Water policy and strategy of unep

Water Policy and Strategy of UNEP

Photo Credit: Fotohannes/Stillpictures

�

CONTENTS

Foreword ��

Summary 1

I. Introduct�on 3

II. UNEPmandatesonwater 6

III. Goalandobject�ves 9

IV. Strateg�cpr�nc�ples 10 A.Conceptualpr�nc�ples 10 B.Operat�onalpr�nc�ples 1�V. Freshwater-coastal�nterface 14

VI. Freshwaterstrategy 15

VII. Keycomponentsforfreshwater 16 A.Assessment 16 B.Management 18 C.Cooperat�on �0

VIII.Operat�onal�z�ngthestrategy�ntheUNEPprogrammeofwork �6

IX. Mon�tor�ngthewaterpol�cyandstrategy �6Appendices 28

I. Areasofprogrammat�cact�on�nfreshwater �8II. Themat�careasofstrateg�cact�on 33

Photo Credit: Jim Wark/Stillpictures

��

Acronyms

GEF GlobalEnv�ronmentFac�l�ty

GEMS GlobalEnv�ronmentalMon�tor�ngSystem

IWRM IntegratedWaterResourcesManagement

UCC-Water UNEPCollaborat�ngCentreonWaterand

Env�ronment

UNDP Un�tedNat�onsDevelopmentProgramme

UNEP Un�tedNat�onsEnv�ronmentProgramme

��

Foreword

Equ�tableandsusta�nablemanagementofwater �samajorglobalchallengeyetnecessary tomeet theM�llenn�um Development Goals.About one th�rdof the world’s populat�on l�ves �n countr�es w�thmoderatetoh�ghwaterstress.W�thcurrentprojectedhumanpopulat�ongrowth,�ndustr�aldevelopmentandtheexpans�onof�rr�gatedagr�culture�nthenexttwodecades,waterdemandw�llr�seto levelsthatw�ll make the task of prov�d�ng water for humanwell-being more difficult.

Thechallengeofwaterdemandw�llbecompounded�nsomereg�onsbywaterava�lab�l�tyandwatersupply�ssuesl�nkedw�thcl�matechange--notleastasaresultofthemelt�ngawayofglac�ers�nmounta�nrangesl�ketheAndesandthe Himalayas and the impact on the flows of important river systems.

A coord�nated response to th�s challenge �s requ�red. Ex�st�ng �ncent�veshave not spawned broad �nvestments �n water. There are d�verse andoften conflicting interests in the provision and management of water. The �nst�tut�onal mechan�sms for del�ver�ng susta�nable water managementappear�nadequate.Yettheworldcannolongeraffordtorelegateact�ononwatertothefr�nges.

It�sforthesereasons,andforthegoalofach�ev�ngequ�tablewaterresourcesmanagement, that the world’s governments asked the Un�ted Nat�onsEnv�ronment Programme (UNEP) to develop a water pol�cy that offerspol�cygu�del�nes,�ncent�vesand�nst�tut�onalandsubstant�veresponsestothechallengeofmeet�ngourwaterneeds.

Th�spol�cyprov�desthebroadstrateg�cd�rect�onsforUNEP’sact�ons�nthefield of freshwater, while considering the crucial linkages between the fresh andsaltwaterenv�ronments.

�v

Thestrategypos�t�onstheenv�ronmentprogrammeoftheUn�tedNat�onstoprov�deasetofadv�soryserv�cepackagesneededtopromoteecosystemapproaches�n�ntegratedwaterresourcesmanagement,atglobal,reg�onalandnat�onallevel.Thestrategyalsopos�t�onstheUn�tedNat�onsEnv�ronmentProgrammetoprov�destrongandcoord�nated leadersh�p �nmeet�ngtheecosystembasedobject�vesof�ntegratedwaterresourcesmanagement.

Implementing the strategy will require significant investment in partnerships andleverag�ngresources.Iamsurethat�nthecom�ngyears,th�spol�cyandstrategy, together with efforts from our partners in government, the financial sector,non-governmentalorgan�zat�ons,andc�v�lsoc�ety,w�llprov�deaverystrongfoundat�onforach�ev�ngthegoalofsusta�nablewatermanagementanddevelopment.

Ach�mSte�ner

Execut�veD�rector,Un�tedNat�onsEnv�ronmentProgrammeUnder-Secretary-General,Un�tedNat�ons

1

Summary 1. S�nce the creat�on of UNEP, water has played a key role �n �tsprogramming. In fact, the Regional Seas Programme was one of its first flagship initiatives and remains today a strong keystone programme for UNEP. S�ncetheUn�tedNat�onsConferenceonEnv�ronmentandDevelopmenttookplace �nR�odeJane�ro �n199�, the �ssuesrelatedto freshwaterresourcesmanagementhavetakenonan�ncreas�nglyprom�nentrole�nthe�nternat�onalarena.UNEPhasreactedtoth�sthroughvar�ous�n�t�at�vesandact�v�t�es.The�mportanceoffreshwater�ssuescont�nuestor�seatthelocal,nat�onal,subreg�onal,reg�onalandgloballevelsaselaboratedupon�ntheM�llenn�umDevelopmentGoals, theWorldSumm�tonSusta�nableDevelopment, theComm�ss�ononSusta�nableDevelopmentandother forums.UNEPmustcont�nuetoevolve�tsprogramm�ngtoaddresssuchfreshwater�ssuesandhasthusdevelopedthepresentpol�cyandstrategy.

�. TheUNEPwaterpol�cyandstrategyas�trelatestofreshwater�soutl�ned�ntheannextothepresentreport.UNEPstartsfromtheprem�sethat the water policy is defined by the mandates of UNEP as requested by the UNEPGovern�ngCounc�landtheUn�tedNat�onsGeneralAssemblyand�salsogu�dedbyotherrelevant�nternat�onalbod�esandforums(e.g.,Agenda�1,theWorldSumm�tonSusta�nableDevelopmentandtheComm�ss�ononSusta�nableDevelopment).Tak�ng�ntocons�derat�onthegu�danceofrelevantforums and the specific mandates of the Governing Council the overall goal for theUNEPwaterpol�cyandstrategy �s: tocontr�butesubstant�vely toenv�ronmentalsusta�nab�l�ty�nthemanagementofwaterresources,ut�l�z�ng�ntegratedecosystemsapproaches,asacontr�but�ontothe�nternat�onallyagreedtargetsandgoalsrelevanttowaterandsoc�o-econom�cdevelopment.The freshwater strategy �s here�n elaborated through a set of pr�nc�plesdes�gnedtofocusUNEPworkbyoutl�n�ngtheconceptualcons�derat�ons-ecosystems-basedapproaches,soundeconom�candsoc�alcons�derat�onsandaddress�ngr�sk-andoperat�onalmeans-bu�ld�ngcapac�ty,partnersh�psandstakeholderpart�c�pat�on-throughwh�chUNEPw�ll�mplement�tswater-relatedact�v�t�es.

3. Aspo�ntedout�nchaptersIIandIVoftheannex,UNEPmandatesonoceansandcoastsandthe�rassoc�atedstrateg�esareprov�dedthroughthe

�

GlobalProgrammeofAct�ononLand-basedAct�v�t�esandthereg�onalseasconvent�onsandact�onplans.Inthel�ghtofthatfact,thepresentdocumentdoesnotattemptfurthertoelaborateastrategyonoceansandcoasts,butspecifically focuses instead on freshwater issues. Nonetheless, this freshwater pol�cyandstrategy,asdotheGPAandReg�onalSeasProgramme,recogn�zesthe freshwater-coastal l�nk andUNEPw�ll work toaddress that l�nkagefromboththeupstream(freshwater)anddownstream(coastsandoceans)ends.

4. Three key components of UNEP freshwater work are identified as assessment,managementandcooperat�onandaret�edtogetherw�th�naframeworkof�ntegratedwaterresourcesmanagement(IWRM).AsIWRMhasmanyelements,UNEP,w�thfullcons�derat�onofthemult�-d�mens�onalandmult�-�nst�tut�onalapproachof IWRM,w�ll focusonma�nstream�ngenv�ronmental cons�derat�ons �nto IWRM at the reg�onal, subreg�onal,nat�onalandlocallevels,aswellasonupscal�ngsuchcons�derat�onstotheworkofotheractors�nvolved�nnat�onalpovertyreduct�onstrateg�esandsusta�nabledevelopmentplann�ng.

5. TheUNEPwaterpol�cyandstrategyassetout�ntheannextothepresentreportw�llbe�noperat�onforas�x-yearper�odfrom�007through�01�andw�llbeoperat�onal�zedthroughtheUNEPb�enn�alprogrammeofwork.Implementat�onofthepol�cyandstrategyw�llbemon�toredbytheGovern�ngCounc�laga�nsttheexpectedaccompl�shmentsand�nd�catorsoutl�ned �nappend�x I to thepol�cyandstrategy.Recommendat�ons forrev�ewofthewaterpol�cyandstrategyw�llbemadepr�orto�01�.

3

I. Introduction1. In�000, the �nternat�onal commun�tyagreedona selected setofgoals �n assoc�at�on w�th the M�llenn�um Declarat�on.1 The Declarat�onprov�des a bluepr�nt for poverty reduct�on and accelerated developmentandwasfurtherelaborated�nthe�005WorldSumm�tOutcome.�Onlyoneof the Millennium Development Goals – goal 7, and specifically its targets 9and10–d�rectlyconcernswaterandsan�tat�on.Theach�evementofallthe M�llenn�um Development Goals, however, h�nges on the qual�ty andquant�tyofava�lablewateraswaterplaysad�sproport�onatelypowerfulrolethrough �ts �mpacton,amongother th�ngs, foodproduct�onandsecur�ty,hyg�ene,san�tat�onandhealthandma�ntenanceofecosystemserv�ces.

�. Equ�table and susta�nable management of both freshwater3 andcoastalandmar�newaters�samajorchallengeforallwaterusers,part�cularlythepoor.Accord�ngtotheWorldWaterDevelopmentReport(�003),concernsabouttheworldwatercr�s�s�ncludedoubl�ngofthenumberofpoorpeoplew�thout adequate water and san�tat�on; a grow�ng gap between r�ch andpoorandurbanandruralpopulat�ons�nwaterandsan�tat�onserv�ces;ther�s�ngcostofwater-relatedd�sasters;decl�n�ngqual�tyofwaterresourcesandecosystems; under financing of the water sector; rising pressures on water resources;�ncreas�ngagr�culturaland�ndustr�alwaterdemandandpollut�on;andtheneedtostrengthenwatergovernance.

3. S�nce �ts establ�shment, the Un�ted Nat�ons Env�ronmentProgramme(UNEP)hasworked�ntheareaofwaterresourcesassessmentandmanagement,promot�ngtheappl�cat�onofcollaborat�veapproachestowaterresourcesmanagement.Afterover30years,waterrema�nsoneofthema�npr�or�t�esofUNEP.

