nexus) - this is a tool for building connections(institutional, technical, and informational), as well as practical interaction of all sectors of theeconomy through water, which is the main indicator of the impacts of climate change.
An analysis of last versions of national determined contributions (NDCs) submitted by regionalcountries shows that countries indicated the amount of their financial needs to achieve climatechange mitigation and adaptation goals. The financial resources needed for the only five countries
of Central Asia alone to achieve their NDC targets are US$18.9 billion for mitigation and US$19.9
billion for climate change adaptation. It should be noted that these figures, based on the needs ofthese five countries alone, already exceed the current amount of climate finance available to theentire CACENA (Central Asia and Caucasus) region, indicating a serious resource gap. Resources
need to be mobilized and expanded from domestic and international sources to enable countries
to fully meet their climate change adaptation commitments.
To raise their climate ambitions and set the stage for successful implementation of NDC targets,countries must consider certain rules, which are critical to attracting climate finance from a variety
of sources and to developing transformational projects that can support effective, efficient, andeffective climate control measures with climate change in the region:
 Scaling up impacts: Projects that can be scaled up to reduce or prevent emissions andimprove sustainability should be supported. Multilateral funds have a role to play insupporting the scaling up of climate finance by attracting greater financial flows from theprivate sector.
 Country ownership: Experience has shown that country ownership of implementation is so
important that the success of a project can depend on it. Therefore, funding requests must
be consistent with national priorities, which should be developed through a broad
stakeholder engagement process.
 Direct access to finance through national and subnational institutions is a key element
considered by climate finance providers. In this sense, countries that have madecommitments and embarked on a coherent and participatory path to sustainable growththrough consistent policies are better able to attract climate finance from a variety ofsources.
 Accountability: Accountability requires adherence to operational policies that coverdisclosure processes, safeguards, gender, indigenous peoples, and grievance processes.
In addition, implementing agencies should facilitate stakeholder participation throughout
the project cycle.
 Collaboration between national institutions: broad and systematic dialogue andcollaborative processes between key partners and stakeholders, such as government
agencies, subnational and non-state partners who could potentially act as national directaccess actors (DOAs), should be a priority.
5.2.3 Objective and Outcome of the Session at WWF10The CACENA sub-region faces severe and intensifying water security challenges, which areaggravated by climate change. To grapple with those challenges requires much scaled finance59and investment. And yet, inadequate of capacity and capability of project development anddeployment limits mobilization of capital from international donors and funders. Together, the key
stakeholders in the region aim to gather consensus and initiatives to scale water finance for climate
resilience.
The session outcomes will help size the financial needs to achieve climate goals of both mitigation
and adaptation. While gauging the gaps of capacity and skills, the session aims to shed light onsources of financing, both domestic and international, for countries in the sub-region to elevatecapability to seize the opportunity of scaling deployment of finance to deliver climate goals andtargets. The CACENA countries are going to use this session to consult each other and their key
development partners to find mutual consensus on how to more effective mobilize water financefor climate resilience.
Solutions and impacts - while continuing to strengthen domestic climate policy incentives,
CACENA countries are expected to embed goals and targets in national plan and enhanceaccountability and transparency to not only attract finance but also assure outcomes and impacts.
The session outcomes have helped the CACENA countries to be better prepared for next COP-29
which will be held in November 2024 in Azerbaijan.

Figure 17 Impression of session RP7

5.3 Topic 2: Transboundary Water Cooperation in the Aral Sea Basin for a better Future (RP8)5.3.1 Challenges and Opportunities

Particularly concerning are the accelerating melting of glaciers and snowfields, the sources of the
Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, as well as the ecological disaster caused by the Aral Sea's drying
up, which has left behind the 6-million-hectare Aralkum desert. The processes of land degradationand desertification are accelerating across Central Asia, which has a negative impact on
ecosystems and public health.
In 1993, the heads of the five Central Asian states founded the International Fund for Saving theAral Sea (IFAS) in an effort to collaboratively address the issues facing the Aral Sea basin in acomprehensive and organized manner. Throughout IFAS’s thirty-year existence, countries haveachieved a lot in order to jointly overcome the problems of the Aral Sea basin and strengthen
cooperation at all levels.
60

Since 2018, the region's water and environmental issues have been actively considered andresolved within the Consultative meetings of the Heads of the Central Asian countries. In particular,
the Regional Program "Green Agenda" for Central Asia was adopted in July 2022, following theresults of the fourth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of the Central Asian countries.
Many UN General Assembly resolutions regarding collaboration between the UN and IFAS havebeen enacted. A special resolution was adopted at the 75th session of the UN General Assembly(May 18, 2021) on declaring the Aral Sea region a zone of environmental innovations andtechnologies, and measures to bring such technologies for practice are now being started.
The IFAS's voice was “heard” for the first time at a high level during the UN Water Conference in
New York in 2023.
To overcome obstacles and problems against the background of the dynamic growth of the
population and economies of the countries of the region, as well as accelerating climate change,
which will lead to an increase in water scarcity, it will be necessary to activate multilateral andbilateral interstate cooperation and implement effective partnership mechanisms. On behalf of the
Heads of Central Asian states, activities are being carried out to improve the organizational
structure and legal framework of IFAS considering the interests of all countries in the region.
For Central Asia's security, stability, and sustainable development, it is important that all of themeasures outlined in the regional documents, including the Aral Sea Basin Program and theRegional Environmental Protection Program for the Sustainable Development of Central Asia
(REPPSD CA), be implemented in a qualitative manner. REPPSD CA covers priority areas ofcooperation in the field of environmental protection until 2030 and offers a regional approach to
implementing the SDGs and UN Conventions as well as strengthening the environmental
component of the Aral Sea basin programmes.
5.3.2 Breakthroughs

One of the breakthrough solutions in the field of water resources at the global level was the United
Nations Water Conference, which took place on March 22-24, 2023 and became the first majorwater related event since 1977. The Conference was held on the initiative of Tajikistan and theNetherlands as part of the midterm comprehensive review of the International Decade for Action“Water for Sustainable Development, 2018-2028” and is dedicated to progress in achieving
objectives related to water and sanitation.
The International Science Council has identified four categories of water problems that requiredifferent scientific, political, and practical strategies to solve. These problems range from wellstudied problems that lack proven solutions to new and emerging problems that require additional
research and innovative thinking. Also needed a more systematic dialogue between policy makers
and scientists on evidence-based policy options to support real action and predict future waterrelated risks.
All Central Asian countries have adopted governmental programs on water resourcesmanagement, the regulatory framework in water sector is expanding, including for cooperation in
the field of transboundary water resources, water-saving technologies are gradually being
introduced, hydraulic structures are being reconstructed and repaired to reduce unjustified water
losses.
61

Public administration in the field of water resources in the countries of the Aral Sea basin prioritizes
and focuses on working with youth to build a culture of careful attitude to water and other natural
resources, as well as and provides for the observance of social and gender equality, asurbanization processes are actively taking place due to the difference in income between rural andurban residents, men and women, working conditions. 81% of the population of Central Asia lives
in the Aral Sea basin. Despite the trends towards urbanization, a high proportion of the rural
population remains (56.2%). The high level of employment of the economically active populationin agriculture is particularly noted within the Aral Sea basin (60% - Tajikistan, 26% - Kyrgyzstan,
26% - Uzbekistan, 14.3% - Kazakhstan). Therefore, the development of rural areas and thecreation of favourable conditions for life in rural areas are among the priorities of all countries ofthe subregion.
It is crucial to ensure the nexus of water, food, and energy security by managing water resources
sustainably, providing access to clean water and sanitation, supporting human health andlivelihoods, mitigating the negative impacts of climate change and extreme weather, and protecting
and restoring ecosystems and the important services they provide. In this regard, the countries of
the region pay great attention to strengthening water management authorities and specialized
institutions, including research institutes. Preventive measures and actions taken by theGovernments of the Central Asian states will make it possible to find effective solutions to existingand emerging new problems in the water sector.
The States of the Aral Sea basin spend significant funds to solve water problems. International
development partners have been providing significant assistance for 30 years. Despite this, there
is a low efficiency of water use with an average of $ 2.5 production value per cubic meter, whichis 7 times less than the global average ($ 19.01/m3).
There are two main reasons for inefficient use of resources in the region: weak investment in theindustry and insufficient level of regional cooperation between countries, i.e. joint actions areneeded to solve problems, which will increase the growth rate of regional GDP by 1.5% per year.
Losses in agriculture are estimated at 0.6% of GDP while losses in the energy complex are about
0.9% of GDP; estimates of annual economic damage and unrealized economic benefits reach $4.0
billion to $4.5 billion. In case of resolving the issues in the sector, the growth of regional GDP might
total 7% ($ 22 billion) by 2026, and it might reach 20% by 2050. It is possible to achieve a 40%
increase in water use efficiency by implementing contemporary irrigation technologies andmodifying irrigation systems.
An average of 116 cubic kilometres of water are annually formed in the Aral Sea basin, of which
92% of the total water intake is consumed by agriculture. 66% of the gross agricultural output ofCentral Asia is provided by irrigated lands: about 100% in Turkmenistan, 87% in Uzbekistan, 85%
in Kyrgyzstan, 82% in Tajikistan and 40% in Kazakhstan. Annually, about 43 cubic km of water isunproductively lost, which must be systematically reduced by the active introduction of watersaving technologies, digitalization of water metering, improvement of water infrastructure. It isnecessary to stop land degradation and take other comprehensive measures to eliminate theproblem of water scarcity, to develop an optimal, effective model of water-energy cooperation.

62

Irrigation water saving by smart-phone
To facilitate introduction of irrigation water saving technologies, rational
water use and increased water productivity a Mobile Application «TOMCHI»
has been developed within the framework of the National Water Resources
Management Project financed by the Swiss Agency for Development andCooperation and implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Water
Resources of Uzbekistan and Agency of IFAS. Tomchi in Uzbek language
is meaning “drop of water”.
The Mobile Application tool designed as a virtual Extension Service forFarmers providing the following tools: (i) access to comprehensive
information on applicable in the local context water saving technologies,
relevant legislation and best practices; (ii) estimation of respective costs ofcertain water saving technique implementation; (iii) feedback mechanismand (iv) platform linking water users with local producers and service
providers of available water saving technologies.
Mobile Application «TOMCHI» is software available since 2021 to work
using smartphones and other mobile devices. It works in smartphones
running on Android and iOS platforms. For smartphones running on the
Android platform, the application can be downloaded from the Google PlayMarket, and for smartphones running on the iOS platform from the AppleStore).

In this context, it is very prospective to foster collaboration between scientists in the cooperative
study of the region's water problems and the search for solutions; to organize teaching staff andstudent advanced training based on the top specialized higher education institutions; and toestablish an exchange of experiences among research institutes of Central Asian countries.
Transboundary water cooperation in the Aral Sea basin to ensure a sustainable, resilient, inclusive
cycle of clean water from source to sea should be strengthened and, along with the improved IFAS,
new models for interaction should be found.
Special attention will be paid to the caring attitude towards glaciers, which are important to bothnature and humankind. Rivers get their start from glaciers, and without rivers, crop production
cannot advance and feed humanity. In recent decades, an increase in the average temperaturebalance has been especially observed in the world and the region. In consequence of this, glacier
volumes and areas are rapidly decreasing. According to forecasts, by 2100 half of the world's
mountain glaciers will disappear, and the stress on water resources in some areas of Central Asia
may increase up to 2.8 times by 2040. In this context, the initiatives of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistanon the topics of glaciers, mountain ecosystems and the development of hydropower potential forelectricity generation, as well as other countries’ on the development of a “green” economy arevery important.
It is planned for Central Asian countries to collaborate on the regional implementation of waterand resource-saving technologies, as well as modern information and communication
technologies, in the water sector.
5.3.3 Objective and Outcome of the Session at WWF10

The objective of the session on this topic was to assist the Central Asian countries in building acommon vision for sharing and protecting water resources in a changing climate. The session
facilitated: A discussion on climate risks for the region's water sector, obstacles, and barriers to theimplementation of joint measures.
63




The identification of regional priorities for the Aral Sea basin and specific actions for theirimplementation.
To intensify exchange of experience, knowledge, and ideas on improving water
infrastructure resilience to negative climate impacts, introducing innovations andtechnologies, mobilizing financing for transboundary water cooperation, etc.

The main outcomes of the session were: The exchange of knowledge and experience among the participants for better
understanding of the problems of increasing water resources resilience to climate change
in Central Asia.
 The elaboration of concrete recommendations and measures to strengthen co-operationof the basin countries on shared use and protection of water resources.
 The promotion of a common vision on the use and protection of water resources andharmonized management of water resources in the basin.
By this the work within IFAS and other regional bodies, organizations and institutions, joint working
groups and commissions was strengthened, with the aim to establishing closer cooperation andpartnerships to achieve common goals, sustainable growth and prosperity in the region.
The Aral Sea Basin Assistance Program
The Aral Sea Basin Assistance Program (ASBP-4) was approved by the decision of the IFAS Board in 2021
with an implementation period till 2030. Since 1993, with the full support of international development partners,
the founding states of the Fund have jointly implemented three Programs.
ASBP-4 is a regional program aimed at achieving an integrated approach to the use and protection of water
resources, environmental rehabilitation, and socio-economic development of the Aral Sea basin, as well as
improving the institutional and legal mechanisms of IFAS. The main objective of the Program is to implement
joint actions and prospective programs to overcome the Aral Sea crisis and strengthen cooperation throughtargeted actions at the national, regional, and international levels to improve the water, environmental, and socioeconomic situation, ensure the sustainable development and enhance the human well-being in the Aral Sea
basin.
ASBP-4 is the main strategic document for the midterm perspective and consists of 34 project proposals
covering areas such as integrated water resources management, environmental and socio-economic activities,
and the improvement of institutional and legal mechanisms. The total required funding exceeds $2 billion.
Joint implementation of ASBP-4 by Central Asian countries demonstrates unity and partnership in our region.
Currently, under the initiative of Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in IFAS, work is underway to update and expedite
the implementation of the Program’s projects.

Figure 18 Presenters session RP864

5.4 Synthesis session: Paths towards Water Security in Central Asia (RS4)5.4.1 Challenges and Opportunities

The water sector in Central Asian region is characterized by the following fundamental challenges:
 Regional countries are facing increasing water deficit, which is due the impact of climatechange, aging water infrastructure, application of low-efficiency water use technologies(especially in agriculture which consume about 85% of total available water resources),and weak organizational capacity of existing regional water authorities.
 Region observes increased demand for water because of population growth, as well as
increasing needs of the economic sectors of the countries, including Afghanistan, whichstill is not directly covered by regional cooperation frameworks.
 At the same time, there is a large difference in water and land productivity among individualzones within the region, as well as irregular distribution of water shortages acrosstransboundary river basins. There remains insufficient consideration of the ecosystems
needs for water.
 Water use and irrigation regime for agricultural crops based on outdated water
consumption standards. Countries in the region should make efforts to improve theefficiency of irrigation systems by introducing advanced technologies and water
management practices. This may include upgrading irrigation systems, using different
water saving technologies, and adopting modern agricultural practices that will reducewater loss and increase crop yields.
 Regional countries still have insufficient legal, economic, and inter-sectoral mechanisms
for managing water resources and infrastructure - there is high share of governmental
funding and low level of private sector participation.
 Central Asian countries must think about development of general principles, measures andindicators for the rational use and protection of water resources which are in transboundary
rivers.
 There is huge gap in improvement and implementation of an automated systems foraccounting and monitoring of quantitative and qualitative indicators of water, and also in
improving the exchange of information on water resources.
 And, there is need for increasing the capacity of water management organizations and thequalifications of water management personnel, etc.
5.4.2 Breakthroughs

This session aims at bringing together high-level water related officials and stakeholders fromCentral Asia countries, key development partners (international organizations and international
financial institutions), and other parties to find mutual consensus on how to move towards water
security under stress from climate change impacts.
Water availability in a semi-arid region like Central Asia is a key to generate sustainable economic
development for all regional countries. This can, however, only be reached through joint actions
on ensuring effective cooperation between the regional countries and their development partners
with main focus on the effective use of limited available water resources.
The second key session outcome will help size the financial needs to achieve climate goals of both
mitigation and adaptation - as contribution to efforts towards water security.

