INBO - Newsletter

INBO Newsletter n° 27 - May 2019 4 8 th World Water Forum The International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO), the Global Alli- ances for Water and Climate (GAfWaC), the International Network of Water Training Centers (INWTC) and their partners, were given the coordination of about ten thematic sessions in con- nection with the Forum’s “Regional” and “Citizen” processes. These sessions allowed addressing the issues of integrated management of transboundary river basins, the adaptation, which is now essential, to the effects of climate change on water resources and the information and training of all stakeholders concerned. Two Special Sessions, among the most attended throughout the Forum, were devoted to “Strengthening Citizen Par- ticipation in Basin Management” and to “Water Information Systems: Data and Tools for Water Management and for Making the Right Decisions”. First, we will remember the slogan, which has prevailed in almost all the themes of the Forum: “We cannot manage what we do not know how to measure!” In each country and each basin, the organization and improvement of the production, collection, conservation and exchange of data, as part of true Integrated Water Information Systems (WIS), whose long-term sustainability must be ensured, should allow for a precise view of the situations and of their evolution, especially in relation with the effects of climate change. Early warning systems for floods and droughts must be developed wherever necessary. A second major advance of the Brasilia Forum is the recognition of the importance of all stakehold- ers’ participation in the definition and achievement of the common objectives for water resources management. It is especially necessary to use recog- nized consultation frameworks such as Basin Committees or Councils, Local Water Commissions or River or Aquifer Contracts for this purpose. Access to information, training and environmen- tal education needs to be improved, especially for the most disadvantaged populations. With regard to the prevention of transboundary conflicts: l Cooperation and dialogue between riparian countries on transbound- ary waters offer important per- spectives for their sustainable development, regional integration and improved relations for mutual benefit in all economic, social and ecological fields; l The establishment and strengthen- ing of International Commissions, Authorities or Joint Organizations in transboundary basins improve dialogue, conflict resolution and the sharing of the cooperation benefits between riparian coun- tries; l These joint organizations should have clear mandates and human, technical and financial resources to carry out their missions; l There is a broad consensus to pro- mote joint management of surface and groundwater in the same area and to better protect transbound- ary aquifers. Regarding adaptation to climate change: Mobilization is essential at global level to urgently implement programs to pre- vent and adapt to the effects of global warming on freshwater resources. The “Paris Pact on Adaptation to Climate Change in the Basins of Rivers, Lakes and Aquifers”, launched at the COP21, proposes a set of actions that have proven effective and immediately applicable. Freshwater must be truly recognized as a priority in the UNFCCC COPs’ nego- tiations, especially by emphasizing the importance of adaptation measures alongside mitigation measures. It is urgent to have a better integration of water policies with those of the other strategic sectors, such as a sustaina- ble city, agriculture and food, health, waterways transport, fisheries, mines or hydropower, in particular. Stakeholders are encouraged to include Nature-Based Solutions in an ambitious way in their policies and strategies for combating climate change, in land-use planning and water resources management. It is necessary to significantly increase funding for climate action in the water sector in order to support not only infrastructure projects, but also serve to improve knowledge of water resources and climate change impacts, capacity building, governance, monitoring and evaluation of policies. They should also support river basin organizations for sustainable water resources mana­ gement, especially when transbound- ary water resources are concerned. Regarding education and capacity building: Education and awareness of water issues and capacity building are essential at all levels to improve the management of resources and ser- vices. Vocational training on water needs to be developed, supported by sustain- able financial mechanisms and facili- tated by the establishment or strength- ening of specialized national or inter- national training centers. Significant World Events 18 - 23 March 2018 - Brasilia - Brazil It is time to take stock of the situation... Feedback from the WWF Session on “Water Information Systems”