4. Many international forums have devoted significant time and effort to develop�ngmandates, goals, object�ves and targets for water resources

1 Un�tedNat�onsGeneralAssemblyresolut�on55/�.� GeneralAssemblyresolut�on60/1.3 The termfreshwater �n th�spol�cyandstrategy �ncludessurfacewaters,ground-

water,wetlands,�nland(�.e.,non-coastal)sal�newatersandthefreshwater/coastal�nterface.

Photo Credit: K.Thomas/Stillpictures

4

management.Theseforums�ncludetheUNEPGovern�ngCounc�l;theUn�tedNat�onsConferenceonEnv�ronmentandDevelopment,theoutcomeofwh�chwasAgenda�1;4theM�llenn�umSumm�t,5theWorldSumm�tonSusta�nableDevelopment,6andthetwelfthandth�rteenthsess�onsoftheUn�tedNat�onsComm�ss�ononSusta�nableDevelopment.Thoseforumshave�nd�cated,andin the case of the Governing Council defined, what should be the mandates andrespons�b�l�t�esofUNEPw�threspecttowater.

5. Implement�ngthosemandatesratherthandevelop�ngnewones�sthetaskahead,that�s,mov�ngfromplann�ngtoact�on.

6. In develop�ng the water pol�cy and strategy, UNEP took �ntocons�derat�onthefactthatat�tstwenty-th�rdsess�ontheUNEPGovern�ngCounc�l/Global M�n�ster�al Env�ronment Forum also adopted the Bal�Strateg�cPlan forTechnologySupportandCapac�ty-bu�ld�ng.7Therefore,the �mplementat�on of the mandated funct�ons of UNEP �n the area ofwater,part�cularlyat thenat�onalandreg�onal levels,w�llbean �ntegralcomponentofthecoherent,UNEP-w�dedel�veryoftheBal�Strateg�cPlan.Inthe�ract�v�t�esatthereg�onalandnat�onallevelsUNEPand�tspartnersw�ll str�ve to be mutually support�ve and contr�bute to strengthen�ngnat�onalenv�ronmentalmanagementcapac�t�esandtoma�nstream�ngtheenv�ronment �nto econom�c and soc�al development (�.e., �nto nat�onalstrateg�esforpovertyreduct�onandsusta�nabledevelopment).

7. The ma�n purpose of the UNEP water pol�cy and strategy �s tofac�l�tateacoord�nated,effect�veandexped�t�ous�mplementat�onofUNEPmandatedfreshwaterfunct�ons.InthecontextoftheBal�Strateg�cPlan,the

4 ReportoftheUn�tedNat�onsConferenceonEnv�ronmentandDevelopment,R�ode Janeiro, 3−14 June 1992 (United Nations publication, Sales No. E.93.I.8 and cor-r�genda),vol.I:Resolut�onsadoptedbytheConference,resolut�on1,annexII.

5 TheM�llenn�umSumm�twasheldfrom6to8September�000aspartoftheM�l-lenn�umAssembly (fifty-fifth General Assembly session) under the overall theme “the role of the United Nations in the twenty-first century”andcons�stedofplenarymeet�ngsandfour�nteract�veround-tablesess�onsheldconcurrentlyw�ththeplenarymeet�ngs.

6 Reportof theWorldSumm�tonSusta�nableDevelopment, Johannesburg,SouthAfr�ca, �6August-4September�00� (Un�ted Nat�ons publ�cat�on, Sales No. E.03.II.A.1andcorr�gendum).

7 UNEP/IEG/3/4,annex.

5

�mplementat�on�mperat�vehasbecomeevenmoreurgent.8. Tomeetthe�mplementat�on�mperat�ve,UNEPhasdevelopedthepresentwaterpol�cyandstrategyalongthefollow�ngl�nes:

(a) Ident�fy�ngUNEPmandatesonwater;

(b) Defining a set of strategic principles to focus the work of UNEP;

(c) Ident�fy�ngkeycomponentsofUNEPfreshwateract�v�t�es;

(d) Elaborat�ngmechan�smsforoperat�onal�zat�onandmon�tor�ngprogress.

6

II. UNEP mandates on water9. UNEP water policy is defined in part by the overall mandate of UNEPassetforth�ntheresolut�onsoftheUn�tedNat�onsGeneralAssemblyandtheUNEPm�ss�ontoprov�deleadersh�pandencouragepartnersh�p�ncar�ngfortheenv�ronmentby�nsp�r�ng,�nform�ngandenabl�ngnat�onsandpeopleto�mprovethe�rqual�tyofl�few�thoutcomprom�s�ngthatoffuturegenerat�ons.

10. In 1997, the UNEP Govern�ng Counc�l adopted the Na�rob�Declarat�onontheRoleandMandateoftheUn�tedNat�onsEnv�ronmentProgramme,8�nwh�ch�tfurtherelaboratedthemandateofUNEPto�nclude�npart�culartherolesagreed�nchapters17(oceans)and18(freshwater)ofAgenda�1.

11. Dec�s�onsoftheGovern�ngCounc�l/GlobalM�n�ster�alEnv�ronmentForumat�tse�ghteenth,n�neteenth,twent�ethandtwenty-secondsess�onssetforthprogrammescall�ngforUNEPworkoncoralreefs,�ntegratedcoastalareaandr�verbas�nmanagementandthecontrolofmar�nepollut�onfromland-based activities. At its nineteenth session and its fifth special session, the Counc�l/ForumalsorequestedUNEPtoplaceah�ghpr�or�tyonfreshwaterand to ass�st develop�ng countr�es �n strengthen�ng the�r capac�t�es toassessfreshwateranddevelopand�mplement �ntegratedwaterresourcesmanagementplansthroughreg�onalcooperat�on.At�tstwenty-th�rdsess�on,the Council/Forum further defined elements of a freshwater policy, for example, groundwater pol�cy, that were lack�ng �n prev�ous pol�c�es andstrateg�es.TheGovern�ngCounc�lalsoprov�dedmandates9ontechnologytransferforwaterresourcesmanagementandpollut�oncontrol,urbanandruralsan�tat�on,groundwaterandpromot�ngcorporatesoc�alrespons�b�l�ty,all of wh�ch have �mportant contr�but�ons to make to �ntegrated waterresourcesmanagement.

12. In 2000, the international community identified key development pr�or�t�esthroughtheestabl�shmentofgoalsassoc�atedw�ththeM�llenn�um

8 Govern�ngCounc�ldec�s�on19/1,annex.9 Govern�ngCounc�ldec�s�ons10/19,11/7,13/19,�1/1,��/�,��/6,��/7,�3/�.


7

Declarat�on(M�llenn�umDevelopmentGoals).Pr�maryglobalpr�or�t�eswereidentified to be the reduction of poverty and hunger, improvement of human healthandach�evementofenv�ronmentalsusta�nab�l�ty.

13. In recogn�t�on of the ser�ousness of the freshwater s�tuat�on �nmanypartsoftheworld,andofthefactthat�mprovedwatermanagement�sessent�alforach�ev�ngbroadereconom�cdevelopmentgoals,�n�00�thepart�c�pantsattheWorldSumm�tforSusta�nableDevelopmentadoptedatargetcall�ngforthedevelopmentof�ntegratedwaterresourcesmanagementand water efficiency plans by 2005.

14. At�tse�ghthspec�alsess�on,theUNEPGovern�ngCounc�l/GlobalM�n�ster�al Env�ronment Forum adopted the Jeju In�t�at�ve, �n wh�ch �t“stressedthat�ntegratedwaterresourcemanagement(IWRM)�ncorporat�ngan ecosystem approach �s a key bu�ld�ng block for ach�ev�ng the water,san�tat�onandhumansettlementtargets…forpromot�ngeconom�cgrowthandach�ev�ngtargetsonhealthandpovertyreduct�on.”10

15. At �ts twenty-th�rdsess�on, theCounc�l/ForumadoptedtheBal�Strateg�c Plan for Technology Support and Capac�ty-bu�ld�ng �n order tofac�l�tatethestrengthen�ngofthecapac�tyoftheGovernmentsofdevelop�ngcountr�esandcountr�esw�theconom�es�ntrans�t�onto,amongotherth�ngs,ach�evethe�renv�ronmentalgoals,complyw�th�nternat�onalagreementsand�mplementtheprogrammat�cgoalssetbytheGovern�ngCounc�landother�nternat�onallyagreeddevelopmentgoals.TheBal�Strateg�cPlan�ncludes�nd�cat�vethemat�careas�nwh�chefforts�ntechnologytransferandcapac�ty-bu�ld�ngare tobeaddressed.Thoserelevant towater �ncludefreshwater,pollut�on, chem�cals, waste management, conservat�on of wetlands,transboundary conservat�on and susta�nable management of naturalresources,env�ronmentalemergencypreparednessandresponse,san�tat�on,oceansandseasandcoastalareasandlandandforestecosystems.

16. At �ts th�rteenth sess�on, the Un�ted Nat�ons Comm�ss�on onSusta�nableDevelopmentcalledonGovernmentsandtheUn�tedNat�onssystem, among other th�ngs, to accelerate the prov�s�on of techn�cal and

10ReportoftheUn�tedNat�onsGovern�ngCounc�l/GlobalM�n�ster�alEnv�ronmentFormontheworkof�tse�ghthspec�alsess�on(UNEP/GCSS.VIII/8),annexII,para.5.

Photo Credit: Ron Giling/Stillpictures

8

financial assistance to countries in the preparation of nationally owned integrated water resources management and water-efficiency plans tailored to country-specific needs. Additionally, at its ninth special session, the UNEP Govern�ng Counc�l/Global M�n�ster�al Env�ronment Forum adopted theStrateg�cApproachtoInternat�onalChem�calsManagement(SAICM)wh�chcallsfor,amongotherth�ngs,the�ntegrat�onofchem�calsmanagement�ssues�ntopol�c�esforfoodsafety,waterandmar�neecosystemmanagement.

17. UNEPhasbeeng�venaleadrole�nenv�ronmental�ssuesastheyrelatetothesusta�nabledevelopmentofoceansandcoasts.Thatrole�s�mplemented�npart�cularthroughtheGlobalProgrammeofAct�onfortheProtect�onoftheMar�neEnv�ronmentfromLand-basedAct�v�t�esandthereg�onalseasprogrammes,eachofwh�chhas�tsownstrateg�cplann�ngandworkplandevelopment processes. In the field of freshwater, the overall direction for UNEP has been defined by the Governing Council decisions noted above and�sfurthergu�dedbytheresolut�onsofthevar�ous�ntergovernmentalforumsalsonotedabove.Thesedec�s�onsoftheGovern�ngCounc�l/GlobalM�n�ster�al Env�ronment Forum and other resolut�ons thereby const�tutetheUNEPfreshwaterpol�cy.Follow�ngthemandateofdec�s�on�3/�oftheGovern�ng Counc�l/Global M�n�ster�al Env�ronment Forum, the presentdocument,�nthefollow�ngchapters,presentsastrategyfor�mplement�ngthatpol�cy.