65

The session outcomes are planned to be discussed at the global event “One Water Summit” within
the framework of the high-level session of the 79th United Nations General Assembly on
September 23, 2024, in New York, USA.
The session outcomes also will be useful for Central Asian countries to be better prepared for next
COP-29 which will be held on November 11-22, 2024, in Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan.
The session aimed to shed light on sources of financing, both domestic and international, forcountries in the sub-region to elevate capability and scaling of climate finance to deliver water
security goals and targets.
5.4.3 Outcome of the Session at WWF10

Participants of the session agreed on the following statements:
 Express gratitude to the Government of Indonesia for organizing the 10th World Water
Forum and the Secretariat of the Asia-Pacific Process of the Forum for supporting theorganization of the sub-regional session.
 Note the relevance of studying best practices on water resources management intransboundary basins, the introduction of technologies and methods to combat thenegative impact of climate change on water resources, as well as the need to use them in
improving resource management in the Aral Sea basin.
 Emphasize the need to strengthen cooperation on joint management of the Aral Sea
Basin’s water resources amid accelerating climate change processes.
 Highlight the need to intensify efforts to improve the organizational structure and legal
framework of IFAS, considering the interests of all countries.
 Call on international organizations and partners to consolidate support for the
implementation of the Action Program for Assistance to the Countries of the Aral Sea
Basin (ASBP-4) and the Regional Environmental Program for Sustainable Development
in Central Asia (REP4SD-CA).
 Stress that ineffective water resource management is one of the major development
challenges in the region. In this regard, water resource ministries of all countries need toadopt a long-term investment program, the "Multi-Stage Approach," to enhance efficiency
and conserve water resources, modernize dams, hydraulic infrastructure, sedimentmanagement, and dam safety.
 Recommend the IFAS to take appropriate measures on implementation of the projects of
the Action Program for Assistance to the Countries of the Aral Sea Basin (ASBP-4),
including through strengthening existing coordination mechanisms with the participationof international partners and on supporting implementation of projects aimed at ensuring
effective interaction and mobilizing actions.
 Recommend the IFAS consolidate the actions and efforts of international partners withthe creation of an appropriate platform to assist countries in building capacity to combat
the negative impact of climate change on the water resources of the Aral Sea basin.
 Emphasize the importance of intensifying the efforts of countries to develop a joint
mechanism for the use of water and energy resources in the Syrdarya and Amudarya
river basins, as well as to present and agree on a draft regional strategy for the rationaluse of water resources of transboundary rivers in Central Asia.
 Draw the attention of the countries to the need to strengthen the implementation of watersaving technologies in the region and automation of gauging stations to achievetransparency in transboundary water resources management.
 Emphasize the need to improve the material and technical equipment and to consider
strengthening the powers of the executive bodies of the BWO “Amu Darya” and BWO“Syr Darya”.
66

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

Note the relevance of global and regional initiatives of the founding countries of IFAS in
the field of water resources, including the International Decade for Action “Water for
Sustainable Development,” 2018-2028, the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025, as well as using the One Water Summit platform to promote projects in the Aral
Sea Basin and the need to demonstrate successful cooperation experience of the basincountries in the joint use and protection of water resources at the Summit, launching a
joint initiative aimed at fundraising for environmental projects and restoring ecosystems of
the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins, reducing disaster risks, and improving
medical services.
And, welcome the activities of the International Water Assessment Centre (IWAC) for
assisting in the development of cooperation on the use and protection of water resourcesin the Aral Sea basin and recommend strengthening assistance to the countries of thebasin within the framework of the implementation of the IWAC Programme of Work for2025-2027.

The results of the session were formalized in an outcome document with the title “Transboundary
Water Cooperation in the Aral Sea basin for a better future”.
5.5 Policy recommendations
Water availability is a key factor for improving the well-being of the regional population and a key
parameter for sustainable development, which can, however, only be reached through systemictransboundary cooperation. Urgent actions are needed as the sub-region faces severe andintensifying water security challenges, which are aggravated by climate change.
While continuing to strengthen domestic climate policy incentives, Central Asian countries are
expected to embed goals and targets in national climate change adaptation plans and enhanceaccountability and transparency to not only attract finance but also assure outcomes and impacts.
Regional countries and their development partners are committed for increasing of capacity andcapability of water project development and mobilization of capital from domestic and international
donors and funders.

Figure 19 Presenters Synthesis session RS4

67

6

Sub-region Oceania and Pacific Islands Countries
Participating countries in the Oceania and Pacific Island Countries sub-region were: Australasia Sub-Region: Australia, New Zealand Pacific Island Countries: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Federated Statesof Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands,
Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
The focus of the discussions in the sub-regional process was on the specific issues of the Small
Island Developing States (SIDS) in the sub-region.
Populationin '000
Australia
24,993
Cook Islands
19
Fiji
886
Kiribati
113
Marshall Islands
55
Micronesia, Federal States of
103
Nauru
11
New Zealand
4,886
Niue
1.7
Palau
18
Papua New Guinea
9,019
Samoa
198
Solomon Islands
667
Tonga
100
Tuvalu12
Vanuatu
285
Aver.-pop weighted
41,363
Aver. w/o Australia, New
Zealand and Papua N.G.

2,466

2013
87.6
66.3
57.1
45.8
42.9
39.5
55.9
88.7
55.5
62.8
41.1
57.2
51.9
61.4
47.1
51.1
75.6
53.7

NWS score
2016
2020
88.3
87.8
70.4
72.5
59.8
59.5
45.8
48.2
40.9
48.9
37.7
42.0
62.0
58.6
88.9
89.1
59.9
61.0
69.4
73.0
42.8
42.8
62.9
62.8
49.6
49.3
61.4
61.5
48.3
53.0
49.7
49.9
76.4
76.2
54.3

54.7

KD1: Rural Household Water Security
KD2: Economic Water Security
KD3: Urban Water Security
KD4: Environmental Water Security
KD5: Water-Related Disaster Security
NWS: National Water Security

68

Leads, Co-leads and Coordination supporting members Oceania and Pacific Island
countries

Lead

Secretariat ofPacific
Community(PICs)

Co-leadAWP (PICs)

Coordination
supporting
memberInternational
WaterCentre(Aus & NZ)

Water Security andGovernance
DaveH@spc.int
Coordinator
Project Coordinator
Building Regional
Mary Alalo
Action andmarya@spc.int
Cooperation on Water
Security
Strategy andAnita Walters
Anita.walters@waterpartnership.org.au
Partnerships Lead
Sarah
General Manager
sarah.ransom@waterpartnership.org.au
RansomCommunication
Zoe Talsma
zoe.talsma@waterpartnership.org.au
Manager
Director, International
Regina Souter WaterCentre, Griffith
r.souter@griffith.edu.au
University, Australia
Dave
Hebblethwaite

6.1 Characteristics of the sub-region and selected focus topics
There is an immense amount of diversity across the sub-region – spanning continental water
systems in Australia and Papua New Guinea, through temperate New Zealand; large and small
islands, coral atolls and volcanic islands. Pacific Island Countries face a unique set of threats
including sea level rise, frequent tropical cyclones, coastal inundation, and droughts. Pacificleaders have repeatedly recognised the threat of climate change to the livelihoods, security andwellbeing of its people and Pacific Foreign Ministers declared a climate emergency in July 2022,
calling on all development partners to prioritise climate action.
Climate change is already driving change to water systems across the Oceania sub-region; withworsening cycles of drought and flood and other weather-related disasters such as tropical
cyclones, which have a devastating impact on Pacific Island Countries.
Water scarcity is an issue across the sub-region, but reflecting its diversity, causes and methods
to address it vary widely. Australia is the driest inhabited continent on earth and has evolved an
approach to manage water from an allocation perspective. In the face of a changing climate,national water reform continues in Australia to re-think and refine interjurisdictional governance,
investment in technology and infrastructure, improve water efficiency and value water for all uses
appropriately. New Zealand is blessed by relatively abundant water resources, however changing
land use and associated water quality impacts present an increasingly complex challenge for theregional councils that are responsible for water resources management.
Conversely, the Pacific population is the world’s least urbanised, and establishment andmaintenance of safe sanitation services is challenged by long distances, limited resources andservices, and complex supply chains. For many Pacific communities, the availability of freshwater
resources is confined to small and fragile groundwater lenses, streams, and springs, and/or
rainwater collected from roofs. These scarce resources are vulnerable to overexploitation andcontamination, particularly in atoll environments, where limited potable groundwater sources can
69

be threatened by over-pumping, land use activities, inappropriate sanitation facilities, and theaccelerating impacts of climate change. However, persisting low levels of engagement in water
security compared to other sectoral issues, and inadequate consideration of water security issues
in regional frameworks and decision-making for a—particularly with respect to consideration ofwater security as a critical component of disaster and climate resilience—are contributing to thechallenges faced.
If current trajectories persist, millions of Pacific islanders will continue to endure water insecurity
for generations to come, with profound implications for public health, socio-economic development,
food and energy security, the environment, and human rights.
To give due regard to the diversity across the Oceania sub region and complexity of the issues
faced, the co-convenors deliberately focussed on Pacific Islands issues for the regional sessions.
This enabled the sessions to provide more depth of discussion on issues relating to small islands,
which we would like to have more prominence across the World Water Forum Agenda.
Locally and culturally tailored solutions - selected focus of the sub-region
SIDS face unique challenges regarding water resources due to their small size, limited land area,vulnerability to climate change, and high population densities. Specific water resource issues theyoften encounter include limited freshwater availability and dependency on rainwater, saltwater
intrusion, poor water quality, lack of adequate infrastructure, flooding, and coastal erosion.
Discussion on these issues in the regional process resulted in the decision to focus on issues onwater security and sanitation and to organize the following sessions at WWF10:
 As topic sessions:o RP9: Water security and Pacific SIDS
o RP10: Strengthening engagement in water security to support Pacific resilienceo RP11: Climate-resilient sanitation in Pacific Small Island Developing States As synthesis session:o RS5: Water security and resilience of small island communities.
6.2 Topic 1: Water security and Pacific SIDS (RP9)
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) of the Oceania Sub-Region continue to endure some of thelowest levels of access to safe water and sanitation of any region in the world and remain
disproportionately affected by the water-related impacts of disasters and climate change - including
floods and drought that continued to impact the Sub-Region throughout 2023. Latest data gathered
by Pacific Island Countries and Territories 28 indicate that approximately half of the Pacificpopulation lives without access to basic drinking water facilities, and more than two thirds live
without access to basic sanitation.29 These whole-of-Pacific numbers remain relatively stagnant
compared to other global regions that have seen significant improvements in access over the past
decade.

28

Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) data (2020) compiled by UNICEF and WHO (2021)
JMP defines “basic” services as: drinking water from an improved source, provided collection time is not
more than 30 minutes for a round trip, including queuing; and use of improved sanitation facilities that are notshared with other households.
29

70While every country and territory in the region remains active in improving the water security of
their vulnerable communities, in many cases these efforts are not keeping pace with the pressuresof population growth and movement, disaster setbacks and the accelerating impacts of climatechange. Access to basic water and sanitation facilities is far from the whole story in the Pacific, as
PICTs are disproportionally affected by the intensifying water-related impacts of disasters andclimate change, impacting significantly on the financial cost and sustainability of addressing waterand sanitation issues. Climate change is increasing the risk of weather–related disasters in the
Pacific, especially in combination with sea-level rise and associated flood, wave, tide, storm surge,
wind intensity, coastal erosion, saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers and the potential worseningof water scarcity and drought.
6.2.1 Challenges and Opportunities

Pacific nations, development partners, and civil society are progressing water security acrossmultiple fronts. However, while many of these efforts are focused and effective, as a whole they
are not making a significant impact on the persistently high percentage of Pacific islanders exposedto the serious health, social and environmental impacts of unsafe water and sanitation facilities.
This applies particularly in rural and remote areas where water and sanitation is managed at ahousehold or community level.
Already, five Pacific SIDS have been counted amongst the world’s 15 most vulnerable30, withclimate change expected to significantly increase the likelihood of hydro-meteorological disasters
that already account for over 75% of the region’s reported natural disaster events. For many
communities, access to safe water and sanitation is seriously constrained by local capacity to
manage current water-related risks, such as those arising from floods and drought, let alone thoseintensified by the impacts of climate change. The impacts of disasters and climate change on thewater sector are not yet well captured in government-led processes such as Post Disaster Needs
Assessments (PDNA) and National Adaptation Plans. Increased effort is required to ensure thatsuch processes properly factor in risks and future costs associated with water and wastewater
services affected by disaster events and climate change.
Given the enormity of the task, coordinated, risk reduction approaches are needed to empower
communities and households to establish, operate and maintain affordable and appropriate waterand sanitation systems. This is to be done while also maintaining safe drinking water and hygiene
practices in homes, schools and health care facilities, including incorporating resilience to theintensifying impacts disasters and climate change. This is particularly relevant for the region’s rural,
remote, and small island populations, including the significant and growing populations of rural
Papua New Guinea.
Pacific rural populations without access to basic drinking water facilities outnumber urban
populations without access by approximately 24 to 1, which is the highest disparity in the world.
The majority of Pacific people living without access to safe water and sanitation live in remote rural,
outer island and peri-urban communities with limited access to government and private-sector
services, and increased support is required to better equip these communities and households toestablish, operate and maintain appropriate water and sanitation facilities, while also fully

30

World Risk Report 2021 – note that risks to island nations are less prominent in the 2022 WorldRiskReport,
which changed its methodology to focus more on risks to larger population countries.

71

harnessing local and traditional knowledge to maintain safe drinking water and hygiene practices
in homes and schools.
6.2.2 Breakthroughs

The Pacific is the least urbanised region of the world, and our urban water utilities reach less thana quarter of our total population, far less than other global regions. For these communities, drinking
water, sanitation and hygiene are primarily managed at the household, village or settlement level.
In this context, addressing SDG 6 requires innovative and locally appropriate solutions,acknowledging and incorporating the critical role of traditional governance structures, culture andtraditional knowledge, including the important role of women and girls.
Efforts to achieve Pacific water and sanitation targets therefore need to consider the water cycle,
and wherever possible use IWRM approaches to protect the sustainability of freshwater resourcesfrom “ridge to reef”. Innovation is key, but sustainability can only be achieved with robust, solutions
that can withstand the impacts of extreme climate events and vast distances from materials andmarkets parts and service markets.
At their August 2023 meeting, Pacific water Ministers noted the special water security needs ofsmall island communities without access to surface waters, and the need for urgent and increased
partner support to assist communities to conserve “every raindrop falling from the sky”, including
support to strengthen rainwater collection, sustainable groundwater management, water storage
and delivery capacity. Further to this, Ministers recognised the importance of climate and disaster
financing to the establishment of resilient water and sanitation infrastructure, capacities andsystems, and the urgent need for development partners to support Pacific Island countries andterritories to work together to more readily access climate and disaster financing to address thepriority water and sanitation needs already articulated in national strategies, plans and road maps.