9

III. Goal and objectives18. Tak�ng�ntoaccountthemandatesnotedabove,theoverallgoaloftheUNEPwaterpol�cyandstrategy�stocontr�butesubstant�velytoenv�ronmentalsusta�nab�l�ty�nthemanagementofallwaterresources,ut�l�z�ng�ntegratedecosystemsapproaches,asacontr�but�ontothe�nternat�onallyagreedtargetsandgoalsrelevanttowaterandsoc�o-econom�cdevelopment.

19. Theobject�vesoftheUNEPwaterpol�cyandstrategy,d�st�lledfrom�tsmandates,are:

(a) Improvedassessmentandawarenessofwater�ssues;(b) Improvedenv�ronmentalmanagementofbas�ns,coastal

and marine waters, including the identification of linkages w�thongo�ng�nternat�onalprocesses;

(c) Improvedcooperat�on�nthewatersector.

10

IV. Strategic principles�0. As UNEP cont�nues to move towards �mplement�ng �ts watermandates and the goal and object�ves above, �t w�ll be d�rected by thefollow�ng conceptual and operat�onal pr�nc�ples, wh�ch w�ll focus �tswork.

A. Conceptual principles

1. Promote ecosystem-based approaches

�1. UNEP act�v�t�es take as reference ecosystem-based approaches.Ecosystem-basedapproachesfactor�nthefullrangeofterrestr�alandaquat�cecosystems,look�ngatahydrolog�calbas�nasawhole�nboth�tsupstreamand downstream d�mens�ons, �nclud�ng, among other th�ngs, spec�f�cecosystemssuchasforests, land,wetlands,urbanecosystemsandcoastalzones.S�m�larly,the�nterfacebetweenfreshwaterandcoastalecosystemsmustalsobetaken�ntocons�derat�on�nmanagementplansforbothtypesofsystems.Ecosystemapproachesrecogn�zethesoc�al,cultural,econom�candenv�ronmentalneedsforsusta�nablewaterresourcesmanagement.Suchneeds�ncludema�nta�n�ngb�od�vers�tyandthehealthoftheenv�ronmentthrough consideration of environmental flows and recognizing the regulatory funct�onsofecosystems(e.g.,wetlands)andthe�rcapac�tyforwaterrecharge,aswellas the�rroleasbuffersaga�nstextremeeventsandthe �mpactsofurban�zat�on.Tak�ng �ntoaccount theseecosystemcons�derat�ons,UNEPwill work to ensure that the full hydrological cycle (including superficial waterrecharge)w�th�neachhydrolog�calbas�n�staken�ntocons�derat�on�nenv�ronmentalassessmentandmanagementplans.

Photo Credit: R. Bala /Stillpictures

11

2. Contribute to sound economic and social development, including poverty reduction, through integrated assessment and management of water resources and associated ecosystems

��. Asstated�ntheJejuIn�t�at�ve,acontr�but�ontothetwelfthsess�onof the Comm�ss�on on Susta�nable Development emanat�ng from thee�ghthspec�alsess�onoftheUNEPGovern�ngCounc�l/GlobalM�n�ster�alEnv�ronment Forum, water �s a v�tal resource for human l�fe and health,ecosystems management, and for econom�c development and must bemanaged as such. Ma�nta�n�ng the health of ecosystem serv�ces �s ofpart�cular�mportancetothepoor,as�sprevent�ngthedegradat�oncausedbyunsusta�nablenaturalresourcemanagementpract�ces.Ash�ft�sneededawayfromsupply-s�depol�c�esto�ntegratedsupply-anddemand-managementapproacheswh�ch�ncorporatethevalueofthemult�pleusesofwaterwh�leprotect�ngecosystemserv�ces.Consequently,UNEPw�llpromotethegreateruse of econom�c and soc�al �nstruments and technolog�cal �mprovementsto promote the eff�c�ent and equ�table use of water. Such �nstrumentsshould manage demand and generate new revenue for expand�ng waterserv�cestothepoorthroughtheprotect�onofwatersuppl�es,w�thresultant�mprovements�nhealthcare,costsav�ngsand,throughenv�ronmentallysoundmanagement(�nclud�ngreuse),thetreatmentandd�sposalofwastewater.Inpart�cular,thepromot�onofenv�ronmentallysoundmanagementpract�cesw�ll�ncludethedevelopment,adopt�onanduseoftools(e.g.,env�ronmental�mpactassessmentsandstakeholderd�alogue)forsusta�nabledevelopmentandmanagementofwater–related�nfrastructuresuchashydropowerandsan�tat�onfac�l�t�es.

�3. Inth�sconnect�on,pol�c�esandtechnolog�eswh�chreducedemandand�ncreaseava�lablesuppl�es(e.g.,recycl�ng,reuseandalternat�vesources)w�llbepromoted�nurbanandruralsett�ngs.Also,pol�c�eswh�chpromotecleanerproduct�ontechn�quesandenv�ronmentallysusta�nabletechnolog�eswhich promote efficient water use and reduce pollution will be encouraged. Wherepr�vat�zat�onofwaterserv�ces�s�mplementedaccord�ngtonat�onalpr�or�t�es,�tshouldbecarefullyrev�ewedandcons�deredtoensurethatthenecessarylegal,regulatoryand�nst�tut�onalframeworksare�nplacetoprotectnaturalresourcesandthatthepoorarenotfurtherd�sadvantaged.

Photo Credit: Luftbild Betram/Stillpictures

1�

3. Address risks

24. Extreme hydrological events such as floods and droughts, other naturalandman-madehazardsandacc�dentalpollut�onofwaterbod�esposemajor r�sks togrowthandsusta�nabledevelopment.Add�t�onally, cl�matechangeandvar�ab�l�tymayexacerbateextremeeventsorrequ�relong-termplann�ngforeffectssuchassea-levelr�se.Theseeventsshouldbeaddressed�nthecontextofan�ntegratedapproachtowaterresourcesmanagementgearedtowardsdevelop�ngprevent�onandpreparednessmeasures,togetherw�thr�skm�t�gat�onandd�sasterreduct�onstrateg�es,andtowardsstrengthen�ngthe prevent�on and control of pollut�on result�ng from wastewater, sol�dwastesand�ndustr�alandagr�culturalact�v�t�es.UNEPw�llcontr�butew�th�n�tsmandateto�mplement�ngtheHyogoFrameworkforAct�on�005–�015:Bu�ld�ngtheRes�l�enceofNat�onsandCommun�t�es toD�sasters,11wh�chwasadoptedattheWorldConferenceonD�sasterReduct�onheldfrom18to��January�005�nKobe,Hyogo,Japan.

B. Operational principles

1. Build national and regional capacity: implementing the Bali Strategic Plan

�5. TheBal�Strateg�cPlanforTechnologySupportandCapac�ty-bu�ld�ngprov�desfurthergu�danceforthe�mplementat�onoftheUNEPwaterpol�cyandstrategy,part�cularlyas�trelatestocoord�natedact�onandcooperat�onw�thallrelevantpartnersatthenat�onalandreg�onallevels.Technologyandcapac�ty-bu�ld�ng support by UNEP for the cont�nu�ng efforts of nat�onalGovernments and other actors w�ll be based on nat�onal and reg�onalassessments of needs (ut�l�z�ng ex�st�ng assessments wherever poss�ble).Act�v�t�esw�llbel�nkedw�theffortsalready�nprogressand�ntegratedw�thother susta�nable development �n�t�at�ves, bu�ld�ng on ex�st�ng capac�t�es.Ex�st�ngcoord�nat�ngmechan�smssuchastheUn�tedNat�onsDevelopmentGroup,the�004UNEP/Un�tedNat�onsDevelopmentProgramme(UNDP)memorandumofunderstand�ngandtheres�dentcoord�natorsystemw�llbeut�l�zedtothefullestextentposs�bletoavo�ddupl�cat�onofefforts.

11SeeA/CONF/�06/6andCorr.1,chap.I,resolut�on�.


13

2. Build on existing programmes and partnerships and form new partnerships

�6. Partnersh�p�sessent�alforaddress�ngcomplexand�nterl�nkedwater�ssues.Ne�therUNEPnoranyotherorgan�zat�oncanalonefullysupportGovernments�nmeet�ngthemonumentalmandatesandchallengesdescr�bedabove.Thatbe�ngthecase,UNEPw�llbu�ldonex�st�ngprogrammesandpartnersh�psandatthesamet�meestabl�shnewoneswhereappropr�ate.UNEP, as the principal body within the United Nations system in the field of env�ronment, w�ll work closely w�th other Un�ted Nat�ons agenc�esthrough UN-Water and with regional bodies, municipal authorities, scientific �nst�tut�ons,non-governmentalorgan�zat�ons,thepr�vatesectorandrelevantsectoral m�n�str�es to ensure that ecosystem-based approaches are fully�ntegrated�ntowaterresourcesmanagement.

�7. Theuseofestabl�shedprogrammesandpartnersh�psw�th�nUNEPw�llcont�nuetobeevaluatedforeffect�venessandbu�ltuponasappropr�ate.These �nclude, among other th�ngs, the Partnersh�p for Development ofEnv�ronmentalLawandInst�tut�ons�nAfr�ca,forleg�slat�veass�stance;theGlobal Env�ronmental Mon�tor�ng System (GEMS) Water programme forassessment;secretar�atsofthemult�lateralenv�ronmentalagreements;theGlobalEnv�ronmentOutlook;theInternat�onalEnv�ronmentalTechnologyCentre,fortechnology�nnovat�ons;theInternat�onalWatersPortfol�ooftheGlobalEnv�ronmentFac�l�ty(GEF);theRa�nwaterPartnersh�p,theGlobalProgrammeofAct�onfortheProtect�onof theMar�neEnv�ronmentfromLand-basedAct�v�t�es, the coral reefs programme and the reg�onal seasprogrammes.

3. Promote multi-stakeholder participation

�8. Part�c�pat�onbyallstakeholders�sfundamentaltosusta�nablewaterresources management. Active consultation and transparency significantly �ncreasethe l�kel�hoodof thesounddevelopmentand�mplementat�onofwaterresourcesmanagement�n�t�at�ves.UNEPw�llpromotethe�nclus�onofallrelevantstakeholders�nwaterresourcesplann�ngandmanagement,�nclud�ng�nfrastructuredevelopment,w�thapart�cularemphas�sonwomenand �nd�genous groups as they are often the most adversely affected byunsusta�nablemanagement.

Photo Credit: Ron Giling/Stillpictures

14

V. Freshwater-coastal interface�9. In recentyears, theGovern�ngCounc�l,and therefore theUNEPsecretar�at,hasfocused�tsattent�ononthedownstreampartsofhydrolog�calbas�ns, (�.e., coasts and further on �nto the oceans). The Reg�onal SeasProgramme was one of the first UNEP programmes and remains an important component of the UNEP water programme. More recently, th�s role hasbeenstrengthenedthroughprogrammessuchastheGlobalProgrammeofAct�on,supporttosmall�slanddevelop�ngStatesw�th�ntheframeworkoftheProgrammeofAct�onfortheSusta�nableDevelopmentofSmallIslandDevelop�ngStates1�andtheMaur�t�usStrategyfortheFurtherImplementat�onoftheProgrammeofAct�onfortheSusta�nableDevelopmentofSmallIslandDevelop�ngStates13andattent�ontocoralreef�ssuesthroughcooperat�onw�ththeInternat�onalCoralReefIn�t�at�veandtheInternat�onalCoralReefAct�onNetwork.