Figure 20 Pacific Water Ministers and high level officials meet to discuss common challenges and strategic
directions at the 2023 PWWA Ministerial Forum in Koror, Palau

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RP9 Showcase: Regional collaboration of Pacific water utilities
While the Pacific is the least urbanised region of the world, its water utilities play a significant role in supportingwater security both within and outside of urban areas through their support to water, sanitation and hygiene
services and the management of wastewater. Operating in a fragile high-risk environment such as the Pacificmeans developing strong partnerships amongst water utilities and strategic frameworks to ensure water
infrastructure investments are climate resilient, innovative, and able to withstand the impacts of extreme climate
events. The Pacific Water and Wastewater Association (PWWA) was established to support Pacific Water
Utilities in addressing common operational issues and building capacity across water utilities. It is the regionalumbrella organisation supporting utilities in their provision of clean safe drinking water and sanitation services,bringing utilities together annually through a regional conference and incorporating Ministerial dialogue througha forum that allows water ministers to engage and discuss water security issues and solutions of concern to
the Pacific. These and other services, such as annual utility benchmarking and a young professionals
development program, have greatly assisted water utilities to strengthen their institutional capacities and takea strategic approach to maintaining water and sanitation services throughout all conditions. For example, theWater Authority of Fiji has recently developed its Fiji Water Sector Strategy 2050 to identify key challenges andinvestments needed to ensure the provision of sustainable and resilient water and sanitation services for all its
citizens. Both PWWA and the Water Authority of Fiji were active across multiple regional sessions of the 10th
World Water Forum.

6.2.3 Objective and Outcome of the Session at WWF10

The objectives of the session of the session at WWF10 were to: provide a space for Pacific Island
country and territory representatives to convey stories of Pacific resilience, including local water
security solutions that harness traditional knowledge and governance systems; and highlight theimportance of accelerated support to empower Pacific communities to establish, operate, andmaintain safe and resilient water and sanitation systems throughout all conditions.
The outcomes of the session were: an improved understanding of the water security issues of
SIDS and the role of innovative and climate-resilient solutions; and strengthened collaboration andpartnerships between Pacific SIDS and development partners on water security actions.

Figure 21 Emergency repairs to water infrastructure undertaken by staff of the Water Authority of Fiji(credit: Water Authority of Fiji)73

6.3 Topic 2: Strengthening Engagement in Water Security to Support Pacific Resilience (RP10)
The resilience efforts of Pacific SIDS have historically been hampered by generally low levels of
engagement in water security compared to other sectoral issues, and inadequate consideration ofwater security issues in regional frameworks and decision-making processes. While the significant
economic, health and environmental benefits of improved water and sanitation have been welldemonstrated, the issue often doesn’t receive the levels of attention proportionate to both the scaleof the challenge and its critical role in supporting Pacific resilience.
The scale of the challenge for the region requires a fundamental recalibration of government andpartner priorities and investments, along with a meaningful shift in the scale and type of support
provided by development partners. While these challenges are framed by the region’s establishedhigh level regional policy frameworks, these are yet to realise their full potential in driving andmonitoring the urgent water security action required across multiple sectors and stakeholders.
6.3.1 Challenges and Opportunities

Water security is a cross-cutting issue affecting multiple sectors, and many partnerships are active
across the region in sharing knowledge and approaches and progressing action.
While the significant economic, health, environmental and resilience benefits of improved waterand sanitation have been well demonstrated, the issue is yet to receive the levels of attention
proportionate to both the scale of the challenge and its critical role in supporting Pacific resilience.
The issue is framed by many established high level regional policy frameworks, including the 2050
Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent, the Boe Declaration, and the Framework for Resilient
Development in the Pacific (FRDP), however none of these frameworks are currently neither fully
engaged in water security issues nor driving the coordinated efforts required across multiple
sectors and stakeholders. There is significant scope to better connect the work of thesepartnerships to existing regional goals and reporting frameworks.
This session will showcase the key findings of the engagement strategy and present recommended
actions to strengthen the integration of water security considerations as a critical component ofPacific disaster and climate resilience. The integration of water security approaches into thedisaster risk reduction and climate adaptation efforts is a global challenge, and this session will
explore Pacific case studies and experiences that will likely be relevant to other regions.
Participants will have the opportunity to connect with water security actors and stakeholders fromthe Pacific and examine the potential of new and strengthened water security partnerships to
support Pacific resilience.
6.3.2 Breakthroughs

The recent formation of a Technical Working Group on Water Security under the Pacific Resilience
Partnership (PRP) is one mechanism to promote effective dialogue between the water andsanitation and resilience communities. While in its early stages, it is intended that the group provide
a working platform for partners and stakeholders active in the fields of water security and resilience
to come together to identify ways that the PRP can promote increased and meaningful
engagement on water security as a resilience issue and strengthen coordinated action on water
security to support progress towards FRDP Goals. Enhancing collaboration and inclusivity in thisdomain will not only bolster key vulnerable sectors but also have a far-reaching positive impact for
the resilience of the Pacific region.
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At their August 2023 meeting, Pacific water Ministers acknowledged that the achievement of water
security objectives requires the efforts of multiple sectors and actors at all levels, confirmed theircommitment to the establishment of national coordination mechanisms and collaborative
partnerships, and encouraged the strengthening of regional coordination of water security issues
to ensure that priority needs are recognised and actioned by leaders and decision makers at thehighest levels.
RP10 showcase: Building a strategy to strengthen engagement in Pacific water security
Pacific efforts to strengthen engagement in water security to support Pacific resilience is anchored within theregion’s umbrella Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific (FRDP) and the Pacific Resilience
Partnership (PRP) mechanism established to oversee progress towards FRDP goals. The FRDP and the
PRP were endorsed and established by Pacific Island Forum Leaders to guide integrated action in addressing
climate change adaptation, disaster risk reduction, disaster risk management and climate change mitigation.
A key initiative of the PRP is the establishment of Technical Working Groups to lead technical work on
addressing key priority issues affecting the region. Under these arrangements, the PRP recently establisheda multi-Sectoral Water Security Technical Working Group to strengthened engagement in water security tosupport Pacific resilience. The Working Group is currently in developing a Water Security Engagement
Strategy and Action Plan to strengthen engagement in water security as a key determinant of Pacificresilience. Strategy outcomes are aligned with the four FRDP Resilience Standards to better Inform, Include,
Integrate and Sustain water security action for resilience across the region. The Working Group has been
active in elevating water security as a key determinant of resilience across multiple platforms and forums
such as the UN 2023 Water Conference, the 2023 World Water Week, regional and national dialogues, andat this 10th World Water Forum.

Figure 22 H.E. Ambassador Fatumanava-o-Upolu III Dr Pa’olelei Luteru, Chair of the Alliance of Small Island
States (AOSIS), joins Pacific Ministers to advocate for water security as a key determinant of Pacific resilience at
the UN 2023 Water Conference.

6.3.3 Objective and Outcome of the Session at WWF10

The objectives of the session at WWF10 were to: showcase key findings of the engagement
strategy; share case studies on the integration of Pacific water security, disaster risk reduction andclimate adaptation efforts; and provide an opportunity for participants to connect with water security

75actors and stakeholders from Pacific SIDS and progress the potential of new partnerships forresilience.
The outcomes of the session are: increased engagement on water security as a key componentof climate and disaster resilience in the Pacific; strengthened collaboration and partnerships
between Pacific Island Countries and development partners on water security action for resilience;and strengthened understanding of the importance of water security engagement strategies toincrease collaboration and partnership across multiple stakeholders and actors. A specificoutcome of the session was a commitment to support the inclusion of dialogue on water security
at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (October 2024 in Manila,
Philippines).
6.4 Topic 3: Climate-resilient sanitation in Pacific Small Island Developing States (RP11)
Between 2000 and 2020, over half a million people in the Pacific gained access to basic sanitation,
but these gains were outpaced by population growth. Today, about 70% of the population don’t
have access to basic sanitation – and open defecation rates in Papua New Guinea are increasing
faster than any other country in the world.
The links between climate change and water are increasingly recognised. But the links between
climate change and sanitation have not received the same attention, even as flooding, droughts
and sea level rises are increasingly impacting sanitation services, causing: Widespread damage to critical sanitation infrastructure Contamination of drinking water sources from overflowing septic tanks and pit latrines
 Wastewater discharge into important aquatic ecosystems that provide livelihoods
 Exposure to pathogens from open defecation and unsafe hygiene practices.
Current efforts to improve sanitation in the Pacific are not sufficient to address these challenges,
and so a step change is needed in both the level of investment and priority given to sanitation by
the region's governments and the international development community.
6.4.1 Challenges and Opportunities

Challenges are outlined above, but also include broader impacts as the increasing impacts ofclimate change have a huge proportional impact on GDP in small island economies – for example,
Tropical Cyclone Pam impacted Vanuatu in 2015 and caused an estimated 65% impact on GDP.
This means that many Pacific Island nations are fighting to maintain their development gains,
including provision of safe and sustainable water and sanitation.
Seeing water and sanitation within the framework of climate change sharpens the focus on whatis needed to deliver on SDG 6 under changing climatic conditions through resilient infrastructure
and working closely with communities to understand their needs, aspirations, and strengths. It alsooffers opportunities to ensure water and sanitation is included in critical adaptation planning, andto access climate finance to meet the needs of the region.
6.4.2 Breakthroughs

There are opportunities to support better coordination and exchange of learning, as well as political
will and finance at the regional level in the Pacific. There are existing strong regional organisations

76

such as SPC (Pacific Community) and PWWA (Pacific Water & Wastewater Association) that havemandates and hold knowledge and authority in this space.
Decision-making regarding sanitation and conservation should consider the needs of different
groups and utilise traditional knowledge and understanding of the natural environment. There areopportunities to include ecological restoration and preservation activities with sanitation programs
to support better outcomes for communities and ecosystems.
Climate financing from donors is an increasingly important source of WASH financing and yet
globally, only $12 billion of $681 billion in climate financing has gone to WASH, and only 0.1% ofthat has prioritised basic WASH (Water for Women). Including water and sanitation across climate
adaptation planning and resilience, ensuring it is well integrated across multisector national plans
and included in potential climate finance.
RP11 Showcase: Climate-proofing water, sanitation and hygiene in rural Vanuatu
Vanuatu is a Small Island Developing State comprising 83 islands in the Western Pacific and is extremely
vulnerable to climate change and disaster risks such as those associated with extreme hydro-meteorologicalevents. Climate predictions show that more intense extreme events will increase the incidence of damage tocommunity-based water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure, with impacts already dramaticallydemonstrated by the significant damage to WASH infrastructure caused by recent tropical storms affecting
the nation. In response to these intensifying threats, Vanuatu is actively working to climate-proof its rural
WASH systems, including through securing the Pacific’s first significant climate financing to support rural
WASH. The Enhancing Adaptation and Community Resilience by Improving Water Security in Vanuatu
project aims to create safe, climate-resilient, and sustainable water and sanitation across a quarter of
Vanuatu’s population, achieved by improving and scaling up existing government-owned processes of waterand sanitation management The project will climate-proof rural water, sanitation and hygiene infrastructure,utilising and improving existing government-owned processes of water and sanitation management.
Ultimately, the project aims to catalyse a paradigm shift towards safe, climate-resilient, and sustainable
WASH services at the community level. The project is envisaged to be an important tool in implementing
Vanuatu’s climate change strategies and policies, while at the same time generating valuable lessons forother Pacific nations.

Figure 23 Presenters session RP11
6.4.3 Objective and Outcome of the Session at WWF10

While the links between climate change and water are increasingly recognised, the links between
climate change and sanitation have not received the same attention. Sanitation is essential forpoverty alleviation, human and ecosystem health and underpins sustainable development andclimate resilience. Current efforts to improve sanitation in the Pacific are not sufficient to addressthese challenges, and a step change is needed in both the level of investment and priority given
to sanitation by decision makers at all levels, and by our region’s international partners indevelopment and resilience. The session at WWF10 examined opportunities to place sanitation
within the framework of climate change to better focus on what is needed to meet SDG6 targets
77under changing climatic conditions. Participants of the session connected with Pacificrepresentatives and hear local stories of resilient sanitation solutions and challenges, drawing on
examples of community governance, traditional knowledge, adaptation planning, appropriate
infrastructure, and sustainable financing (including access to climate financing).

Figure 24 News article showing destruction on Vanuatu’s Pentecost Island, including extensive damage to critical
WASH infrastructure, in the days after Tropical Cyclone Harold in 2020
(credit Dan McGarry / The Guardian)

6.5 Synthesis session: Water security and resilience of small island communities of AsiaPacific (RS5)6.5.1 Background of the session

SIDS face unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities, and are at the front line ofclimate change impacts. SIDS already experience a disproportionately high exposure to disaster
risk, with climate change affecting both the likelihood and impact of slow onset and sudden
hydrometeorological events. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Sixth
Assessment Report (2022) affirms with at least medium confidence level that increased water
security risk will be experienced in almost every small island on Earth.
The Asia-Pacific region is home to almost half the world’s SIDS, as well as countries with significant
populations living on small islands. More than a third (17) of ADB’s member countries are SIDS,
including the world’s only four nations comprised exclusively of low-lying atolls (Kiribati, theMaldives, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu). Over half the SIDS of the Asia-Pacific78

region have no surface water at all or are home to significant populations living on islands with nosurface water. For these communities, water resources are confined to shallow aquifers andrainwater collected from roofs, as well as supplementary sources such as desalination whereavailable.
While the common water security challenges of SIDS are some of the world’s most demanding,the Pacific region’s island communities are at the forefront of implementing innovative local
solutions, such as strengthening community resilience by drawing upon systems of traditional
knowledge and governance together with cutting edge science.
The Pacific Partnership for Atoll Water Security
The Pacific Partnership for Atoll Water Security is a collaboration of Pacific SIDS facing similar challenges inensuring that remote island communities maintain access to safe drinking water throughout all conditions.
Launched in 2014 at the 3rd International Conference on SIDS, the Partnership links the water security
challenges, experiences and solutions of the region’s low-lying atoll nations. Initially comprised of the fiveatoll nations of the Cook Islands, Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Tokelau and Tuvalu, thepartnership has recently expanded to include the three raised limestone island countries of Nauru, Niue andTonga. Supported by the Government of New Zealand and the Pacific Community (SPC) , the Partnership isbringing together Pacific experience, lessons learned and technical assistance in order to assist its members
to build the skills, systems and basic infrastructure to better anticipate, respond to, and withstand the impactsof drought. The Partnership is enabling regional collaboration on the design and demonstration of range ofmanagement tools tailored to local water security needs, including water resource monitoring andassessment, drought management planning, and the use of innovative technologies. In showcasing the workof the Partnership at the 10th World Water Forum, opportunities were identified to connect with other SIDS
and international partners as part of a broader community of practice for water security issues facing low-lying
island communities.

Figure 25 The Pacific Partnership for Atoll Water Security bringing together water practitioners to share practicallessons and approaches from across the region’s many remote and low lying island communities.

6.5.2 Objective and Outcome of the Session at WWF10

The objective of the session was to explore the efforts of small island communities across the AsiaPacific to achieve climate resilient water systems and demonstrate how investment in local water
security solutions can and should play a critical role in addressing the existential threat of climate
79

change. Session dialogue was enriched by the experience of regional partners and stakeholders,
including the Japan Water Forum, Pacific Islands Association of Non-governmental Organisations(PIANGO), the Pacific Water and Wastewater Association (PWWA), the Pacific Community (SPC)
and water.org, as well valuable island experience as from outside the region through high level
representation from the Government of the Seychelles.
The outcomes of the session were: Identification of opportunities for new and strengthened partnership dialogues to support
the water security of small island populations of the Asia Pacific region.
 Identification of opportunities to build upon and expand the reach and relevance of existing
communities of practice for small island water security, such as the Pacific Partnership for
Atoll Water Security.
6.6 Policy recommendations
The Asia-Pacific region is home to almost half the world’s SIDS, including all the world’s atoll
nations, as well as numerous countries with significant populations living on small islands at thefront line of climate change impacts. The WWF10 Oceania sub-regional process highlighted
several core themes for policy makers to consider.
More needs to be done to support the development, implementation, sharing and upscaling of
locally appropriate and locally owned solutions by the small island communities of the Asia-Pacific,
including through strengthen knowledge partnerships and improved and accelerated access toinvestment mechanisms such as climate financing.
Tailored capacity building
The erosion of capacity in the water sector is becoming a critical issue in SIDS, and coordinatedaction is needed to support locally appropriate training and career development opportunities toarrest the loss of critical capacity.
Transboundary Partnerships
SIDS are already utilising sub-regional and regional partnerships to progress water security
knowledge, capacity and action at multiple levels, from the local to the technical and political, andsignificant opportunities exist to strengthen, expand and replicate partnership approaches acrossthe Asia-Pacific and beyond.
Catalysing climate financing opportunities through flexible mechanisms
Climate financing is an increasingly important mechanism to support the establishment of resilient
water and sanitation infrastructure, capacities and systems in the region’s SIDS and small island
communities, and there is an urgent need for development partners to support countries to more
readily access climate financing to address the needs already articulated in national strategies,
plans, and road maps.
Support for locally driven localised solutions
The Pacific is the world’s least urbanised sub-region, with significant populations located outside
the reach of reticulated services and managing their water and sanitation at a household level.
Tailored locally owned and appropriate solutions are necessary to address the persistently low
access to safe water and sanitation. Increased and sustained support is required to empower local
communities to protect and sustainably manage their water resources, while maintaining safe andresilient WASH systems and practices throughout all conditions.
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Recommendation 1.
The Asia-Pacific region is home to almost half the world’s SIDS, including all the world’s atoll
nations. Furthermore, numerous countries have significant populations living on small islands at
the front line of climate change and disaster impacts. Increased and coordinated efforts are
required at all levels to strengthen engagement in water security as a critical resilience issue forthe region’s small island communities, including through improved and accelerated access toclimate and disaster financing.
Recommendation 2
The Pacific is the world’s least urbanised sub-region, with significant populations located outside
the reach of reticulated services and managing their water and sanitation at a household level.
Increased and sustained support is required to empower local communities to protect andsustainably manage their water resources, while maintaining safe and resilient WASH systems
and practices throughout all conditions.

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7

Journey of Policy Development in Asia and the Pacific region and our Messages
and Outcomes from WWF10The Regional Process of WWF10 provided a platform for regional dialogues and cooperation on
sub-regional and regional water-related challenges. Working at a sub-regional level enabled theidentification of local and regional water priorities and developing solutions to these challenges.
Experiences, ideas, lessons, and potential solutions were exchanged with other sub-regions andregions in 11 topic sessions and 5 sub-regional synthesis sessions. The selected topics reflected
the importance that the sub-regions gave to the specific issues. The challenges and breakthroughs
related to the topics and the results of the sessions in terms of messages, outcomes and policy
recommendations were described in the previous chapters by sub-region. An important outcomeof all session was an increased understanding and awareness of the issues and possible solutions,but also suggestions and commitments were made for follow-up actions.
This chapter goes one level up and integrates the water issues in the region at the level of overallwater security in the Asia and the Pacific region and places the results of the sessions in a longer
time perspective. Policy development on water management is an evolving long-term process andWWF10 should be seen as a step in the policy journey of the region to achieve water security. Thisis presented in Figure 26 which illustrates that the results of the WWF10 process is based onearlier events and that the region will continue to work on its policy development in next events.
The elements of this policy roadmap will be explained in the next sub-sections at the global level(section 7.1) and at the regional level (section 7.2). Section 7.3 gives a short summary of the kindof messages from the regional sessions at WWF10. The overall messages of the Asia and Pacificregional process and outcomes in terms of pathways for the five Guiding Principles fordevelopment will be presented in section 7.4. Finally, section 7.5 calls for a revival of IWRM to
implement these pathways.

Figure 26 Asia and Pacific Roadmap for Policy Development towards achieving Water Security82

7.1 Water management at the global level: UN Vision on Water
The United Nations (UN) plays a pivotal role in global water management by setting global agendas
like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6), facilitating international cooperation throughframeworks like the UN Watercourses Convention, and organizing major conferences to address
water issues. It provides technical and financial assistance via agencies such as UNDP and
UNICEF, promotes research and data collection, and leads advocacy campaigns like the World
Water Day to raise awareness and mobilize action. The UN also integrates water management
into broader development and climate strategies to ensure sustainable and equitable water accessglobally. Two specific initiatives of the UN are highlighted here in this report as they provide
guidance to our activities: the SDGs and the UN 2023 Water Conference.
7.1.1 Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals adopted by the UN in2015 to address major global challenges. They aim to eradicate poverty, protect the planet, andensure prosperity for all by 2030. Each goal has specific targets and indicators to measureprogress. The SDGs cover a broad range of issues. The SDGs related to water are primarily
encapsulated in SDG 6, which aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of waterand sanitation for all. But some other SDGs have also important connections to water, such as
SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG
13 (Climate Action, including flooding), highlighting the interdependent nature of water with broader
sustainable development efforts.
The SDGs are critically important for water management as it provides a comprehensive
framework for addressing various aspects of water management, including access, quality,
efficiency, and ecosystem protection. They also provide guidance for policy and actions by setting
specific targets and indicators that help governments and organizations set clear, measurable
objectives for water management. This enables systematic tracking of progress and identificationof areas needing improvement. By aligning water management practices with the SDGs, countries
and organizations can achieve more sustainable, equitable, and effective outcomes, ensuring thatwater resources are managed in a way that supports broader development objectives and future
generations.
7.1.2 UN 2023 Water conference – regional commitments

The UN 2023 Water Conference, held from March 22-24, 2023, in New York, resulted in the
adoption of the Water Action Agenda, marking a significant step towards addressing global water
challenges. The conference generated over 800 commitments from various stakeholders,
including governments, civil society, and the private sector, aimed at ensuring water security andsustainable management. Key outcomes included reinforcing water as a fundamental human right,
promoting the development of alternative food systems to reduce water use in agriculture, andlaunching a global water information system to guide SDG-related plans and priorities. The
commitments made are seen as transformative steps that could unlock significant socioeconomicand ecosystem benefits, with the potential to propel global efforts towards sustainable water
management and achieve SDG 6 by 2030.
At the UN 2023 Water Conference, Asia and the Pacific made several key commitments to address
water security and sustainable management in the region. Notably, the Asian Development Bank
(ADB) committed to investing $11 billion in the water sector by 2030 to enhance water83

infrastructure, promote efficient water use, and support climate resilience initiatives across theregion. Key commitments from the region include: Investment in infrastructure: Significant investments in water infrastructure to improveaccess to clean water and sanitation, particularly in underserved areas.
 Climate resilience: Developing strategies to adapt to climate change impacts, such asbuilding flood defences and improving water storage systems.
 Sustainable practices: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices to reduce water usage
and enhance food security.
 Capacity building: Enhancing the capabilities of local water management institutions
through training and technical support.
 Gender inclusivity: Addressing gender disparities in water management by promoting
women’s participation in decision-making processes and leadership roles.
These commitments reflect a comprehensive approach to addressing the region's water
challenges, focusing on sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity to achieve long-term water
security and support the SDGs.
7.2 Regional policy coordination
The Asia-Pacific region has several platforms where water management and policy development
are discussed regularly. The two key platforms in this are the Asia-Pacific Water Forum (APWF)
and the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The APWF brings together governments, international organizations, research institutes, NGOs,
and other stakeholders to address water-related challenges in the region. Established in 2006 by
the ADB, UNESCAP and Japan Water Forum, the APWF aims to strengthen the political will ofgovernment leaders to enhance water security and promote sustainable water management in the
Asia-Pacific region. It serves as a regional platform for dialogue, cooperation, and knowledge
exchange on water-related issues. Often, APWF also takes the lead in presenting the regionalviews at international fora on water management such as the UN 2023 Water Conference,
Stockholm World Water Week, and the World Water Forum, including WWF10.
The ADB plays a significant role in water management in the region through its financial support,
technical assistance, policy advocacy, knowledge sharing, fostering regional cooperation, andstimulating private sector involvement. Through these initiatives, ADB significantly contributes toimproving water security, access to clean water and sanitation, and overall water resource
management in Asia and the Pacific. Its efforts help ensure sustainable and equitable water use,
supporting economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for communities across the region.
7.2.1 Asia Pacific Water Forum Water Summits

A key activity of APWF is the organization of the Asia-Pacific Water Summit, a high-level eventthat brings together political leaders, water experts, and stakeholders to discuss and formulate
strategies for addressing water challenges in the region. The summits aim to promote sustainable
water management, enhance water security, and support regional cooperation on water issues.
The summits attract a diverse range of participants, including heads of state and government,
ministers, policymakers, water experts, representatives from international organizations, NGOs,
academia, and the private sector. The following summits and their themes were organized (seethe yellow arrows in Figure 26):
1. Beppu (Japan), 2007 – Water Security: Leadership and Commitment84

2. Chiang Mai (Thailand), 2013 – Water Security and Water-related Disaster Challenges:
Leadership and Commitment
3. Yangon (Myanmar), 2017 – Water Security for Sustainable Development
4. Kumamoto (Japan), 2022 – Water for Sustainable Development – Best Practices and the
Next Generation
The first water summit at Beppu in 2007 introduced the concept of water security in the region. It
is noted that this regional conceptualization coincided with the global introduction of the concept
in the paper of Grey and Sadoff.31
Each summit concludes with a declaration or set of recommendations that outlines commitments
and actions for improving water management in the region. The outcomes of the summits
influenced national and regional water policies and strategies, promoting the adoption ofsustainable water management practices. At the same time the summits contributed to capacity
building by facilitating the exchange of knowledge, experiences, and best practices among
participants.
The main message of the 2017 water summit in Yangon, encapsulated in the "Yangon Declaration:
The Pathway Forward," was to promote water security for sustainable development in the AsiaPacific region. Key strategies outlined in the declaration involved advancing research andinnovation in water use efficiency, recycling, risk assessment, and policy governance. The
declaration promotes IWRM, tailored to local conditions, and emphasizes the importance oftransboundary cooperation and partnerships. Sound water cycle management is advocated,
integrating various water sources and ecosystems into comprehensive policies at the river basin
level. Efforts to conserve and restore water-related ecosystems, improve irrigation and drainage
for food security, and incorporate water management into urban and regional planning arehighlighted. Governance and inclusive development are pivotal themes, with calls for robust
regulatory frameworks to ensure safe drinking water and improved sanitation. The declarationstresses the need to protect vulnerable groups from water-related disasters and involve them indecision-making processes. It advocates for capacity building among stakeholders, particularly
women, youth, and marginalized communities, and aims to end open defecation by 2025.
Financially, the declaration supports the development of innovative financing mechanisms, publicprivate partnerships, and sustainable investment strategies. It emphasizes the importance of exante investments for disaster preparedness and risk reduction. These are all subjects that havebeen further discussed in the Asia and the Pacific regional process sessions at WWF10.
The last water summit in Kumamoto, which took place shortly after the COVID-19 pandemic,
placed the water challenges amid the recovery of the pandemic and the vital role that the watersector has in this recovering. The “Kumamoto Declaration” described the collective understandingof the summit that recovery from the pandemic requires transformation into quality-oriented
societies that are resilient, sustainable, and inclusive. To realize such quality-oriented society, it
will be needed to strengthen the development of quality infrastructure for the water sector,
integrating both hard and soft components, including knowledge, information and data
management. Commitments were made to work towards improving governance, closing the31

Grey, David and Claudia W. Sadoff (2007). Sink or Swim? Water security for growth and development. Water
Policy 9 (2007) 545-571.

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financial gap and appeal to the science and technology community to provide context-specificinnovation for resolving water problems.
7.2.2 Water Sector Development at ADB

The goal of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in water management is to ensure water security
and sustainable management of water resources in Asia and the Pacific. This involves enhancing
access to safe water and sanitation, improving water governance, promoting integrated water
resources management, increasing resilience to climate change, and supporting sustainableagricultural and urban water management. ADB aims to provide financial and technical assistance,
foster regional cooperation, and implement innovative solutions to address water-related
challenges and improve the quality of life for communities across the region.
A specific knowledge program of ADB related to water security is the periodically publishing of the
Asian Water Development Outlook (AWDO) which assesses the water security in the region andprovide policy recommendations for improving water management in the region. The conceptbehind AWDO was described in section 1.5 and the results for all countries were presented at thestart of each sub-regional chapter. The relation between AWDO and regional policy development
was illustrated in Figure 26.
Based on its long-term experience with collaborating with their Developing Member Countries(DMCs), ADB has developed a guidance strategy for the water sector in which they identify
priorities for achieving water security in the region. These priorities are different for each country
and are made specific for each DMC in the ADB-DMC’s Country Partnership Strategy (CPS)
document, which are produced every three years.
The water related operational activities of ADB are integrated in two main sector teams: (i)Agriculture, Food, Nature and Rural Development, and (ii) Water and Urban Development. Thesewater operational activities are closely coordinated with ADB’s other sector teams (mainly Energy,
Transport, and Finance) and thematic teams (mainly Climate Change and Environment). The
priorities for action to achieve water security in the region depend on the sub-regions and withinthese sub-regions sometimes differ at the level of development of the individual DMCs .
In the Agriculture, Food, Nature and Rural Development sector team, the water-related priorities
are on integrating the actions to achieve food security, restoration and conservation of eco-systems,
IWRM, integrated river basin management, and integrated flood risk management. This includes“climate smart net zero” and environmentally sustainable agriculture development (reducing
ecological footprint of agriculture, regenerative agriculture to minimize environmental impacts) andmainstreaming green financing and ecological protection for land, water, and natural resourcesmanagement. Innovative financing includes eco-compensation schemes between upstream anddownstream regions and setting up good national resource accounting systems.
The Water and Urban Development sector team identifies as main points of attention for the region
the need for adaptation to climate change and the potential of private sector involvement in urban
water services. The liveability in cities in times of climate change requires integrated solutions(spatial/landscape planning, mobility, WASH, etc.) and, where possible, urban-rural integration.
Special attention is given to countries with aging water service infrastructure. At the same time thecreditworthiness of municipalities and municipal resource mobilisation in the whole region need to
be enhanced to ensure the sustainability of these services. This might be realised by involving theprivate sector in developing and the operation and maintenance of water service facilities. In nearly86all sub-regions, but particularly in the Pacific Islands, there is a need to develop local solutions
which fit the local physical, economic and socio-cultural conditions.
Activities to address these regional priorities include attention to be given to enhance water
governance and capacity building.