30. These coastal and ocean programmes are governed by the�rown �ntergovernmental processes such as the �ntergovernmental rev�ewmeet�ngsoftheGlobalProgrammeofAct�onortheconferencesofpart�esor�ntergovernmentalmeet�ngsofthereg�onalseasconvent�onsandact�onplans. These intergovernmental processes define the policies, strategies and programmesofworkofthecoasts,oceans,�slandsandcoralreefprogrammestowh�chUNEPcontr�butesandw�llcont�nuetobeastrongand�ntegralpartofabroaderUNEPwaterprogramme.

31. G�ven the above, the present document does not attempt tofurther define a policy or strategy for oceans and coasts, but instead focuses specifically on freshwater, giving due consideration to interactions between freshwaterandthecoastalandmar�neenv�ronments.

1�ReportoftheGlobalConferenceontheSusta�nableDevelopmentofSmallIslandDevelop�ng States, Br�dgetown, Barbados, �5Apr�l–6 May 1994 (Un�ted Nat�onspubl�cat�on,SalesNo.E.94.I.18andcorr�genda),chap.I,resolut�on1,annexII.

13ReportoftheInternat�onalMeet�ngtoRev�ewtheImplementat�onoftheProgrammeofAct�onfortheSusta�nableDevelopmentofSmallIslandDevelop�ngStates,PortLou�s,Maur�t�us,10–14January�005(Un�tedNat�onspubl�cat�on,SalesNo.E.05.II.A.4andcorr�gendum),chap.I,resolut�on1,annexII.

Photo Credit: Sinopictures/CNS/Stillpictures

15

3�. W�th the recogn�t�on that water occurs �n a cont�nuum fromfreshwater through the coastal zone to the ocean, an �mportant elementof the UNEP freshwater strategy relates to the development of conceptsand mechan�sms for the l�nked managementof freshwater resources andcoastalwaters.Freshwaterresourcesplayan�mportantrole �nthecoastalenv�ronment and to some degree coastal developments affect upstreamfreshwater resources. Depend�ng on the scale, upstream/downstream�ntegrat�on accord�ng to nat�onal pr�or�t�es may �nclude �ntegrated r�verbas�n-coastalareamanagementplann�ngorbu�ld�ng�neffect�vemechan�smsfor coord�nated freshwater and coastal zone management. UNEP, as thesecretar�atforGPAandseveralReg�onalSeasprogrammes,w�llensurethatthe�mplementat�onofthefreshwaterstrategycomplementsthe�mplementat�onofGPAandReg�onalSeasact�onplansandconvent�onsandv�ceversa.14

VI. Freshwater strategy33. The overall object�ves of the UNEP water programme are noted�nchapterIIIabove.Forfreshwater, theseobject�vesw�llbe �mplementedw�th�ntheoverallframeworkof�ntegratedwaterresourcesmanagementandefficiency plans. The term integrated water resources management as defined bytheGlobalWaterPartnersh�p15andused�nth�spol�cyandstrategy�saprocesswh�chpromotesthecoord�nateddevelopmentandmanagementofwater,landandrelatedresources�nordertomax�m�zeeconom�candsoc�alwelfare�nanequ�tablemannerw�thoutcomprom�s�ngthesusta�nab�l�tyofv�talecosystems.

34. Integrated water resources management �nvolves a w�de rangeof elements – laws and regulat�ons, pol�c�es, stakeholder part�c�pat�on,management plans, etc. – and �ncorporates sc�enct�f�c, technolog�cal,econom�c, cultural and soc�al cons�derat�ons. Integrated water resourcesmanagement �s thus des�gned and �mplemented from the standpo�nt of

14Inadd�t�ontotheGlobalProgrammeofAct�on(www.gpa.unep.org),UNEPalsosup-portstheFreshCoPartnersh�p(www.ucc-water.org/Freshco)andtheWh�teWatertoBlueWaterIn�t�at�ve(www.ww�bw.org).

15GlobalWaterPartnersh�pTechn�calAdv�soryComm�ttee,TECBackgroundPaperNo.4:IntegratedWaterResourcesManagement(Stockholm:GlobalWaterPartnersh�p,�000),p.��.

Photo Credit: T. Milse/Stillpictures

16

mult�ple object�ves (�nclud�ng the allocat�on and management of waterresourcesandwater�nfrastructure)ratherthanfromthes�ngleobject�veofenv�ronmentalprotect�on.

35. Althoughhol�st�c�ntegratedwaterresourcesmanagementplann�ngand�mplementat�on�skeytoty�ngtogethertheseelements,�tmustbenotedthatan�ntegratedwaterresourcesmanagementplan�snotapre-requ�s�teforUNEPact�onandass�stance.Manycountr�esare�nneedof�mmed�ateact�on �nclud�ng technology support and capac�ty-bu�ld�ng to enable therev�ewofex�st�ngpol�c�es,laws,managementpract�ces(e.g.,waterresourceallocat�on)andenv�ronmentallysound�nfrastructuredevelopment. Suchidentified needs already provide a basis for UNEP support; an integrated waterresourcesmanagementplann�ngprocesscancont�nueonaparalleltracktoprov�deforlonger-term�ncorporat�onofwater-relatedcons�derat�ons�ntonat�onalpovertyreduct�onstrateg�esandsusta�nabledevelopmentplans.

VII. Key components for freshwater36. UNEPact�v�t�es�ntheareaoffreshwaterareorgan�zed�ntothreekey components: assessment; management; and cooperat�on towardsma�nstream�ng env�ronmental cons�derat�ons �nto �ntegrated waterresourcesmanagement.Thesethreemutuallysupport�veand�nterconnectedcomponentsprov�dethebas�sforsupport�nganenv�ronmentallyfocusedapproachto�ntegratedwaterresourcesmanagementprocessatthenat�onal,subreg�onal,reg�onalandgloballevels.37. The three components are descr�bed below and are furtherelaboratedupon �nappend�x I to thepresentdocument,wh�chdescr�besareasofprogrammat�cact�on,expectedaccompl�shmentsandthecomparat�veadvantageofUNEP�neachsucharea.

A. Assessment38. Assessmentswh�chbu�ldtheknowledgebasew�thregardtowaterresources and related ecosystems const�tute the pr�mary mechan�sm fordevelop�ng,�mplement�ngandevaluat�ngappropr�atemanagementmeasures

17

thattake�ntoaccounttheneedsoftheenv�ronmentandsoc�ety.Suchassessmentsmustfocusonwaterresourcesthemselves–�ntermsbothofquant�tyandqual�ty–butmustalso�ncludetheassessmentofrelatedecosystems.

39. Assessment of water resources has three ma�nfunct�onsatthenat�onal,reg�onalandgloballevels:

(a) Toprov�deaknowledgebasefromwh�chtodevelop,manage,mon�torandevaluatewaterresourcesprogrammesandtoencouragethe�ntegrat�onofsusta�nablewaterresourcemanagement�ntodevelopmentpol�c�esandprocesses;

(b) Tora�seawarenessand�nformstakeholders(�nclud�ngthepubl�c)ofwaterresource�ssuesandconcerns,�nclud�ngdemand;

(c) Toassessthreats,trendsandemerg�ng�ssuesw�threspecttowh�chfutureact�onmaybeneeded.

40. Effect�ve water resources management – pol�cy,plann�ng and �mplementat�on – depends on an accurateand scientifically credible knowledge base regarding water resources, water demand and relevant soc�o-econom�cfactors.Asoundknowledgebaseallows the formulat�onofmanagement plans which are specific on the local, national, subreg�onalandbas�n-w�delevelsand�salsoabas�sforact�onprogrammes.L�kew�se,mon�tor�ngofwater-relatedecosystemcond�t�ons w�th�n an area be�ng managed under a waterresourcesplancanresult�nfeedbacktodec�s�on-makersthatenablesthemtomod�fytheplantoallowfortheassessmentof thevalueof thehydrolog�cal serv�cesofecosystemsandof water resources and to max�m�ze susta�nable use. Waterresourceassessmentsatthesubreg�onal,reg�onalandgloballevelscan�nformreg�onalandglobaldec�s�on-makersandthepubl�c,whocanthenbettergu�deact�onprogrammes.

Asia and Australia1314151617181920212223

VolgaObYeniseyLenaKolymaAmurGanges and BrahmaputraYangtzeMurray DarlingHuang HeIndus

25

Africa and West Asia

EuropeDanube

2624

89

1110

12

NigerLake Chad BasinCongoNileZambeziOrangeEuphrates and Tigris

North America

South America

12345

67

YukonMackenzieNelsonMississippiSt. Lawrence

AmazonParaná

1 249 832408 24315 1678 9739 095

273 7678 025

2 519

1 0502 189

4 0767 922

2 20722 752

-

4 26014 93779 083

161 359722 456

4 917-

2 265-

361830

The Worldʼs Freshwater SuppliesAnnual Renewable Supplies per Capita per River Basin

Projection for 2025

1995

Source: Revenga et al. 2000, from Pilot Analysis of Global Ecosystems: Freshwater Systems.

500 1 000 1 700 4 000 10 000 m3 per capita

Scarcity Stress Sufficient quantities

m3

per capitaper year

m3

per capitaper year

m3

per capitaper year

18

41. To �nform stakeholders, assessments must be clear and ta�loredto spec�f�c aud�ences wh�le ma�nta�n�ng the�r sc�ent�f�c �ntegr�ty. Theinformation flowing from assessments must facilitate and enable interaction andpart�c�pat�onbyallsectorsofsoc�ety�nthemak�ngof�nformedcho�cesanddec�s�onsaboutmanag�ngwaterresources.Asnotedabove,awarenessofthe�nterconnect�v�tyofwater-relatedecosystems�s�mperat�vetoprov�d�ngstakeholders w�th an understand�ng that enables the establ�shment ofecosystem-based water policies which fully reflect the economic, social and env�ronmentalvalueofwaterasaresource.

4�. TheassessmentcomponentofUNEPwater-relatedact�v�t�eswaterw�llprov�de�nformat�ononthreats,trendsandemerg�ng�ssues.Threatsfromnaturalwater-relatedhazardsandthreatstowaterresourcesarenotstat�c.Assessmentsofnewandemerg�ngareasmustalsobeatthecoreofUNEPwork.Suchassessmentsw�llprov�de�nformat�onontheenv�ronmentalaspectsoftheworldwaters�tuat�on.Informat�onontrendsandposs�blealternat�vescenar�oscanass�st�nant�c�pat�ngproblemsand�ntak�ngt�melycorrect�veact�on.Assessment�salsoattheheartofanecosystem-basedapproachas�mpacts of concern �n one ecosystem can be telltale s�gns of �mpend�ngd�saster�nother�nterconnectedecosystems.Theassessmentcomponentw�ll�ncludeassessmentsofpotent�althreatsfromcl�matechangetoensurethatmanagementplanscan�ncludecl�matechangeadaptat�onmeasures.