7.3 Summarizing the messages and outcomes of the sub-regional sessions at WWF10
The 11 topic sessions and 5 synthesis sessions at WWF10 resulted in a great number of key
messages, policy recommendations, and specific outcomes. These messages and outcomes ofall sessions were described in the sub-regional chapters. The outcomes of the sessions included
initiatives for follow-up actions. Some of these messages and outcomes were very specific for the
topic or the sub-region, others were more generic at the Asia and the Pacific region level or areeven addressing water management at the global level.
7.3.1 Messages of A&P WWF10 sessions of the sub-regions

A summary of the main messages from the sub-regions is as follows: Sub-region Northeast Asia on science and technology: Open science and data sharing isimportant for effectively managing river basins under climate change challenges. On sociocultural aspects: WRM needs to integrate socio-cultural aspects into its approaches andpolicies by incorporating local knowledge, traditions, and customs. On youths: Youth-led
initiatives and intergenerational collaboration offer refined approaches to attaining a soundwater cycle.
 Sub-region Southeast Asia on scarcity: Effective management and strategic allocation ofwater resources, including the implementation of robust water accounting systems, arecrucial to addressing the challenges of water scarcity, especially to support agriculture andensure sustainable water use amidst competing demands from various sectors.
 Sub-region South Asia on vulnerability of WASH to climate change: Those most impacted
by inadequate WASH services are marginalized groups, and especially women, girls,
people with disability and socio-economically disadvantaged groups. In South Asia,
ensuring equitable access to water security, safely managed sanitation, and other criticalaspects of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) through Gender Equality, Disability, andSocial Inclusion (GEDSI) is crucial. South Asia's acute climate vulnerability calls for
exponentially increasing investments, particularly for women and youth, through advocacy
and capacity building related to disaster risk resilience. Gender-responsive policies,
inclusive institutions, and enhanced modes of community engagement need to be rapidly
strengthened through both short-term and long-term initiatives leading up to 2030.
 Sub-region Central Asia on water security and climate resilience: Water availability is a key
factor for improving the socio-economic conditions. This can only be reached throughsystemic transboundary cooperation and implement needed urgent actions. For this theCentral Asian countries are expected to embed goals and targets in National climatechange adaptation plans and enhance the accountability and transparency to not only
attract finance but also assure outcomes and impacts. The countries in the region and theirdevelopment partners are committed for increasing of capacity and capability of waterproject development and mobilization of capital from domestic and international donors
and funders.
 Sub-region Pacific Islands and Oceania on the specific situations of the Small Island
Developing States (SIDS), being at the front line of climate impacts. More needs to be done87

to support the development, implementation, sharing and upscaling of locally appropriate
and locally owned solutions by the small island communities of the Asia-Pacific, including
through strengthened knowledge partnerships and improved and accelerated access toinvestment mechanisms such as climate financing.
7.3.2 Outcomes from A&P WWF10 sessions

The outcomes of the sessions included the increase of awareness and exchange of knowledge
but also the formulation of follow-up activities and taking new initiatives. The increased awarenesswas mentioned in all sessions as an important outcome on the subjects addressed, together withthe value of exchanging knowledge on challenges and successes. Reference is made to the subregional chapters in which this is further described.
The outcomes of the sessions also included the formulation of follow-up activities, in many cases
as a next step in a sequence of events related to a specific subject. This included among others: The preparation of youth related initiatives for the next Youth Water Forum Asia in 2024
(RS1).
 To continue the discussions on smart water management in Southeast Asia in theframework of GWP SEA and KOMEC programs (RP3).
 Preparing to highlight mobilizing water finance for climate resilience in Central Asia for the
COP-29 (November 2024 in Azerbaijan).
 Supporting the activities of the International Water Assessment Center (IWAC) for assistingin the development of cooperation on the use and protection of water resources of the Aral
Sea basin and recommend strengthening assistance to the basin countries within theframework of the implementation of the IWAC Program of Work for 2025-2027.
 Supporting and expanding the reach and relevance of the region’s existing small island
partnerships, such as the Pacific Partnership for Atoll Water Security.
 Supporting the inclusion of dialogue on water security at the Asia-Pacific Ministerial
Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (October 2024 in Manila, Philippines).
Other outcomes were formulated as proposals to create (sub-) regional platforms to sharepractices and knowledge, encourage financing and establishing governmental policies,
stakeholder involvement and promotion of continuous development. This included:
 To establish a Southeast Asia facility for Smart Water Management (RP3)
 To create a South-East Asia Water Portfolio Fund Coalition for inclusive and green climate
resilience financing (supported by existing donors such as GCF, Adaptation Fund, GEF,
Climate Fund, etc.) to synchronize and synergize existing fundings of agencies (RP3).

7.4 Pathways beyond Bali – implementing the Guiding Principles
Building on the work of APWF and the results of the Asia-Pacific Water Summits, the experienceof ADB in working with the countries in the region, the pathways for implementing the Guiding
Principles (GPs) can be developed, based on the messages and outcomes of the regional sessions.
The underlying collective understanding is that the region needs to transform into quality-oriented
societies that are resilient, sustainable, and inclusive. At the WWF10’s concluding session of theRegional Process the results of the sessions were presented along the five Guiding Principles foractions to achieve water security.

88Figure 27 Presenting the A&P results at the Concluding Session of the Regional Process

7.4.1 Pathways to build resilience and adaptive capacity (GP 1)

Asia and the Pacific is recognized as one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change risks.
Hence, it is not surprising that this Guiding Principle was addressed in most sessions at WWF10,
often in combination with other GPs such as on inclusiveness (GP 2) and finance (GP 4). The
words ‘resilience’, ‘climate change’ and ‘water security’ appear in 11 of the 16 sessions. Building
resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-induced disasters is fundamental for the further
development of the region.
The need to build resilience was mentioned in all sub-regions. Specific challenges related toclimate change for Asia and Pacific were the following: Glacier and snow melt of the Hindu Kush Himalaya ranges, impacting more than 2 billion
people and one third of the globe’s food production (RS3).
 Scarcity in Central Asia with a focus on transboundary water cooperation in the Aral Sea
basin (RS2).
 The challenges the Small Island Development States (SIDS) have in coping with climatechange, asking for locally driven localised solutions (RS5).
Several sub-regions mentioned the issue of scarcity as a major driver to develop resilient systems.
The sub-region South-East Asia dedicated their synthesis session to the scarcity issues (RS2).
The main messages were: The Asia-Pacific region is experiencing significant water scarcity due to factors likepopulation growth, rapid industrialization, urbanization, and climate change, which is
impacting its agricultural productivity and posing risks to economic growth anddevelopment.
 Effective management and strategic allocation of water resources, including theimplementation of robust water accounting systems, are crucial to addressing thechallenges of water scarcity in Southeast Asia, especially to support agriculture and ensuresustainable water use amidst competing demands from various sectors.

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Discussions in the sessions that addressed this GP often included links with other GPs as
conditions to build resilience, e.g.: GP2 - The need to better integrate socio-cultural aspects in water management byincorporating local knowledge, traditions, and customs (RP2) GP2 - Strengthening resilience: capacity building for gender-inclusive proactive DRR (RP5) GP3 – Climate-resilient sanitation in Pacific SIDS (RP11)
 GP4 - Mobilizing innovative financing for inclusive/green and climate resilience for all (RP4)
 GP4 – Mobilizing water finance for climate resilience in Central Asia and Caucasus (RP7) GP5 – River basin management under changing climate (RP1)
7.4.2 Pathways to promote inclusiveness and gender equality (GP 2)

The angle taken at WWF10 on this Guiding Principle is to consider inclusiveness and genderequality not only in terms of beneficiaries of water management actions and ensuring theirinvolvement in planning and decision making in general, but also to take this in account in disasterplanning which calls for gender-inclusive integration of multiple sectors, such as health, sanitation,and public works. Sanitation must be an integral part of disaster infrastructure planning. South Asia
and Pacific Island Countries (PICs) are falling behind in meeting sanitation targets, needing morethan triple the current efforts to achieve SDG goals for universal access to safely managed watersupply and sanitation services.
The following three main challenges related to this GP were identified: Ineffective centralized and sectoral approaches
o Limited resources and political misalignment hinder investment in genderinclusive, locally adapted disaster risk reduction and WASH integration (RP5).
o Sanitation is often taboo, leading to environmental contamination and healthhazards for marginalized communities (RP6).
 Gender inequality and social inclusion (RP5, RP6, RP10)o Women and marginalized groups in South Asia and PICs face significant
challenges due to underrepresentation and limited access to resources and early
warning systems.
o Inadequate sanitation services disproportionately harm women, worsening healthdisparities.
 Insufficient community engagement and local adaptation (RP5)o Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) efforts suffer from a lack ofcommunity engagement and locally adapted solutions, resulting in ineffective andunsustainable WASH services.
o Inclusive, climate-resilient WASH systems are necessary for protecting vulnerable
communities.
Breakthroughs and key pathways
Achieving effective gender mainstreaming in disaster risk reduction and WASH requires aninvestment in capacity building through skill development and education. This effort should becomplemented by the creation of an enabling societal environment, advocating for genderresponsive policies, inclusive institutions, and community engagement to empower women indisaster risk reduction efforts.
Empowering marginalized communities (RP5, RP6)o There is a need to move beyond considering women as mere beneficiaries andensure their involvement in planning and decision-making at every level.
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Empowering women is key to solving the issues on the ground and strengthening
the disaster resilience of communities. This should be done by involving themand marginalized groups in DRRM & WASH planning and implementation andinvest in gender-responsive and socially inclusive capacity building and education
initiatives. This effort should be complemented by the creation of an enabling
societal environment, advocating for gender-responsive policies, inclusive
institutions, and community engagement to empower women in disaster risk
reduction efforts.
o Pathway: Enable grassroots participation proactive disaster risk reduction & WASH
efforts, ensuring policies and programs reflect the needs of women andmarginalized communities. Conduct capacity-building activities for local authorities
and communities to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge toimplement and maintain inclusive and climate-resilient WASH systems.
Gender mainstreaming in proactive DRR and planning (RP5, RP6)o A breakthrough to be mentioned is the Sri Lankan Minister recently issues alegislative agenda for enhanced gender-inclusive policy development andplanning.
o Another breakthrough is to integrate gender perspectives into all proactive disasterrisk reduction and WASH policies and practices, addressing women'svulnerabilities and capacities.
o A pathway to empower women is capacity building trough skill development,
education, and community engagement.
o Another pathway is to develop inclusive and climate-resilient WASH systems.
Therefore, governments need to prioritize the development of inclusive andclimate-resilient WASH systems to ensure they can withstand the impact of climatechange and continue service delivery. For this is needed to develop guidelines for
local authorities and communities on maintaining service delivery of inclusive andclimate-resilient WASH.
Evidence-based policy and practice (RP5, RP6)o The breakthrough is to use local evidence and robust monitoring to guide policy
and practice, emphasizing gender equality, social inclusion, and climate impacts.
o The pathway is to develop indicators to measure progress in gender equality andsocial inclusion in DRRM and WASH programs. Collaboration among researchers,
practitioners, and policymakers should be encouraged to share knowledge andbest practices. Multi-sectoral collaboration among DRMM and WASH specialists,climate scientists, and policymakers should be promoted to create integrated
strategies for climate resilience and social inclusion.

The most effective way to assess gender inclusiveness is to have science, data, and new
knowledge built on local and indigenous expertise.

7.4.3 Pathways to embrace environmental sustainability and the circular economy (GP 3)

At WWF10, this GP was particularly addressed in relation to integrated river basin management(RP1) and the required transboundary cooperation to achieve sustainable water security systems(RP8 and RS3). Specific attention was given to the issue of glacial melt in the Hindu Kush Himalaya
range (RS3). Glacial melt is a reality that will impact more than 2 billion people in the river basinsof South Asia, Central Asia, Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia. More frequent and severe
droughts, floods, and declining water flows are starting to impact water security, human security,91

food security and trade, energy production, transportation, and a broad range of economic activity.
Specific attention was given to the issues around the Aral Sea (RP8 and RS4), emphasizing theneed for multi-stakeholder (transboundary) cooperation and collaboration. The need forcooperation was also addressed in RP2 (Socio-cultural dimensions of water resource management)
and in RS1 (Youth and inter-generation cooperation).
At the 2017 Asia-Pacific Water Summit (APWS) in Yangon (see section 7.2.1), government leadersemphasized the need for tailored local solutions and regional knowledge management, advocating
for integrated water resources management (IWRM) through transboundary cooperation andpartnerships. Government leaders in the 4th APWS in Kumamoto then also voluntarily pledged toachieve quality-oriented growth, which would satisfy sustainability, resilience, and inclusiveness.
Political commitment to transboundary collaboration and governance and scientific cooperationthat meets evolving needs is urgent. Progress is being made in some subregions, but not quickly
enough.
The key challenge is that across Asian countries, the management mechanisms of water
resources have evolved in response to changes in historical contexts, socioeconomic structures,and cultural influences. The present situation is that there are:
 Conflicting national interests (e.g. hydropower versus irrigation) which put additional
constraints to effective transboundary water management.
 Uncoordinated policies, weak enforcement, and lack of shared management plans.
 Environmental and climatic variability, such as glacial melt and seasonal fluctuations,exacerbate water management issues.
Identified pathways to promote environmental sustainability were: Scientific collaboration and strong science-policy-social interface:o Open science fosters innovation and accelerates progress in river basin
management, emphasizing stakeholder collaboration, integration of local
knowledge with scientific research, and promotion of nature-based solutions (RP1).
o Enhanced early warning systems and adaptive responses approaches based on
indigenous knowledge, traditional techniques, and cultural history, coupled with thesupport of modern technology, can address evolving issues (RP2)o Youth-led initiatives and intergenerational collaboration offer refined approaches toattaining a sound water cycle (RS1).
 Integrated river basin management and effective governance:o Strengthened regional cooperation and governance are essential for managing
hydrological changes and disaster risks (RS3, RP8).
o Water resources management needs to integrate sociocultural aspects (RS2) into
its approaches and policies by incorporating local knowledge, traditions, andcustoms. Technical and economic considerations alone are not sufficient foreffective management.
o Stakeholder engagement ensures coordinated and sustainable use of sharedwater resources.
o Pollution is increasingly important because of seasonal scarcity and drought.
o In sanitation session on the Pacific (RS11), we discussed that climate resilience
will not be realized unless Asia and Pacific Islands countries address the sanitation
and Pollution.
o In general, it was concluded that better environmental monitoring networks areneeded.
92oIt was also agreement on the need for partnerships to strengthen investment incircular economy because of rising economic activities and need for more securewater availability.

Examples of regional cooperation mentioned were: The Mekong River Commission facilitates dialogue and collaborative action on sharedwater resources management (RS3).
 The International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea (IFAS) which promotes transboundarywater management, environmental protection, and climate adaptation throughcomprehensive support of water and energy program and implementation of 4th Aral Sea
Basin Program (RS2).
A specific issue related to this GP is the Aral
Overall conclusion on the need for
Sea in Central Asia. The sub-regiontransboundary cooperationemphasized the following:
Strengthened transboundary cooperation, sup A call on international
ported by scientific evidence and collaboration, inorganizations to support the
tegrated river basin management from upstream
implementation of the Action
to downstream, and locally tailored sustainable
Program for Assistance to the Aralpractices, are essential for addressing the chalSea Basin Countries (ASBP-4) andlenges in the region. By pooling resources, fosterthe Regional Environmental
ing dialogue, and engaging multiple stakeholders,
Program for Sustainable
Asia and the Pacific can embrace environmental
Development in Central Asia
sustainability and the circular economy, ensuring(REP4SD-CA).
the long-term security of their shared water re Strengthen efforts to develop asources.
joint mechanism for water-energy
resource use in the Syr Darya river basin. Also increase joint efforts for mobilizing water
finance for climate resilience in Central Asia and Caucasus
 The 2025 Year for the Preservation of Glaciers calls attention to these needs and will bea critical milestone for action.
7.4.4 Pathways to improve governance and to catalyse finance (GP 4)

Good governance is critical for the delivery of effective services and sustainable management of
the water resources, to address political and socio-economic risk, and to provide the enabling
environment for financing of the developments. To enhance the financing particular attention is
given to private sector involvement, such as through public-private partnerships, and to develop
innovative financing arrangements such as eco-compression mechanisms, green finance, green
bonds, debt-for-nature swaps, credit enhancement measures, blended finance, etc.
In nearly all sessions good governance and financing were mentioned as important boundary
conditions to achieve water security. Subjects discussed related to this GP were: The use of eco-compensation between upstream and downstream regions in a river basin
and the related set-up good national resource accounting systems (RP1) The need to develop effective financing strategy and mechanism to ensure achievementof expected results (performance-based financing), capacity to mitigate the risks
associated with frequent natural disasters (Disaster Risk Financing), and maximization of
the social, economic, and environmental value of infrastructure investments (value-based
infrastructure financing).
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The need for transboundary cooperation to address the challenges posed by glacial melt
in Asia (RS3)Countries are expected to embed goals and targets in their national climate change
adaptation plans and enhance their accountability and transparency to not only attract
finance but also assure outcomes and impacts (RS4).
Pacific: asked for support of the development, implementation, sharing and upscaling of
locally appropriate and locally owned solutions by the small island communities including
through strengthen knowledge partnerships and improved and accelerated access toinvestment mechanisms such as climate financing (RS5).
High-level country agreement on the water security key performance indicators as theanchor to re-align the trillions of public and private financial flows and investment withadaptation and resilience goals (RP4).
Development of effective financing strategy and mechanism to ensure achievement of
expected results (performance-based financing), capacity to mitigate the risks associatedwith frequent natural disasters (Disaster Risk Financing), and maximization of the social,economic, and environmental value of infrastructure investments (value-based
infrastructure financing) (RP4).
Enhance the capacity of public sector and other key stakeholders to ensure effective
programs delivery in realizing resilient and sustainable development on the ground (RP4).

Specific outcomes related to this GP were: Northeast Asia proposed the creation of a NEA regional platform for key stakeholders toshare practises and knowledge, encourage financing and establishing governmental
policies, stakeholder awareness and promotion of continuous technology development(RP1)
 Southeast Asia proposed to create a SEA Water Portfolio Fund Coalition (supported byexisting donors such as GCF, Adaptation Fund, GEF, Climate Fund, etc.) to synchronize
and synergize existing fundings of agencies (RP3)
7.4.5 Pathways to foster innovation and technological advancement (GP 5)

Technological advancement is rapidly changing the way to carry out operational water
management and service delivery. Innovative technologies and digital solutions such as remotesensing and geographical information systems also enable to make better plans and to improvethe communication with stakeholders and decision makers. The transformation of the region into
quality-oriented societies requires quality infrastructure and the integration of hard and softcomponents, including knowledge, information, and data management.
In the Asia-Pacific regional process specific discussions on this GP took place in RP1 "River BasinManagement under Changing Climate" and RP3 "Smart Water Management: Opportunity andChallenges". But other sessions also discussed the need for innovation. Depending on the local
conditions, innovation does not always have to be at a high level of technology. Instead, innovation
can also be found in appropriate local solutions.
RP1 explored how changing climate patterns affect river basins in Northeast Asia, stressing theneed for adaptive strategies and technological innovation to achieve integrated basin management.
Examples were given on digital solutions to explore such adaptive strategies. Key messages
highlighted the importance of improved communication and cooperation among stakeholders toaddress climate change challenges effectively. Additionally, the session emphasized investing in
advanced technologies like digital twin systems and enhancing research on basin reservoirs. A
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call was made by UNESCO for an Open Science approach with data sharing platforms andinitiatives. This included an open dialogue for adaptive management with IWRM. Reference ismade to section 7.4.6 on ‘Reviving IWRM’.
The focus of RP3 was on addressing the significant water scarcity issues in the Asia-Pacific region
driven by population growth and rapid industrialization. Policy recommendations emphasizedrobust water resource management, strategic water allocation, and the implementation of advanced water accounting systems.
Messages, recommendations, and pathways from other sessions included:
 To deal with the specific situations of the SIDS, locally appropriate and locally owned
solutions should be developed, implemented, shared and upscaled, including throughstrengthen knowledge partnerships (RP9, RP10, RP11, RS5)
 High-level country agreement on the establishment Smart Water Management Centre of
Excellent Facility should be established to allow easier access to best practice and lessons
learned from countries in implementing smart water management (RP3).
 Improved communication and cooperation among stakeholders to address climate change
challenges effectively
 Robust water resource management, strategic water allocation, and the implementation ofadvanced water accounting systems to tackle water scarcity
 Collaborative efforts and strategic technology and management investments
A specific outcome related to this GP was the proposed establishing of a Smart Water
Management Support Facility in Southeast Asia to tackle water scarcity challenges sustainably
across various sectors (RP3).
In conclusion, the discussions highlighted the urgency for innovative solutions in navigatingcomplex water challenges. Through collaborative efforts and strategic technology andmanagement investments, we aim to pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient water future,
shaping a positive and transformative impact on water management practices.
The role of knowledge, innovation and research was also acknowledged in the political process of
WWF10. In their final declaration the ministers and head of delegations committed to establishinga center of excellence in this for the Asia-Pacific region (see box).
Ministerial Declaration on “Water for shared prosperity” at WWF-10
Commitment 13: Exploring the establishment of a center of excellence on water in the AsiaPacific region as a regional hub of water-related knowledge, initiatives and activities, especiallyresearch activities, to enhance knowledge generation, promote exchange of information anddata, and strengthen research and innovation through capacity building, while taking into
account existing mechanisms.

7.4.6 Specific recommendations on mainstreaming activities and priority areas for Asia and thePacific

The Asia and Pacific region experiences the same water management issues as the rest of theworld, dealing with scarcity, pollution, water-related disasters under a changing climate and95

population pressure. These are addressed above. However, there are some water management
issues that are specific for the region. Recommendations made at WWF10 on these issues are:
1. Saving the Aral Sea. Requiring mainstreaming Open Science, integrated river basin
management / IWRM, and transboundary cooperation to save the Aral Sea are among the
top intervention opportunities to deliver transformative impact. This might be led by
UNESCO and partner organizations.
2. Atolls and SIDS for which climate resilience finance has to be mainstreamed. They allpresented the urgent need to scale-up financial flow towards water security andsustainability, led by ADB, and other international donors and investors.
3. Mainstream robust water accounting systems: At all levels, both public and private sectors,
as well as at the household level, led by GWP Southeast Asia, with a particular focus onagriculture and food security. It includes the call for the Smart Water Management Support
Facility in Southeast Asia to tackle water scarcity challenges sustainably across various
sectors.
In the regional process consensus emerged on six priorities:
1. Risk assessment and management in financing mountain glaciers preservation: The ADB
President positioned this challenge as a Global Public Good and presented on ADB’s
action agenda to supporting riparian states with enhancing their resilience to climatechange and the glacier melt crisis. This was initiated at COP28 under the Building
Adaptation and Resilience in the Hindu Kush Himalaya initiative, which is well aligned with
the UN International Year 2025 of Glaciers Preservation.
2. Accelerating the deployment of EW4ALL (Early Warning for All) in the region. It provides
the opportunity to enhance water security and climate resilience, in terms of bothinfrastructure, knowledge and data, and capacity to prevent hazardous impacts, protect
lives and livelihoods, led by WMO and all other partners.
3. Mapping climate change impact on women health: South Asia is now championing thisagenda, led by SaciWater and other partners. It calls for partnership and collaboration fromaround the world.
4. Reshaping the metrics and standards for smart adaptive and resilient water management
system and technological solutions: That are inclusive, culturally, socially, and intergenerationally, built upon solid indigenous knowledge and expertise, led by South Korea,
China and Japan, Southeast Asia
5. Reinforce partnerships and collaboration: In inter-generational talent development,
capacity building, and innovation, in particular, by enriching the cultural and indigenous
knowledge and heritage.
6. And, advancing data- and evidence-based transparency and accountability: Riding thetrend of converging priorities of water security and climate resilience between the public
and private sector, it has become urgent to ring private sector leaders on board and join
the Blue Deal with investment, expertise, knowledge, and experience to accelerate thetransition.
At the closing session, the region highlighted four regionally unique contributions to the emerging
global blue deal:
1. Contributing to the global 2025 year of glaciers preservation - through the Central Asia Aral
Sea partnership and the Hindu Kush Himalayas initiative. it’s a regional opportunity toforging reinforced collaboration for solutions, which will contribute to the global endeavour.
2. Accelerating deployment of Early Warning Systems (EWS) and Contributing to the UN
EW4ALL by 2027: AP has been showcasing the way forward in terms of deployment of96EWS, compared to other regions, and yet hurdles remain to be removed to achieve thegoal of 100 percent coverage by 2027.
3. Mainstreaming robust water accounting system and driving water-security-coredtransparency and accountability of corporations: contributing to global alignment: fromtransparency and accountability to unleashing the digital and smart technologicalpotentials, robust water accounting, data sharing, and disclosure become key part of thesolution and mobilize private financing to enhance our capability to build the sharedprosperity that is centered around water security climate resilience, inter-generational,
cultural and social inclusivity.
4. Reinforcing commitment to expanding existing community-specific practices and actions,such as those enabled through the Pacific Partnership for Atoll Water Security.

Figure 28 Presentation of the A&P Regional Process at the Plenary Synthesis Session

7.5 Reviving IWRM / Integrated River Basin Management and Coastal Resilience
In many sessions at WWF10 the need for an integrated approach to address the issues in theregion was emphasized. Integration involves solving the issues at the appropriate spatial scale(preferably river basin), considering all interests (economic, social, environmental), involving all
stakeholders, and addressing the issues in combination with each other (too much, too little, too
dirty). The need for integration also shows from the fact that most Asia and the Pacific regional
process sessions at WWF10 addressed several of the five Guiding Principles in their discussions.
The conclusion that can be drawn from this that there is a need to ‘revive’ Integrated Water
Resources Management (IWRM) as the basic approach of water related activities in the Asia andthe Pacific region. IWRM was already conceptualized in the early 1990s but the concept apparently
stays very relevant. It provides the needed comprehensive, adaptive, and inclusive framework foraddressing the complex and evolving challenges of water management the region is facing. Its
principles and practices remain essential for achieving sustainable water security, enhancing
resilience to climate change, and supporting equitable development in the face of growing regional
water demands.

97

Since the conceptualization of IWRM 35 years ago the approach has been applied in the Asia andthe Pacific. Most countries in the region have IWRM national plans and also for many river basins
integrated plans have been developed. However, most of these plans are rather general in scopeand lack the analytical depth to balance the interests involved and are insufficient for investment
decisions. Moreover, institutional constraints hampered the implementation of the plans. Applying
IWRM is complex and requires a well-developed institutional system with capable staff at all levels(technical, economic, social).
The reason to revive IWRM is not only that it remains needed given the increased complexity andurgency of the water resources issues in the Asia and Pacific because of socio-economic
developments and climate change. The region has run out of easy sector-based solutions. The
other important reason for a revival of IWRM in the countries in the region is that the countries are
now much better equipped to apply IWRM. They have now much better developed governmental
and research institutes with capable local staff and experts to deal with the complexity of an
integrated approach. Moreover, technological developments have enhanced the availability of data
and tools to prepare these integrated plans.
The need to revive IWRM is also recognized in the Ministerial Meeting that was held from 20-21
May 2024 during WWF-10. In their Ministerial declaration on “Water for Shared Prosperity” theypresent an urgent call and declare their political will to translate their commitments by stating(action 4) ‘To encourage the establishment or strengthening of IWRM policies, plans, and actions
in a systemic manner that, among others, include facilitating access to safe and affordable drinking
water and sanitation for all’. In other actions they refer to IWRM related subjects such as: (i) theinterlinkage between water, energy, food security, nutrition, poverty and hunger eradication, andmigration, (ii) the need for developing and strengthening disaster prevention and risk reduction, (iii)
encouraging transboundary cooperation, (iv) empowering stakeholders, including women, youth,
indigenous peoples and local communities, and (v) advocating innovative and sustainablefinancing from all sources. All these subjects are part of the framework of IWRM.
Reviving IWRM will not be business-as-usual. IWRM has developed over the years, learned fromapplications and mistakes, what has worked well and what not and under which conditions. The
concept has also been extended by giving more attention to preparation for implementation(financing, institutional arrangements) and, as mentioned above, with more tools and data to carryout the supporting analytical work. IWRM as concept is developing but also the level of applicationand the progress of implementation. IWRM as a spiral process is illustrated in Figure 29.

Figure 29 IWRM spiral and process
Source: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000186417

98

Annex A.