B. Management43. Integrated water resources management prov�des an ecosystem-based approach to water resource management wh�ch encompasses bothwaterqual�tyandquant�ty. Itbu�ldsonthe �nterconnect�v�tybetweenthevar�ous components of the natural resource base, �.e., of ecosystems, andl�nks�tw�ththe�nst�tut�onal,soc�alandeconom�celementsofwaterresourcemanagementtoprov�dethe�ntegratedmanagementframeworkneededtodealw�ththepart�cularproblemsrelatedtothesusta�nablema�ntenanceofecosystemsandtheserv�ceswh�chtheyprov�de.

44. Integratedwaterresourcesmanagementalsoencompassestechn�calandgovernanceperspect�ves.Thetechn�calperspect�vecomb�nes�nteract�onsbetween land, groundwater, surface water and mar�ne resources andrecogn�zesthatsuch�nteract�onscanbefurthercompl�catedbyurban�zat�on

Photo Credit: Sinopictures/CNS/Stillpictures

UNEP FEBRUARY 2002PHILIPPE REKACEWICZ

Evolution of Global Water UseWithdrawal and Consumption by Sector

Source: Igor A. Shiklomanov, State Hydrological Institute (SHI, St. Petersburg) and United Nations Educational,Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO, Paris), 1999.

km3

Agricultural

0

400

800

1 200

1 600

2 000

2 400

2 800

3 200

1900 1925 1950 1975 2000 2025

Assessment Forecast

1900 1925 1950 1975 2000 2025

Assessment Forecast

1900 1925 1950 1975 2000 2025

Assessment Forecast

1900 1925 1950 1975 2000 2025

Assessment Forecast

IndustrialDomestic Reservoirs

Note: Domestic water consumption in developed countries (500-800 litres per person per day)is about six times greater than in developing countries (60-150 litres per person per day).

Agricultural

WithdrawalConsumptionWaste



Evaporation

w�threspecttoqual�tyaswellasquant�tyandtherequ�rementsofecosystems.Theenv�ronmentalgovernanceperspect�ve�ncludestwokeyelements:cross-sectoral�ntegrat�on�nwaterresourcesmanagement;andthe�ntegrat�onofallstakeholders�ntheplann�nganddec�s�on-mak�ngprocess.

45. Cross-sectoral�ntegrat�onmakesthe�nst�tut�onall�nkagesbetweenthesectorsus�ngoraffect�ngwaterresourcesandwater-relatedecosystemsand�mpl�esthatwater-relateddevelopmentsw�th�nalleconom�candsoc�alsectors must be taken �nto account �n the overall management of waterresources.Thus,water resources pol�cymustbe �ntegrated �nto local andnat�onaleconom�candsectoralpol�c�es.Th�smeansrecogn�z�ngthevalueofwaterw�th�tssoc�al�mpl�cat�onsandaddress�ng�tsr�skswh�leatthesamet�meensur�ngthatsusta�nablemanagementofwaterresources�seffect�vely�ntegrated�ntothesoc�alanddevelopmentpathwaywh�ch�sadopted.

�0

46. Stakeholder�ntegrat�onensuresthatactorssuchaswaterusers,localand nat�onal author�t�es, reg�onal and subreg�onal bod�es and �nst�tut�onsand United Nations and international financial institutions are involved in dec�s�onmak�ngandmanagement.Stakeholdersw�llvaryaccord�ngtothemanagementandplann�ng level cons�dered. Ind�genouspeoples,women,andthepoor�npart�cularhaveknowledgetobr�ngwh�chcanprov�denewand innovative ideas for management and efficiency plans.

47. W�th�n an �ntegrated water resources management framework,therearethreep�llarsw�th�nwh�chUNEPw�llfocus�tsact�onstoaddressthetechn�calandgovernanceperspect�ves:

(a) Theenabl�ngenv�ronment,�.e.,thegeneralframeworkofnat�onaland�nternat�onalpol�c�esandstrateg�es,legislation, financing mechanisms and the dissemination of �nformat�onforwaterresourcemanagementstakeholders.Th�sframeworkenablesallstakeholderstoplayappropr�ateroles�nthesusta�nabledevelopmentandmanagementoftheresource;

(b) The�nst�tut�onalfunct�onsthatalloweffect�ve�nteract�onbetweenvar�ousadm�n�strat�velevelsandstakeholders.Collaborat�vemechan�smsandforumsareneededtofac�l�tatecross-sectoral�ntegrat�onandstakeholderpart�c�pat�onsothatthe�ntegrat�onofenv�ronmentalwatermanagementfunct�ons�ntoanoverallwaterresourcesmanagementframework�sstrengthened;

(c) Management�nstruments,�.e.,operat�onal�nstrumentsforeffect�veplann�ng,regulat�on,�mplementat�on,mon�tor�ngandenforcement.W�thsuch�nstruments,dec�s�on-makersw�llbeabletomake�nformedcho�cesbetweenact�ons.Thesecho�cesmustbebasedonagreedpol�c�es,ava�lableresources,env�ronmental�mpactsandsoc�alandeconom�cconsequences.Management�nstrumentsalso�ncludepract�calandtechn�calgu�danceandtechnolog�esforwaterresourcemanagement,�nclud�ngatthelocal(e.g.,urban)level.

C. Cooperation48. Thepresentsect�onoutl�nescooperat�onmechan�smsatthenat�onal,reg�onal, subreg�onal and global levels through wh�ch UNEP w�ll del�ver

�1

ontheenv�ronmentalassessmentandmanagementcomponentsdescr�bedabove.Ateachlevel,theavenuesforcooperat�onw�thvar�ouspartnersareidentified to ensure that a coordinated policy and strategic framework goes hand-�n-handw�thacoord�nateddel�veryframeworkforjo�ntact�onsw�thpartners.Therearealsosomecommoncooperat�onmechan�smswh�chUNEPw�llfollowatalllevels,�nclud�nganemphas�sonUn�tedNat�onssystem-w�decooperat�on�npol�cy,strategyand�mplementat�onandontheneedtoengage international financial institutions wherever appropriate and possible soastomax�m�ze�mpactandass�stdevelop�ngcountr�esandcountr�esw�theconom�es�ntrans�t�on.

1. National level

49. Nat�onalGovernments,hav�ngcomm�ttedthemselvestothePlanofImplementat�onoftheWorldSumm�tonSusta�nableDevelopment,havepr�maryrespons�b�l�tyfor�mplement�ngthe�005�ntegratedwaterresourcesmanagementtarget.Thatbe�ngthecase,pol�t�calw�ll�snecessarytoensurecoord�nated nat�onal act�on, accompan�ed by the allocat�on of domest�cresources.TheUn�tedNat�onssystemhasalsocomm�tted�tselftoass�st�ngcountr�es where nat�onal capac�t�es are l�m�ted. Effect�veness of act�on atthenat�onallevelandtheneedfornat�onalownersh�prequ�rethatnat�onalGovernmentsg�vesusta�nedd�rect�ontotheUn�tedNat�onssystemonthe�rneedsandthesystem’sresponsestothoseneeds.

50. Asnoted�nsect�onBofchapterIVaboveonoperat�onalpr�nc�ples,the Bal� Strateg�c Plan prov�des supplementary gu�dance for �ncreas�ngeffect�veness at the country level �n the areas of technology support andcapac�ty-bu�ld�ng.Thatstart�ngpo�ntfor�mprov�ngeffect�venessmustbethedevelopmentofacoherentUNEPprogrammeforGovernments,tobecarr�edout�ncooperat�onw�threlevantpartners(�npart�cularthroughUn�tedNat�onscountryteams)andclearlybasedonnat�onalpr�or�t�esandnat�onalneeds, i.e., demand-driven. On the basis of an identification of those needs, UNEPw�llworkw�thpartnerstosupportnat�onaltechnologysupportandcapac�ty-bu�ld�ngtodel�ver�mplementat�onofthewaterpol�cyandstrategywhererequestedbyGovernments.

Photo Credit: Sean Sprague/Stillpictures

��

51. Response to Governments’ requests for technology support andcapac�ty-bu�ld�ngatthenat�onallevelw�llberespondedto�ncooperat�onw�thpartnersand�npart�cularw�thotherUn�tedNat�onsagenc�es,forexamplethrough the common country assessment/Un�ted Nat�ons DevelopmentAss�stanceFrameworksystem,andw�llmakefulluseoftheUNEP/UNDPmemorandumofunderstand�ng.TheSecretary-General,�nh�sreportent�tled“Inlargerfreedom:towardssecur�ty,developmentandhumanr�ghtsforall16”preparedforthe�005WorldSumm�t,emphas�zesthattheUn�tedNat�onsasawholeneedsamore�ntegratedstructureforenv�ronmentalstandard-sett�ngand that regional activities at the country level should benefit from synergies, onbothnormat�veandoperat�onalaspects,betweenUn�tedNat�onsagenc�es,mak�ngopt�maluseofthe�rcomparat�veadvantagestoreal�zean�ntegratedapproach17.Consequently,programmecoherencebetweenallUn�tedNat�onsagenc�es,Governmentagenc�es,nat�onal �nst�tut�onsanddonorswork�ng�n a part�cular country �s essent�al.Also, the Bal� Strateg�c Plan and �ts�mplementat�onasoutl�nedbyUNEP�ndocumentUNEP/GCSS.IX/3/Add.1,shouldbecons�dered�ntandemw�ththewaterpol�cyandstrategy.

5�. Nat�onal�mplementat�onw�llfocusonthe�mportanceofsusta�nablewaterresourcesmanagementforpovertyreduct�on.Thatbe�ngthecase,UNEPw�llworkw�thotherstobu�ldnat�onalcapac�tyto�ntegratewaterresourcesmanagement �nto nat�onal poverty reduct�on strateg�es and susta�nabledevelopmentplans.Recogn�z�ngalsothekeyroleofc�t�es,UNEPw�llworkto�ntegratewaterresourcesmanagement�ssues�ntoc�tydevelopmentstrateg�es.Itw�llalsoprov�denormat�veass�stanceandsupportforpol�cydevelopmenttobothdevelopedanddevelop�ngcountr�es topromote �ntegratedwaterresourcesmanagementforsusta�nabledevelopmentworldw�de.

2. Regional and subregional levels

53. Coord�nat�onofUNEPwater-relatedact�v�t�esatthereg�onalandsubreg�onal levels w�ll be ach�eved through strengthened and re�nforcedUNEP regional offices, regional seas programmes, out-posted offices and other mechan�smsalready�nplace.Cons�stentw�thnat�onal-level�mplementat�onofthewaterpol�cyandstrategy,technologysupportandcapac�ty-bu�ld�ng

16A/59/�005andAdd.1,Add.�andAdd.3.17Ib�d.,para.�1�.Seealso�b�d.,annex,subpara.8(�).