RP1

Regional Process (RP) Sessions Plans

River Basin Management under Changing Climate

Session Coordinators
 Ms. Zhou Zhulin Division Chief, Changjiang Water Resources Commission,
Zhouzhulin@hotmail.com, +86 13607177690
 Ms. Liu Yuan Program Officer, Changjiang Water Resources Commission,
751122878@qq.com, +86 15391555086

Session Plan
Title
Introduction statements

Keynote: Digital Empowerment inManagement and Protection of HanjiangRiver Basin
Diversifying the role of dams for green
growth to adapt climate change in
Republic of Korea
River basin disaster resilience andsustainability by all through risk
communication
Assessment and warning of bankcollapse risk for the middle and lower
river channel of the Yangtze riverOpen science for river basin
management under climate change
Advanced River Management to Adapt
to Climate Change with Digital Twin
Platform
Dam upgrading and reservoir
sedimentation management for flood
mitigation, and reservoir and river
sustainability
Panel Discussion – Moderated by Ms.
Zhou Zhulin, Division chief of bureau ofinternational cooperation, CWRC, China

Speakers / Panellists
Dr. Wu Daoxi, Vice Commissioner of CWRC, China
Dr. Kyulho Kwak, President Korea Water Forum,
Republic of Korea
Dr. Taikan Oki, Vice President of Japan Water Forum,Japan
Mr. Ma Shuishan, General Manager of South-to-North
Water Diversion Middle Route Water Resources Co.,
Ltd, CWRC, China
Dr. Kyung-taek Yum, Professor of Graduate School of
Water Resources in SUNGYUNKWAN University, Korea
Mr. Takaya TANAKA, Director of JICE, Japan

Dr. Zhu Yonghui, Division Chief, Changjiang River
Scientific Research Institute of CWRC, China
Professor Shahbaz Khan, Director UNESCO Multisectorial Regional Office for East Asia
Mr. Seongyeol Park, Senior manager Korea Water
Resources Corporation, Korea
Mr. Tetsuya SUMI, Professor of Kyoto University, Vice
President of ICOLD, Japan

Mr. Tetwsuya Sumi, Kyoto University
Mr. Seongyeoi Park, Korea Water Resources
Corporation
Professor Shabaz Khan, UNESCO
Mr. Xu Chi, Changjiang Institute of Survey, Planning,
Design and Research, CWRC

Closing99

RP2

Incorporating Sociocultural Dimensions in Water Resources Management:
Policies, Practices, and Challenges

Session Coordinators
 Japan Water Forum, Mikio Ishiwatari, ishiwatari.mikio@jica.go.jp
 Asian Development Bank Institute, K E See Tharam, kseetharam@adbi.org
 UNESCO Beijing, Ai Sugiura, sugiura@unesco.org

Session Plan
Title
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Keynote speech
Panel discussion with key policy
messages from the book
1. Sustainable Water Resources
Management in Asia: A Sociocultural
Perspective
2. Integrating Safety, Security andCultural values for Integrated Water
Resources Management – a UNESCOWorld Heritage Case Study from China
3. A review of public awareness to water
regulation and river management in
Korea
4. Novel approaches in flood
management policies in Japan:
Integrating socio-cultural wisdom inclimate change adaptation in Japan
5. The Sociocultural Perspective on
Water Resources Management in Bali,
Indonesia
Q&A Session
Concluding remarks
Closing remarks and acknowledgments

Speakers / Panellists
ADBI Deputy Dean Seungju Baek
Taikan Oki, Vice-President, Japan Water Forum,
University of Tokyo

Mikio Ishiwatari (Governor, Japan Water Forum) and KE
Seetha Ram (Senior Consulting Specialist ADBI)
Shahbaz Khan (Director, UNESCO Beijing)

Dr. Eun Namkung / Dr. Ik Jae Kim

Hiroaki Ikeuchi, MLIT, Japan

Firdaus Ali, Special Advisor, MoPWH Indonesia

Moderator: Ms. Prita Laura, Office of the President ofIndonesia
ADB Senior Staff
Dr. Riznaldi Akbar, Senior Capacity Building and Training
Economist at ADBI

100

RP3

Smart Water Management: Opportunity and Challenges

Session Coordinators
 Fany Wedahuditama, Regional Coordinator, GWP-SEA,
fany.wedahuditama@gwpsea.org, +6281808279066
 Ms. Minkyeng Park, Manager KOMEC, min58@kwater.or.kr
 Mr. Muhammad Irfan Saleh, Director BAPPENAS, mirfans@bappenas.go.id,+6281220251032
 Mr. Isnaeni. Deputy Director MPWH, +6281226360969

Session Plan
Title
Opening remarks
Keynote speech
Experience of Korea: K-water’s Water
Loss Management

Speakers / Panellists
Chairman of GWP SEA
Vice Chair of APWF (Prof. Eduardo Araral, Jr.)K-Water (Dr. Eunher Shin – Principal Researcher)

Experience of Japan. Topic:
Wastewater management

Mr. Makoto KUDO (Director for Overseas Projects of
Water
Supply and Sewerage; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,
Transport and Tourism, Japan
Dato' Ir Rozman bin Mohamad Director, Division of
Water
Resources Management and Hydrology Department of
Irrigation and Drainage (DID), Malaysia
Sucharit Koontanakulvong – Executive Director, National
Research Council of Thailand (NRCT)
Dr. Ismail Widadi, S.T., M.Sc. - Director of Irrigation and
Wetland - Ministry of Public Works and Housing ofIndonesia
Dr.Pham Ngoc Bao, Deputy Director, Adaptation andWater Area, Institute for Global Environment Strategies(IGES)KOMEC (Dr. Sangyoung Park – Executive Director)
Mr. Muhammad Irfan Saleh, Director of Water
Resources, BAPPENAS

Experience of Malaysia. Topic: National
Water Balance System -DSS for water
resource managers
Experience of Thailand. Topic:
Automation system for Irrigation Project
Experience of Indonesia. Topic:
Irrigation
Modernization
Experience of Vietnam (Danang City).
Topic: Domestic water management
Moderated Q&A
Summary & Closing

101

RP4

Mobilizing Innovative Financing for Inclusive / Green and climate resilience forall

Session Coordinators
 Fany Wedahuditama, Regional Coordinator, GWP-SEA,
fany.wedahuditama@gwpsea.org, +6281808279066
 Ms. Minkyeng Park, Manager KOMEC, min58@kwater.or.kr
 Mr. Muhammad Irfan Saleh, Director BAPPENAS, mirfans@bappenas.go.id,+6281220251032
 Mr. Isnaeni. Deputy Director MPWH, +6281226360969

Session Plan
Title
Welcoming remarks
Opening remarks
Keynote speech 1: Water Financing
schemes and its challenges inSoutheast Asia countries
Keynote Speech 2 : Mandatory
disclosure that leads to increased
financial flows towards water security
Financing Water: Public, private andClimate Finance
Performance Based Grants Program
Value-based Infrastructure Financing
Water Resilience Coalition investment
Portfolio
Southeast Asia Partnership for
Adaptation through Water (SEAPAW)
Moderated Q&A session on Innovative
Financing and Mobilization platforms
Summary & Closing

Welcoming remarks

Speakers / Panellists
MC (Mrs. Louise Desrainy – GWP SEA)
Mr. Christopher Matthew Ilagan, Chairman of GWP SEA
Prof. Eduardo Araral, Jr. - Vice Chair of Asia PacificWater Forum
Ms. Patricia Calderon, Global Head of Water, CDP

Mrs. Sumila Gulyani, Water Practice Manager, for theSouth Asia region, the World Bank
Mr. Gerard Cheong, First Secretary – Australia Embassy- DFAT
Mr. Alex Nash, Senior Urban Development Specialist,
ADB
Mr. Gary White - Co-Founder, Board Chairman, andCEO of Water Equity
Mrs. Corinna Chan - CEO of Singapore International
Foundation (SIF)
Mr. Fany Wedahuditama - GWP SEA
Dr. Mohammad Irfan Saleh, Director of Water
Resources, Ministry of Planning of Republic ofIndonesia/ BAPPENASMC (Mrs. Louise Desrainy – GWP SEA)

102

RP5

Strengthening Resilience: Capacity Building for Gender-Inclusive Proactive
Disaster Risk Reduction

Session Coordinators
 Ms Kusum Athukorala Steering Committee Member Women for Water
Partnership/Regional Chair Global Water Partnership South Asia , Colombo, Sri Lanka,
mkusumathukorala@gmail.com, 94722442426,
 Dr Jayati Chourey , Executive Director, SACIWaters, Hyderabad, India,
jayati@saciwaters.org, 919769537098

Session Plan
ITEM DESCRIPTION / ROLE
Welcome and Opening Remarks: Womenand Youth Collaborating for Change

SPEAKERS
Ms. Kusum Athukorala, Steering Committee
Member, Women for Water Partnership, Sri Lanka

Keynote Address

Hon Jeevan Thondaman, Minister of Water Supply
and Estate Infrastructure Development, Sri Lanka
Dr. Jayati Chourey, Executive Director – The South
Asia Consortium for Interdisciplinary Water
Resources Studies (SaciWATERs), India
Dr. Younghyun Cho, Principal Researcher- K-water
Research Institute, Korea ; Mr. Dhruv MittarManager, Dasra,India ;Dr. Jayati Chourey ; and Ms. Kusum Athukorala
Professor Srinivas Chary Vedala, the Centre
Director, the Administrative Staff College of India(ASCI). Dasra- NFSSM Alliance, India

Presentation of Findings from the South
Asian Sub-Regional Consultation on Disaster
Risk Reduction and Gender
Bridging Science and Community for GenderSensitive Disaster Risk Reduction: A
Theatrical Presentation
Panel Discussion and Audience Questions“Empowering Resilience: Exploring GenderInclusive Approaches to Disaster Risk
Reduction Across Diverse Landscapes”
Moderator: Dr. Santosh Nepal, Researcher,International Water Management Institute,
Nepal

Documentary Premiere

Wrap-Up and Closing Remarks

Mr. Amar Gunatilleke, Executive Vice-Chairman,
Marga Institute- Centre for Development Studies, Sri
Lanka
Mr. Sugath Dharmakeerthi, Senior Secretary,
Ministry for Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure,
Sri Lanka
Ms. Nazmun Naher, Country Coordinator,
Bangladesh Water Partnership (BWP), Bangladesh'The Bleeding Tides'- Impact of climate change on
women’s menstrual and reproductive health in the
Sundarbans, India by SaciWATERs & Réel Nomads,
India
Ms. Changhua Wu, Asia Pacific Water Forum

103

RP6

Inclusive sanitation management and service delivery with a particular focus
on marginalized groups

Session Coordinators
 Dr Manohara Khadka, Country Representative, IWMI Nepal
 Dr Santosh Nepal, International Researcher, IWMI Nepal, s.nepal@cgiar.org

Session Plan
Title
WelcomeOpening remarks
Special Remarks
Outcomes from the South Asia Regional
SessionPanel discussion: Way forward forinclusive and climate-resilient WASH
 What are South Asia's major challenges
and barriers to inclusive and climateresilient WASH services and systems?
 How could we address the challenges ofresource gap, political commitment andfunding priorities for addressing inequality
and marginalisation in the climateresilient WASH, especially sanitation
services and systems in the region?
 What does South Asia need to dodifferently in research, policy, andpractices to promote inclusive andclimate-resilient WASH?
Concluding remarks with main takeaways

Speakers / Panellists
Ms Kusum Athukorala, Women for Water Partnership
Dr. Eduardo Araral, Vice Chair, APWF Governing
Council
Hon Shakti Bahadur Basnet - Minister of Energy, Water
Resources and Irrigation, Nepal
Arinita Maskey, UNICEF
Moderator: Dr Santosh Nepal, IWMI (Nepal)

Panellists:
 Dr Alison Baker, Water for Women, Australia
 Dr Mahreen Matto, National Institute of Urban Affairs(Dasra- NFSSM Alliance), India
 Dr Darshan Karki, IWMI (Nepal)
 Mr Amar Gunathilleke, MARGA Institute Sri Lanka

Dr Inga Jacobs-Mata, Director of Water-Growth andInclusion, IWMI

104

RP7

Mobilizing Water Finance for Climate Resilience in Central Asia and Caucasus

Session Coordinators
 Dr. Vadim Sokolov, Chair of TAC GWP CACENA, Vice-President of ICID, Head of
Agency of IFAS, Uzbekistan, e-mail : vadim_sokol@mail.ru; info@aral.uz, Mob.: +998 90
9605706
 Mrs. Guljamal Nurmukhamedova, Regional Coordinator of GWP CACENA, Director of
NGO "Ynanch-Bepa" - Analytical Agency, Turkmenistan, e-mail : nurmuhag@mail.ru
 Mrs. Hasmik Barseghyan, President of European Youth Parliament for Water (EYPW),
Armenia, e-mail : hasmik.official@gmail.com

Session Plan
Title
Opening - session brief description (Moderator)
Welcome address 1
Role of Youth in preparation and implementationof national climate change adaptation plans in
the region
Azerbaijan’s experience in attracting climate
finance and the country’s actions in improving
the water and rural sectors
Program for the development of drinking watersupply and sanitation - as part of the national
plan for adaptation to climate change in
Uzbekistan
Questions and Discussions
Finalization and session closing

Speakers / Panellists
Session moderator Dr. Vadim Sokolov, Chair of TAC
GWP CACENA
Mr. Alan Attkisson, Executive Secretary of GWPO,
Stockholm, Sweden
Ms. Isabela Gasoyan, European Youth Parliament for
Water (EYPW), Armenia
Mr. Riad Akhundzada, Head of department in JSC“Amelioration and Water Resources of Azerbaijan”
Mr. Gairat Rakhimov, Ministry of Construction andHousing and Communal Services of the Republic of
Uzbekistan
Mr. Rustam Muradov, expert of the National project onwater resources management in Uzbekistan
Dr. Vadim Sokolov
Dr. Vadim Sokolov

105

RP8

Transboundary Water Cooperation in the Aral Sea basin for a better future

Session Coordinators
 Mr.Serik Bekmaganbetov, Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to theInternational Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, serik.ifas@gmail.com, +7-776-183-06-84
 Ms. Zhanar Mautanova, Director of the International Water Assessment Center,zh.mautanova@iwac.kz, +7 7022155757
Moderator
 HE Mr. Askhat Orazbay, Chairman of the Executive Committee of the International Fundfor Saving the Aral Sea.


Mr. IJsbrand de Jong, Lead Water Specialist, World Bank

Session Plan
Title
Opening
Welcome speeches

Overview of actions of countries tostrengthen regional cooperation

Overview of assistance of international
partners to the countries of the region

Presentation of Outcome document“Transboundary Water Cooperation in
the Aral Sea basin for a better future”,
Wrap up and closure

Speakers / Panellists
Mr. Serzhan Abdykarimov, HE Ambassador
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of
Kazakhstan to the Republic of Indonesia
Mr. Saroj Kumar Jha, World Bank Group Global PracticeDirector for Water Mr. Bolat Bekniyaz, First Deputy Minister of Irrigationand Water Resources of Kazakhstan
 Mr. Shoimzoda Jamshed Shodi, First Deputy
Minister of Energy and Water Resources of
Tajikistan, Mr. Durdy Gendzhiev, Chairman of the Water
Resources Agency of Turkmenistan
 Mr. Shavkat Khamraev, Minister of Water Resourcesof Uzbekistan
 Mr. IJsbrand de Jong, Lead Water Specialist, WorldBank Mr. Marco Kainer, Director of the UNECE
Environment Division
 Ms. Yasmin Siddiki, Director of Agriculture, Food,
Nature and Rural Development Sector Group, ADB
 Mr. Kevin Adkin, Regional Environment Specialist,
USAID Mr. Fabrice Frets, Deputy Head of the Water
Division, Federal Department of Foreign Affairs,
Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation
 Ms. Zhanar Mautanova, Director of the International
Water Resources Assessment Center
Mr. Askhat Orazbay, Chairman of the Executive
Committee of the International Fund for Saving the Aral
Sea

106

RP9

Water security and Pacific SIDS

Session Coordinators
 Dave Hebblethwaite, Water Security and Governance Coordinator, Secretariat of the
Pacific Community (SPC). Email: daveh@spc.int, Mobile: +679 9983059.
 Mary Alalo, Water Security Engagement Lead, Secretariat of the Pacific Community(SPC). Email: marya@spc.int. Mobile: +679 2350385.

Session Plan
Title
Introduction of session objectives and keynote
speakers.

Water security and Pacific resilience
Progress on Access to Household access to
Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene services in the
Pacific Island Countries and territories – Joint
Monitoring Program Report 2000 -2022.
Water Security from a Pacific water utility
perspective.
Supporting the water security of remote ruralisland communities: The Importance of Local
and Cultural Knowledge to Support Planning for
Climate-Resilient Water in Solomon Islands
Interactive Session on Q & A
Session Outcomes, Policy Recommendations,and Conclusions

Speakers / Panellists
Dr. Chris Vehe, Permanent Secretary, Solomon
Islands Ministry of Mines, Energy, Rural
Electrification, Water Resources Management andGeohazards.
Dave Hebblethwaite, Water Security Coordinatorand Governance Lead, Pacific Community (SPC)
Kencho Namgyal – Chief WASH Officer, UNICEF
Pacific & Co-chair of the Pacific Resilience
Partnership Water Security Technical Working
Group
Ms Misileti Masoe Satuala, Project Development
Coordinator, Pacific Water and Wastewater
Association (PWWA)
Sheilla Funubo- Researcher and Lecturer, Solomon
Islands National University (SINU)Dr Regina Souter, International WaterCentre,
Griffith University
Moderator – Mary Alalo, Water Security
Engagement Lead, Pacific Community
Dr. Chris Vehe, Permanent Secretary, Solomon
Islands Ministry of Mines, Energy, Rural
Electrification, Water Resources Management andGeohazards.

107

RP10 Strengthening engagement in water security to support Pacific resilience
Session Coordinators
 Dave Hebblethwaite, Water Security and Governance Coordinator, Secretariat of the
Pacific Community (SPC). Email: daveh@spc.int, Mobile: +679 9983059.
 Mary Alalo, Water Security Engagement Lead, Secretariat of the Pacific Community(SPC). Email: marya@spc.int. Mobile: +679 2350385.

Session Plan
Title
Introduction of session objectives andkeynote speakers.

Water security engagement and Pacificframeworks for climate and disaster
resilience
Strengthening multi-sectoral engagement
in water security: Lessons from the PacificResilience Partnership (PRP)
Lessons from the Pacific Regional Water
Security Engagement Strategy: From
Strategy to Action.
Interactive Session on Q & A

Session Outcomes and Policy
Recommendations
Conclusions and closure

Speakers / Panellists
Akmal Ali, Co-Chair Pacific Resilience Partnership
Water Security Technical Working Group and Project
Coordinator of the Facility Aiding Locally LedEngagement (FALE) of the Pacific Islands Alliance for
Non-Government Organization (PIANGO).
Mary Alalo, Water Security Engagement Lead, PacificCommunity (SPC) & Secretariat to the Pacific Water
Security Technical Working Group
Kencho Namgyal, Chief WASH Officer, UNICEF Pacificand Co-chair of the PRP Water Security Technical
Working Group.
Regina Souter, Director, International WaterCentre,
Griffith University

Moderator – Misileti Masoe-Satuala, Project
Development Coordinator, Pacific Water and Waste
Water Utilities.
Shirlee Rovou – WASH Adviser, Water Aid Papua New
Guinea, and alternate Co-Chair of the PRP Water
Security Technical Working Group.
Akmal Ali, Co-Chair Pacific Resilience Partnership
Water Security Technical Working Group and Project
Coordinator of the Facility Aiding Locally LedEngagement (FALE) of the Pacific Islands Alliance for
Non-Government Organisation (PIANGO).

108

RP11 Climate-resilient sanitation in Pacific Small Island Developing States

Session Coordinator Anita Walters, Strategy and Partnerships Lead, Australian Water Partnership,
Anita.Walters@waterpartnership.org.au, +61 458 045 524xxxx

Session Plan
Title
Introduction / Facilitator
Successfully and sustainably implementing
WASH through strengthening of subnational
government.
Exploring the water and sanitation financing gap
across the Pacific region
Sanitation in the Pacific
Facilitated discussion linking session topics.
Guided questions – interview style.
Q&A
Closing remarks

Speakers / Panellists
Shreya Gyawali, Australian Water
Partnership
Ms Shirlee Rovou, WaterAid PNG
Dr Tim Foster, University of Technology
SydneyNeeta Pokhrel, Asian Development Bank
Alex Nash, Asian Development Bank
Alex Nash, Asian Development Bank
Shreya Gyawali, Australian Water Partnership109

Annex B.

RS1

Regional Synthesis (RS) Sessions Plans

Youth session: Promoting intergenerational initiatives for achieving soundwater cycle

Session Coordinators
 Mikio Ishiwatari, Japan Water Forum, ishiwatari.mikio@jica.go.jp
 Yoon Jeong Kwon, Korea Water Forum, yjkwon@koreawaterforum.org
 Ai Sugiura, UNESCO Beijing, a.sugiura@unesco.orgxxxx
Moderators of the session were: Ms. Yoon Jeong Kwon, Korea Water Forum,yjkwon@koreawaterforum.org
 Mr Rizki Maulana, UNESCO Jakarta office, m.rizki@unesco.org
Session Plan
Title
Opening
Research on improving the quality of drinking
water /making an ash filter with animal bones
Cultural inter-generational dialogue for water
management
Water science popularization to younger
generation
Introduction of Cooperation between youth andgovernment in the water system in ROKDisability Youth Group and Sustainable Water
Management: a case sample in Toi village –Timor Tengah Selatan, NTT
Protecting Wajiro Tidal Flat: The Struggle toSave an Urban Tidal Oasis
Challenges to co-work with local water
management by youth
Digital Transformation and Nature-based
Solution by Youth in Africa
Engaging the Youth in Asia and the Pacific's
Water and Sanitation Management
Tzu Chi Foundation: Water Conservation
Education Campaign
Q&A – chaired by the moderators

Closing

Speakers / Panellists
Dr. Mikio Ishiwatari, Japan Water Forum,
ishiwatari.mikio@jica.go.jp
Mr. A. Darkhan-Erdene, MONGOLIA,
ddarhanerdene@gmail.com
Ms En Lin, China, linen2021@whu.edu.cn
Mr Yin Jianqi, China, yjq_yinjianqi@163.com
Ms. Hayoung Park, Project Manager at TurnTable,
hayoungpark77@gmail.com
Mr. Dino Satria, CWS, dinosatria@cwsglobal.org

Ms. Hinako Ogisawa and Ms. Fumina Ishimaru,
Fukuoka Institute of Technology Jyoto High School,Japan
Ms. Honoka Mombetsu and Mr. Yuya Yamaguchi,
Tomikawa High School, Japan
Ms. Eri Noda, Global Environment Department,
JICA, Noda.Eri@jica.go.jp
Ms. Tanya Huizer, Senior Water Resilience
Specialist, Water and Urban Development Sector
Office, Sectors Group, ADB thuizer@adb.org
Mr. Kuanysh Uzbekov, World Youth Parliament for
Water,
uzzzbekov@gmail.com
Panelist:
Ms.Tanya Huizer
Mr Yin Jianqi
Ms. Eri Noda
Prof. Eun Namkung, Vice President, Korea Water
Forum,
enamkung@snu.ac.kr

110

RS2

Resilient and sustainable water scarcity management in Southeast Asia

Session Coordinators
 Fany Wedahuditama, Regional, Coordinator/GWPSEA,
fany.wedahuditama@gwpsea.org +6281808279066
 Ms. Minkyeng Park, Manager, KOMEC, min58@kwater.or.kr
 Mr. Muhammad Irfan Saleh, Director BAPPENAS, mirfans@bappenas.go.id+6281220251032
 Mr. Isnaeni, Deputy Director, MPWH, +6281226360969
Co-organizers
 Caroline Amy Turner, Water Scarcity Programme Manager FAO,
caroline.turner@fao.org, +61422270489
 Lance Gore, Principal Portfolio Management Specialist and Principal Water Resources
Specialist for ADB’s South Asia Regional Department’s agriculture and natural resources
division ADB, lgore@adb.org
 Thanapon Piman, Senior Research Fellow, SEI, thanapon.piman@sei.org

Session Plan
Title
Introduction

Opening Remark
Setting the scene: Water scarcity inSoutheast Asia
Introduction to the High-Level Panel

Experience of Indonesia
Experience of Lao PDR
Experience of Thailand
Reflections on the Panel Discussion
from Cambodia
Moderated Q&A

Summary & Closing

Speakers / Panellists
Master of Ceremony:
Mr. Fany Wedahuditama
Regional Program Coordinator, Global Water
Partnership Southeast Asia
Mr. Tim Goodes
Executive Director (Basin Plan), Murray Darling Basin
Authority, Australia
Ms. Caroline Turner
Water Scarcity Programme Manager, Food andAgricultural Organization of the United Nations
Moderator:
Mr. Thanapon Piman
Senior Research Fellow, Stockholm Environment
Institute (SEI)
Mr. Muhammad Irfan Saleh
Director of Water Resources, BAPPENAS, Indonesia
Ms. Sengphasouk Xayavong
Deputy Director of the Policy Division, DWR, MONRE,
Lao PDR
Mr. Nitidate Makkate
Civil Engineer, Senior Professional Level, ONWR,
ThailandDr. An Pich Hatda
Secretary of State, MoWRaM, Cambodia
Moderator:
Mr. Fany Wedahuditama
Regional Program Coordinator, Global Water
Partnership Southeast Asia
Lance Gore
Principal Water Resources Specialist
Agriculture, Food, Nature, and Rural Development
Sector Office, Asian Development Bank

111

RS3

Towards the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation 2025: Cooperation,
Governance, and Priority Setting for Climate Action and Resilience Building toGlacier Melt

Session Coordinators
 Mr. Anshuman Varma, Economic Affairs Officer, Environment and Development Division,
United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP),
Email: varmaa@un.org
 Ms. Hitomi Rankine, Chief, Environment and Development Policy Section, Environmentand Development Division, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asiaand the Pacific (ESCAP), Email: rankine.unescap@un.org
 Ms. Yumiko Asayama, Asia-Pacific Water Forum (APWF) Secretariat, Email:asayama@waterforum.jp
 Mr. Manohara Khadka, Country Representative, Nepal, International Water Management
Institute (IWMI), Email: m.khadka@cgiar.org
Session Plan
Title
Opening remarks

Keynote address

Panel: State of knowledge and scientificcooperation
 What does the science tell us about
glacial melt and its implications?
 What is the state of scientificcooperation (progress, gaps andopportunities)?

Panel: Sub-regional perspectives ontransboundary collaboration
 What are the three most important
areas of progress on transboundary
collaboration on water resourcesmanagement in different subregions?
 What are some lessons learned?
 What are the top priorities forstrengthening transboundary
governance and collaboration in
Asia?
Commentary and Discussion
Closing

Speakers / Panellists
Ms. Hitomi Rankine, Chief, Environment andDevelopment Policy Section, Environment andDevelopment Division, ESCAP
H.E. Mr. Shoimzoda Jamshed Shodi, First Deputy
Minister of Energy and Water Resources, Republic of
Tajikistan
Moderator: Ms. Changhua Wu, Chair of the Governing
Council, Asia-Pacific Water Forum
Panelists:
 Dr. Abou Amani, Director, Water Sciences Division
and Secretary, Intergovernmental Hydrological
Programme, United Nations Educational, Scientificand Cultural Organization
 Dr. Mohsin Hafeez, Director, Water, Food andEcosystems, International Water Management
Institute
Moderator: Ms. Hitomi Rankine, Chief, Environment andDevelopment Policy Section, Environment andDevelopment Division, ESCAP
Panelists:
 Central Asia: Mr. Gamzat Khairov, Deputy Chairman,
Executive Committee of the International Fund for
Saving the Aral Sea
 Hindu-Kush-Himalaya region: Dr. Senaka
Basnayake, Director, Asian Disaster Preparedness
Center South-East Asia: Dr. Truong Hong Tien, Deputy
Director General, Viet Nam National MekongCommittee Secretariat

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RS4

Paths towards Water Security in Central Asia

Session Coordinators
 Mr.Serik Bekmaganbetov, Representative of the Republic of Kazakhstan to theInternational Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, Deputy Chairman of EC IFAS,
serik.ifas@gmail.com, +7-776-183-06-84
 Dr. Vadim Sokolov, Chair of TAC GWP CACENA, Vice-President of ICID, Head of
Agency of IFAS in Uzbekistan e-mail : vadim_sokol@mail.ru ; info@aral.uz Mob. : +998
90 9605706
 Ms. Zhanar Mautanova, Director of the International Water Assessment Center,zh.mautanova@iwac.kz , +7 7022155757

Session Plan
Title

Speakers / Panellists

Opening - session brief description

Session moderator Dr. Vadim Sokolov, Chair of TAC
GWP CACENA
Chair of Executive Committee of IFAS, Mr. Askhat
Orazbay

Welcome address and outcomes from Regionalsession RP8, Transboundary Water Cooperationin the Aral Sea basin for a better Future
Outcomes from Regional session RP7 “Mobilizing
Water Finance for Climate Resilience in Central
Asia and Caucasus”
Contribution from National Water Resources
Management Project in Uzbekistan, Phase III(NWRM) to Water reforms towards water security
Agreement to converging vision, strategy andpartnerships (three to five synergy priorities) as asolid foundation for the pathway forward, to get
all partners and countries in the region to act
together by pulling resources, expertise andprojects together
Finalization and session closing

Dr. Vadim Sokolov, Chair of TAC GWP CACENA

Dr. Omina Islamova, International Project manager
SDC, Switzerland and Mr. Zokir Ishpulatov, Head of
Department in Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan
Session moderators Ms. Zhanar Mautanova, Director of
the International Water Assessment Center and Dr.
Vadim Sokolov, Chair of TAC GWP CACENA

Chair of Executive Committee of IFAS, Mr. Askhat
Orazbay113

RS5

Water security and resilience of small island communities

Session Coordinators
 Dave Hebblethwaite, Water Security and Governance Coordinator, Secretariat of the
Pacific Community (SPC). Email: daveh@spc.int. Mobile: +679 9983059.
 Mary Alalo, Water Security Engagement Lead, Secretariat of the Pacific Community(SPC). Email: marya@spc.int. Mobile: +679 2350385.

Session Plan
Title
Introduction of session objectives and keynote
speakers.
Water security challenges and opportunities in an
Indian Ocean Small Island Developing State
Civil society organizing for island resilience:
Lessons from the Pacific FALE (Facility Aiding
Locally-led Engagement)
Opportunities for regional dialogue andcooperation through the Asia-Pacific Water ForumRegional partnerships for capacity: lessons fromthe Pacific Water and Wastewater Association
Opportunities to strengthen the application ofIntegrated Water Resources Management
solutions in small islands
Regional partnerships for action: lessons from the
Pacific Partnership for Atoll Water Security
Interactive Session with Panel Members and Q &A
Summary – outcomes and conclusions

Speakers / Panellists
Moderator – Dr Milika Naqasima Sobey, SeniorTechnical Adviser - Coastal Ecosystems, GIZ
Hon. Waven William, Elected Member for Grand Anse
Mahe District, Republic of Seychelles
Akmal Ali, Pacific Islands Alliance of Non-Governmental
Organisations (PIANGO)
Yumiko Asayama, Manager, Japan Water Forum (JWF)
Misileti Masoe-Satuala, Pacific Water and Wastewater
Association
Griselda (Gay) G. Santos, Regional Director forSoutheast Asia, Water.org
Dave Hebblethwaite, Water Security and Governance
Coordinator, the Pacific Community (SPC)
Dr Milika Naqasima Sobey

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