�3

efforts at the reg�onal and subreg�onal levels w�ll also follow the Bal�Strateg�cPlan.UNEPact�v�t�esw�llalsosupportreg�onalandsubreg�onalstrategies defined by intergovernmental bodies, including hydrological basin organ�zat�ons.UNEPw�ll�mplementthewaterpol�cyandstrategythrough�tscooperat�veframeworksw�thenv�ronmentalm�n�ster�alforums,suchastheAfr�canM�n�ster�alConferenceontheEnv�ronment,theCounc�lofArab

UNEP

The Worldʼs Surface WaterPrecipitation, Evaporation and Runoff by Region

Source: Peter H. Gleick, Water in Crisis, New York Oxford University Press, 1993.PHILIPPE REKACEWICZ, MARCH 2002

PacificOcean

AtlanticOcean

IndianOcean

PacificOcean

North America18 300 km3

South America28 400 km3

Europe8 290 km3

Asia32 200 km3

Australia and Oceania

7 080 km3

Africa22 300 km3

80%

20%

35%

65%

55%

45%

35%

65%

57%

43%

55%

45%

Precipitation (km3)Evaporation (%)

Runoff (%)

�4

M�n�stersRespons�blefortheEnv�ronmentandtheForumofM�n�stersoftheEnv�ronmentofLat�nAmer�caandtheCar�bbean,reg�onalm�n�ster�alforumsonwater,suchastheAfr�canM�n�sters’Counc�lonWater,theAfr�canUn�onandotherforumsandprocessessuchastheNewPartnersh�pforAfr�ca’sDevelopment,aswellasthroughrelevantreg�onalmult�lateralenv�ronmentalagreements.UNEPw�llpromotetheformat�onandstrengthen�ngofreg�onalnetworksfor�nformat�onexchange,capac�ty-bu�ld�ngandcatalyz�ngSouth-South cooperat�on. It w�ll also support the format�on of networks at theecoreg�onallevelandforcatalys�ngNorth-Southcooperat�on.

54. Ashydrolog�calbas�nsoftencrossstates,progresstowardsusta�nabledevelopmentgoalsmayrequ�recooperat�onamongthebas�ncountr�es.Forthesetransboundarywaterresources,r�par�ancountr�esmaycons�dertheestabl�shmentofreg�onalorsubreg�onalarrangements,tak�ng�ntoaccountnat�onalcond�t�onsaswellasthecharacter�st�csoftheoverallbas�n,w�th�naneconom�c,soc�alandenv�ronmentalcontext.UNEP,�ncooperat�onw�thotherrelevant�nst�tut�onsandfund�ngsourcesmayprov�decapac�ty-bu�ld�ngonthecoord�nat�on,evaluat�onandmanagementoftheenv�ronmentalaspectsof the transboundary water resources, �f requested by all of the r�par�ancountr�es.

3. Global level

55. As the principal body within the United Nations system in the field of env�ronment,UNEPw�llsupportsystem-w�deeffortsto�ntegrate�tsact�v�t�es�ntoacohes�veandcomplementaryprogrammetomax�m�zeUn�tedNat�ons�mpactwh�leatthesamet�merespect�ngthemandatesandrelat�vestrengthsandcapac�t�esofthevar�ousagenc�es�ntheUn�tedNat�onssystem.

56. In so do�ng, UNEP w�ll work closely through UN-Water andw�ththeUn�tedNat�onsEnv�ronmentManagementGrouptoensurethatecosystemapproachesarefullytaken�ntoaccount�nUn�tedNat�onsand�ntergovernmental pol�cy d�scuss�ons on water resources. Efforts w�ll bemadetoencouragethesecretar�atsofrelevantmult�lateralenv�ronmentalagreementstopromote�ntegratedwaterresourcesmanagementw�th�nthe�rmandates.

Photo Credit: S. Ziese/Stillpictures

�5

57. To address spec�f�c �ssues, collaborat�ve arrangements for the�mplementat�on of the UNEP water pol�cy and strategy w�ll be madew�th spec�al�zedprogrammesand �nst�tut�ons �nclud�ng c�v�l soc�ety; theautonomoussecretar�atsofmult�lateralenv�ronmentalagreements;UNDP,through�tsmemorandumofunderstand�ngw�thUNEP;theUn�tedNat�onsDevelopmentGroup;theUn�tedNat�onsHumanSettlementsProgramme(UN-Hab�tat); the Internat�onal Mar�t�me Organ�zat�on; the Food andAgr�culture Organ�zat�on of the Un�ted Nat�ons; the World Conservat�onUn�on(IUCN);theUn�tedNat�onsInst�tuteforTra�n�ngandResearch;theWorldBank,�npart�cularw�th�ntheframeworkofGEF;theInternat�onalMonetaryFund;theInternat�onalOceanograph�cComm�ss�onoftheUn�tedNations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); the World Meteorological Organization; the International Council of Scientific Un�ons; the World WaterAssessment Programme. W�th respect to globalobserv�ng systems, collaborat�on between UNEP (for example through�ts GEMS Water programme) and the World Health Organ�zat�on, theWorldMeteorolog�calOrgan�zat�onandUNESCOw�llservetostrengthenenv�ronmentalmon�tor�ngandassessments.

58. UNEP, UN-Hab�tat and the World Health Organ�zat�on have apart�cularly�mportantroletoplay�ndeal�ngw�ththe�ntegrated�ssuesofwater,san�tat�onandhumansettlements�naccordancew�ththedec�s�onsadoptedbytheComm�ss�ononSusta�nableDevelopmentat�tsth�rteenthsess�on.

59. UNEP w�ll bu�ld a clear�nghouse mechan�sm through the Bal�Strateg�c Plan wh�ch w�ll complement ex�st�ng mechan�sms such as theGlobalWaterPartnersh�pToolbox,theUNESCOWaterPortal, theUn�tedNat�ons Comm�ss�on on Susta�nable Development’s web-based bestpract�cesdatabase,WaterAct�onandNetwork�ngDatabase (Comm�ss�onon Susta�nable Development-WAND), and Cap-Net, the UNDP networkforcapac�ty-bu�ld�ng�nsusta�nablewatermanagement.Th�sclear�nghousew�llpromotesynergyandsharedlearn�ng,reducedupl�cat�onofeffortsw�thotheragenc�esandmatchdel�verytodemand.

60. UNEPw�llforgeandstrengthenpartnersh�psatthegloballevelw�thmajorgroupsasameansofdraw�ngontherangeofava�lablemechan�smsand expert�se to promote the susta�nable management and use of water

�6

resources and to �dent�fy best-pract�ce responses to env�ronment-relatedfreshwater�ssues.Th�sw�ll�ncludework�ngthroughex�st�ng�nternat�onalpartnersh�pssuchastheWorldWaterCounc�l,theWaterAll�ance,theWorldWaterForumand�tsm�n�ster�alconference,theRa�nwaterPartnersh�pandtheGlobalWaterPartnersh�pandw�llalso�ncludeform�ngotherrelevantpartnersh�psasnecessary.

VIII. Operationalizing the strategy in the UNEP programme of work

61. Everytwoyears,UNEPpresents�tsb�enn�alprogrammeofwork,�nclud�ng expected accompl�shments, �nd�cators of ach�evement andspecific activities and outputs, and its budget to the Governing Council/GlobalM�n�ster�alEnv�ronmentForumat�tsregularsess�on.Theb�enn�alprogrammeofwork�sdraftedbythesecretar�atandrev�ewedbythememberStates before final debate and adoption by the Council/Forum. The present pol�cyandstrategyw�llprov�ded�rect�ontothesecretar�at�n�tsdraft�ngoftheprogrammesofworkfortheper�od�007–�01�.

62. Appendices I and II of the present policy and strategy provide specific d�rect�ontotheUNEPsecretar�atforthedevelopmentof�tsprogrammeofworkbydescr�b�ngtop�calfocalareasandtherelevantareas�nwh�chUNEPhas a comparative advantage in the environmental field.

63. UNEP w�ll work to ensure that UNEP-�mplemented waterprojectsfundedbyGEFandothersourcescreatemax�mumsynerg�esandcomplementar�t�esw�ththeprojectsandact�v�t�escarr�edoutunderthewaterpol�cyandstrategy.Add�t�onally,UNEPw�llseekextra-budgetaryfund�ng,�npart�cularthroughpartnersh�psw�thdonors,tomax�m�ze�mplementat�onofthewaterpol�cyandstrategy.

IX. Monitoring the water policy and strategy64. UNEPw�llregularlymon�tor�mplementat�onofthewaterpol�cyandstrategythrough�ts�nternalmon�tor�ngprocedures.Theoverallexpectedaccompl�shmentsand�nd�catorsforeachofthecomponentsofthestrategy

�7

aredescr�bed�nappend�xIandw�llbeelaborateduponthroughtheb�enn�alUNEP programme of work.As the water pol�cy and strategy w�ll gu�dethe development of the programme of work and UNEP already uses theresults-basedIntegratedMon�tor�ngandDocumentat�onInformat�onSystem(IMIDIS)formon�tor�ng�mplementat�onoftheprogrammeofwork,cons�stentw�ththe�ntr�ns�cpr�nc�pleofbu�ld�ngonwhatalreadyex�sts,UNEPw�lluseIMIDIStoprov�deday-to-daymon�tor�ngofthewaterpol�cyandstrategyandforthedevelopmentofannualandb�enn�alUn�tedNat�onsreport�ng.

65. Formal qual�tat�ve �mplementat�on reports w�ll be prov�ded toGovernmentsattheregularsess�onsoftheUNEPGovern�ngCounc�landw�llbeusedtogaugeprogressmadetowardsthestatedgoalandobject�veselaboratedthroughthethreema�ncomponentsofassessment,managementandcooperat�onand�naccordancew�ththeappend�xI�nd�cators.Reg�onal,�ntergovernmentalandotherforumsw�llfurtherfac�l�tatecont�nuousandsystemat�crev�ews.

66. Twoyearspr�ortotheexp�ryofth�spol�cyandstrategy(�010),thesecretar�atw�llprepareadraft,updatedpol�cyandstrategyforthesubsequents�x-yeartermof�013-�018.Thatdraftw�llbec�rculatedattheregularsess�onoftheGovern�ngCounc�l/GlobalM�n�ster�alEnv�ronmentForum�n�011,such that a final draft may be circulated no later than September 2012 for cons�derat�onbytheCounc�l/Forum�n�013.Shouldc�rcumstanceswarrantanearl�erupdateofthepol�cyandstrategytoaccountforunforeseenandemerg�ng�ssuesdur�ngthes�x-yeartermofthewaterpol�cyandstrategy,theGovern�ngCounc�l/GlobalM�n�ster�alEnv�ronmentForummayw�shtomandatethatsuchanupdatebeprepared.

Photo Credit: Rodger De la Harpe/Stillpictures

�8

Areas of programmatic action in freshwater

Expected accomplishment Indicators Areas of UNEP comparative advantage

Component 1: Assessment1∗ 1.1. Provide knowledge base

• Integratedassessmentsaddressenviron-mentalaspectsofwaterandsupportnationaldevelopmentplanningandpolicy(e.g.,povertyreductionstrategypapers,UnitedNationsdevelopmentassistanceframeworks).

• Policyrelevantenvironmentalassessmentsandenvironmentalprofilesaredevelopedforintegratedwaterresourcemanagement(IWRM)prioritysettingandmonitoringeffec-tivenessofmanagementinitiatives,aswellasforcomplianceandenforcement.

• Technology-supportandcapacity-buildingforenvironmentalassessmentofwaterresourcesisprovidedattheregional,subregionalandnationallevels.

• Socio-economicvaluationofwater-relatedecosystemservicesasatoolfordecisionmakingisfullyintegratedintowaterresourcedevelopmentandmanagementscenarios.

• Regional,subregional,nationalandlocalstakeholdersareabletocarryoutassessmentsaimedattherestorationofdegradedsurfaceandgroundwaterrelatedecosystems.

• Relevantregionalorganizationsareas-sisted(uponrequest)todevelopandmaintainregionallyharmonizedwaterdatabasesandassessmentreports,payingdueattentiontofreshwater-coastalinteraction,transboundarywatersandgroundwater.

• Integratedwaterresourcesmanage-mentprocessesandplansarebasedonscientific,economicandrationalprioritysettingandarerevisedbasedoncontinuousmonitoringandadjust-ment.

• Priorityconsiderationisgiventothesocio-economicvalueofwater-relatedecosystemservicesinnationaldevel-opmentplans,asatoolfordecisionmaking.

• Environmentalprofilesareusedinset-tingprioritiesandforimplementationoftheBaliStrategicPlanonTechnologySupportandCapacity-buildingneedsassessments.

• Environmentalassessmentsareconductedforecosystemrestoration.

• Regionalwaterbasinenvironmentalissuesarewellunderstoodandacteduponbyrelevantactors.

• Regionalwaterresourceassessmentmethodologiesarebasedoncompre-hensive,high-qualitydatasets.

• Identificationordevelopmentofintegratedas-sessmentmethodsonwaterqualityandquantityissuesandrelatedecosystems

• Assistanceinthedevelopmentofintegratedassessmentsatthenational,regionalandgloballevels(notonlymethods,butactualassess-ments)

• Supportforthedevelopmentofnationalenviron-mentalprofiles

• Capacity-buildingforsocio-economicassess-mentstoassessvaluewater-relatedecosystemservicesforincorporationintonationaldevelop-mentplanning

• Assistanceinthedevelopmentofinstitutionalframeworkstotranslateassessmentresultsintopolicy

• Identificationordevelopmentofmethodologiesandbuildingofcapacityforsurfaceandground-waterecosystemrestorationforecosystemsdegradedbynaturalorhumaninducedimpacts

• Nationalandregionalcapacity-buildingontheuseofenvironmentalassessmentmethodologiesforintegratedwaterresourcesmanagementplan-ning,implementationandmonitoring–includ-ingfortransboundarywaterresourceswhenrequested

1∗Act�onsundercomponents1and�w�llbeundertakencooperat�velyw�thpartnersas�nd�cated�ncomponent3.

Appendix I

�9


1.2 Raise awareness and inform stakeholders of water resources issues

• DecisionmakersandotherstakeholdersaremadeawareoftheimportanceofintegratedwaterresourcesmanagementforachievementofMDGs,andinparticularpovertyreduction.

• Increasedawarenessamongstakeholdersofthevalueofwaterresourcesandtheinterlink-agesbetweenrelatedecosystems(e.g.,fresh-water-coastal)andtheirrelatedecosystemservices

• Long-termmacro-economicconsequencesandprogressinnon-actionareas(e.g.,health,poverty,hunger)aremonitored

• Improvedaccesstowaterresourceenviron-mentalassessmentinformation

• Allrelevantactorssupportwell-definednationalenvironmentalprioritiesimpactingonsocio-economicdevelopment

• StakeholdersareactivelyengagedinIWRMprocessesandmakevalu-ablecontributionstoensurethatinaccommodatingcompetingusestheoverallbenefitofsuchusestosociety,particularlytothepoor,istakenintoconsideration.

• IWRMplansaddressfreshwater-coastinterlinkages,groundwaterandwaterresourceaugmentation(e.g.,rainwa-ter).

• Povertyreductionstrategypapers,commoncountryassessmentsandUnitedNationsdevelopmentassist-anceframeworksincludeenvironmen-talwaterresourceconcerns.

• Developmentoftailoredintegratedwaterassess-ments(includingsocialandeconomicinforma-tion)forspecificaudiences,includingforthedevelopmentofpovertyreductionstrategypapersandUnitedNationsdevelopmentassistanceframeworks

• Promotionofunderstandingoftheinterlinkagesbetweenfreshwaterandcoasts

• Promotionofbetterunderstandingofground-waterandwaterresourceaugmentation(e.g.,rainwater)inanIWRMcontext

• Identificationanddevelopmentofanenvironmen-talwaterresourcesinformationdatabase,includ-inginformationonrelevantcleantechnologies

• Disseminateinformationandguidelinesonsur-face-andgroundwaterqualityandthesafereuseoftreatedwastewater

• Identificationanddisseminationoftraditionalknowledgeandbestpractices

1.3 Provide information on threats, trends and emerging issues

• Theglobalcommunityisinformedonprimaryandemergingthreatstotheenvironmentalintegrityofwaterresources.

• Dialogueforumsareprovidedontrendsandemergingissuesthataffecttheenvironmentalaspectsofwaterresources.

• Theenvironmentalstateofglobalwaterresourcesiskeptunderreviewandtheinter-nationalcommunity,allstakeholdersandthegeneralpublicarewellinformed.

• Alternativeenvironmentalscenariosforwaterresourcesmanagementaredeveloped.

• Integratedwaterresourcesmanage-mentprocessesandplanstakeintoaccountnaturaldisasters(suchashurricanes,droughtsandfloods)climatechangeandclimatechangeadaptation.

• Alternativewaterresourcedevelop-mentscenarios(e.g.,hydropower,desalinization)andtheirenvironmentalimpactsareassessedinthecontextoflocalandnationaldevelopmentstrate-gies.

• Waterresourcescenariosconsiderrel-evanceofrelatedecosystemservices.

• Environmentalaspectsofglobalwaterresourcesandrelatedemergingissuesarediscussedatglobalforums.

• Incooperationwithothers,collectionanddisseminationofinformationonthreats,trendsandemergingissuessuchasclimatevariability,urbanization,waterinfrastructure,desertification,deforestation,etc.

• DevelopmentofscenariosonimpactsofthreatstowaterresourcestoensurethatIWRMincludescontingencies

• ExpansionofavailabilityanduseofinformationonenvironmentalflowsandtheirrelevancetoIWRM

• Developmentanddisseminationofglobalstate-of-waterresourcereports(e.g.,GlobalEnvironmentOutlook)

30


Component 2: Management

2.1 Create enabling environment

• NationalenvironmentallegislativeandpolicyframeworksaredevelopedtosupportIWRMplansandprocesses.

• IWRMfinancingmechanismsforecosystemsserviceswillbecreatedtakingintoconsidera-tionnationalpriorities.

• RegionallydifferentiatedIWRMenvironmentalpoliciesandlegislativeframeworksaredevel-oped,builtuponthestructureandfoundationoftheUNEPwaterpolicyandstrategy.

• NationalIWRMplansaresupportiveofwiderregional/riverbasinmanagementplans(includ-ingfortransboundarywaterresources).

• Policyandlegislativeframeworksincludingthevaluationofecosystemservicesasatoolfordecisionmakingaresupportedforthemanage-mentoftransboundarywaterresources,whererequestedbyallrelevantparties.

• Applicationofecosystemapproachesasanoverarchingpolicyandprogrammaticframe-workforIWRMwithallpartnersisenhanced.

• EnvironmentalcomponentsofIWRMplansaresolidanddefensibleandwellgroundedinnationaldevelopmentframeworks.

• NationalfinancingoptionsandfundinglevelsinsupportofenvironmentalcomponentsofIWRMareincreased.

• Thevalueofwaterresourcesforbothhumanandenvironmentalpurposesisincorporatedintonationaldevelopmentstrategies.

• Regionalentitiesandcommissionshaveenvironmentallysoundlegislativeandpolicyframeworksforthejointmanagementofwaterresources.

• RegionalIWRMplansgiveduecon-siderationtothevalueofecosystemservices.

• GlobalenvironmentalframeworksforwaterresourcesmanagementarefoundedinIWRM.

• Provisionofpolicysupportfortheincorporationofenvironmentalaspectsofwaterresourcesman-agementandtheeconomicvalueofwater-relatedecosystemsintonationalpovertyreductionstrategypapersandsustainabledevelopmentplans

• Capacity-buildinginpaymentsforecosystemservices

• ProvisionofguidanceandtechnicalandlegalsupporttoGovernmentsonenvironmentalaspectsofIWRM,includingontherelevanceoffreshwater-coastinterlinkages

• PromotionofintegrationofGEF-supportedinter-nationalwaterprojectsintonationalsustainabledevelopmentplanning

• ProvisionoflegislativeandpolicysupportforthedevelopmentorimplementationofIWRM-basedtransboundarybasinmanagementinitiatives,whererequestedbyallrelevantriparianGovern-ments

2.2 Institutional functions

• Nationalinstitutionsarestrengthenedandreformedtoaddressthefullrangeofenviron-mentalissuesassociatedwithIWRM.

• Relevantnationalinstitutionsconsultwitheachotheronenvironmentalaspectsofwaterresourcemanagementissuesaspartoftheircoreoperations.

• Local,nationalandregionalinter-institutionaldialoguesonkeywaterresourcemanagementissuesincludingallrelevantstakeholdersarefacilitatedwhererequested.

• Cooperationandnetworkingbetweeninstitutionsacrossrelevantsectors(includingfreshwaterandcoastalsectors)atthenational,subregional,regionalandgloballevelsonenvironmentalaspectsofwaterresourcesisincreased.

• IWRMplanscontainpracticalguidanceoncross-sectoralintegrationofrelevantinstitu-tionswithinthecontextofnationalandsectoraldevelopmentplansandgoals.

• Nationalinstitutionalmandatesandworkplansaccommodatetheenvi-ronmentalaspectsofwaterresourcemanagement.

• Recommendationsofnational,regional/subregionalandglobaldialoguesareincorporatedintoIWRMplans.

• Institutionalcapacityisdevelopedtoaddresstransboundarywaterconcerns.

• Strengtheningofandsupportforreformofnationalenvironmentalinstitutionsandregionalcooperativemechanismsforwaterresources

• Facilitationofinter-institutionaldialoguemeetingsonenvironmentalaspectsofIWRMatthelocal,nationalandregionallevels

• Facilitationofcreationofinstitutionalmecha-nismstoallowallstakeholderstocontributetoIWRM

• AssistancetointerestedandconcernedGovern-mentsinestablishingdialoguemechanismstoenablestakeholderstointeractonthefreshwater-coastinterface

• Supportforcapacitybuildingofregional/subre-gionalinstitutionsthataddressenvironmentalaspectsofIWRMcollectively

31


2.3 Management instruments

• Environmentalguidelines,methodsandothertoolsandoperationalinstrumentsforIWRMaredevelopedandmadeavailableatthenational,regionalandgloballevels.

• Coordinatedenvironmentaltechnicalsupportandcapacity-buildingareprovidedatthenational,subregional,andregionallevelsintheuseofIWRMinstruments.

• InnovativeandenvironmentallysustainabletechnologiesareavailableforIWRM.

• Conservationfinancemechanismsandinstru-mentsareactivelyincorporatedintoIWRM.

• Ecosystemservices,conservationfinanceandwaterresourcesvaluationareintegralaspectsofIWRMplanningandprocesses.

• Waterresourcemanagershavethenecessaryenvironmentaltechnologies,technicalandmanagementtoolsattheirdisposaltoimplementIWRM.

• IWRMandwaterefficiencyplanningatthenational,subregionalandregionallevelsareimplementedinatechnicallysoundmanner.

• Identificationandpromotionofthedevelopmentandtransferoflow-costtechnologies,includingwaterefficiencyandalternativewatersuppliessuchasdesalinization,wastewaterreuse,pollu-tionpreventionandrainwaterharvesting

• Identificationandpromotionofoperationalinstru-mentstosupportprotectionandrehabilitationofbasinsandtheirecosystems

• Identificationordevelopmentofguidelinesfor:• preventionandpreparednessguidelines,

togetherwithriskmitigationanddisasterreduction,includingearly-warningsystemsforwaterresources;

• considerationofinterconnectedecosystems(e.g.,land,forests),includingfreshwater-coastinterlinkages;

• capacity-buildingformonitoringcomplianceandenforcement;

• financingecosystem-basedapproachestoIWRM

Component 3: Cooperation

3.1 National level

• OngoingnationalIWRMprocessesincludeintegrationandmainstreamingofenvironmen-talconsiderationsincooperationwithotherdevelopmentpartners.

• NationalGovernmentsexpresspoliticalwill,commitmentandownershipofnationalIWRMprocessesandplans.

• Nationalenvironmentalpoliciesandmecha-nismsforIWRMarecommunicatedtothelocal(city)level.

• UNEPworktopromoteenvironmentalaspectsofIWRMatthecountrylevelundertheBaliStrategicPlanumbrellaisfullyalignedwiththatofotheractors(inparticularotherUnitedNationsagencypartners).

• Wherepreviouslyabsent,nationalIWRMprocessesareinitiatedwithfullyintegratedenvironmentalcomponentsandincooperationwithotherdevelopmentpartners.

• NationalIWRMplanningandproc-essesincludestrongenvironmentalconsiderations.

• NationalbudgetsreflectcommitmenttoIWRM.

• UnitedNationssupportatthenationallevelinthecontextoftheUnitedNa-tionsDevelopmentGroupisdeliveredinacoherentfashion.

• CitiesembracenationalIWRMenvironmentalprinciplesandpracticesappliedatthelocallevel.

• Evaluationofenvironmentalcapacityneedsincooperationwithdevelopmentpartnersforwaterresourcesmanagement

• CatalysingandfacilitationofIWRMenviron-mentalcapacityatthenationallevelwithintheframeworkoftheBaliStrategicPlan(throughworkshopsandguidelines)forassessmentandmanagement

• Technicalenvironmentalworkshopsandguid-ancethatimproveknowledgeandaccesstoinnovativeandappropriatetechnologies

• PromotionofintegrationofUNEP-supportedwateractivitiesatthenationallevelwiththoseofotheractorssuchastheUnitedNations,GEF,bilateraldonorsanddevelopmentbanks

• Nationallevelenvironment-relatedwaterresourcemanagementinitiativesimplementedinthecontextoftheUNEP/UNDPmemorandumofunderstanding

3�


3.2 Regional and subregional levels

• RegionalnetworksarestrengthenedtodeliverregionallyconsistentandmutuallysupportiveIWRMprogrammesthatcontainstrongenvi-ronmentalcomponentsandconsiderations.

• EnvironmentalaspectsofIWRMareincorpo-ratedintoongoingornewlyinitiatedregionalandsubregionalprocessesincooperationwithotherdevelopmentpartners,regionalnetworksandintergovernmentalinstitutions.

• Cooperativeframeworksareprovided,whererequestedbyallrelevantparties,fordialogueontransboundarywatersandinfrastructuredevelopment(e.g.,hydropower).

• Regionalandsubregionalnetworksandinstitutionsincorporatecompo-nentsofUNEPwaterpolicyandstrat-egyintoIWRMplansandprocesses.

• NationalGovernmentsandotherstakeholdersattheregionalandsub-regionallevelsstrivetoreachconsen-susonmanagementoftransboundarywaters.

• Supporttoregionalnetworks(e.g.,AfricanMinis-ters’CouncilonWater,CouncilofArabMinistersResponsiblefortheEnvironment)intheireffortstopromoteintegratedwaterresourcesmanage-ment

• Provisionofinstitutionalandtechnicalcapac-ity-buildingfortheenvironmentalmanagementofsharedbasinsandaquiferswhererequested,includingthefreshwater-coastinterfaceandconsiderationofeconomicfactors

3.3 Global level

• EnvironmentalaspectsofUN-WaterarestrengthenedthroughUNEPcontribution.

• Globalcoordinatingmechanisms(e.g.,multilateralenvironmentalagreements)benefitfromUNEPsupporttotheirwaterresourcesinitiativesandprogrammes.

• GlobalprogresstowardsIWRMplandevelop-mentandimplementationismonitored,inparticularenvironmentalaspects.

• Globalactionsinwaterresourcesavoidduplicationandmaximizecomplementarityofactivities.

• Relevantmultilateralenvironmentalagreementsdevelopwaterpro-grammestailoredtotheirspecificneedsandcomplementaryinitiativesareundertakenbetweenrelevantmultilateralenvironmentalagreements.

• GlobalIWRMindicatorsandmonitor-ingschemesaredevelopedandincludeclearenvironmentalaspects.

• ProvisionofsupportforenvironmentalwaterresourcemanagementasacontributiontoUN-Water,theUnitedNationsInternationalDecadeforAction,“WaterforLife”,2005–2015,theGlobalWaterPartnershipandotherrelevantglobalorganizationsandactiveparticipationinpromotingecosystems-basedapproachestowaterresourcesmanagement

• WorkwithUN-WaterandotherdevelopmentpartnerstomonitorprogresstowardstheWorldSummitonSustainableDevelopmentIWRM2005targetthatincludesenvironmentalconsid-erations

• ConsistentwiththeBaliStrategicPlan,develop-mentofadatabaseandclearinghousemecha-nismofrelevantUNEPactivitiesworldwideinthefieldofenvironmentalcapacity-building

• Supportforthesecretariatsofmultilateralenvi-ronmentalagreementsinpromotingthevaluesandcomponentsoftheUNEPwaterpolicyandstrategy

33

Strategic principle Thematic areas Relevant UNEP programmes and initiatives

Promoteecosystem-basedapproaches

Groundwater(includinggroundwater/surfacewaterconnectivity) GlobalEnvironmentMonitoringSystem(GEMS)WaterGlobalInternationalWatersAssessmentIraqiMarshlands

Ecosystemrestoration

Freshwater-coastallinkage GPA/RegionalSeasFresh-CopartnershipUNEPCollaboratingCentreonWaterandEnvironment(UCC-Water)CollaborationthroughUN-WaterWhiteWatertoBlueWatercoralreefprogramme

Environmentalflows:qualityandquantityissues GEMSWaterGlobalInternationalWatersAssessmentUCC-Water

Waterresourceaugmentation(e.g.,rainwateranddesalinization)

RainwaterPartnershipPilotdemonstrationprojects

Transboundarywaterresourcesmanagement RegionalSeasUCC-Water

Appendix II

Thematic areas for strategic action

34


Contributetosoundeconomicandsocialdevelopment,includingpovertyreduction

Sanitation,wastewatercollection,reuseandreallocation GlobalProgrammeofActionforLand-basedActivitiesRegionalSeasNairobiRiverBasinProject

Mainstreamingofenvironmentintodevelopmentprocesses PovertyandEnvironmentprogrammePro-PoorMarketsforEcosystemsInitiativeUCC-WaterBaliStrategicPlanJejuInitiative

Environmentallysustainabletechnologies BaliStrategicPlan–TechnologySupportcomponentPilotDemonstrationProjectson:SanitationandWastewaterManagement:Drinkingwaterprovision;Eco-townsandintegratedsolidwastemanagement

Legalinstruments PartnershipforDevelopmentofEnvironmentalLawandInstitutionsinAfrica

Waterdemandmanagementandwaterconservation UCC-WaterResourceaugmentation-3RsprincipleandtappingalternativeresourcesDamsandhydropower

Infrastructuredevelopmentforwaterresourcesmanagement

WaterandtheMillenniumDevelopmentGoals PovertyandEnvironmentprogrammeRainwaterHarvesting

Addressrisks Adaptationtoclimatevariability AwarenessandPreparednessofEmergenciesatLocalLevelPostConflictandDisasterManagementManagedaquiferrechargewithrainwaterasanadaptationtoclimatechangeMultilateralenvironmentalagreementsupportUNEP/UnitedNationsIndustrialDevelopmentOrganizationnetworkofnationalcleanerproductioncentres

Extremehydrologicalevents

Waterpollutioncontrol

Environmentandsecurity–postdisastermanagementDisasterpreventionandriskmanagement

Wastemanagement/Cleanerproduction

Chemicals StrategicApproachtoInternationalChemicalsManagement

35


Buildnationalandregionalcapacity

Technologytransfer BaliStrategicPlanChina–Africacapacity-buildingprogrammeUCC-Water

South-southcooperation

Watersectorcapacity-buildingneedsassessmentneeds BaliStrategicPlanUNEP/UNDPmemorandumofunderstandingUCC-Water

Buildonexistingprogrammesandpartnershipsandformnewpartnerships

Legalinstruments PartnershipforDevelopmentofEnvironmentalLawandInstitutionsinAfrica

Rainwaterharvesting RainwaterPartnership

Urbanwaterresources CitiesAllianceSustainableCitiesProgrammeWastewatermanagement

Promotemulti-stakeholderparticipation

Genderandwater GenderandWatertaskforceGlobalWaterPartnership/GlobalWaterAlliance

Intergovernmental/inter-stakeholderdialogue UCC-Water

Water policy and strategy of unep

Business

Transcript of Water policy and strategy of unep