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Water Security in the River Basins
of the 5th NARBO General Meeting

 

Ms. Shandipa Rai
Water and Energy Commission Secretariat (WECS)

Nepal

 

 

16th, May 2013: Water Security in the River Basins

Thematic Workshop on Water security in the River Basins was conducted on NARBO 5th General Meeting, technical workshop. Security of natural fresh water is groundwork for sustainable development. Water security is increasing concern for Asia Pacific countries because of gaps between water demand and supply, river deterioration, water related disasters and climate changes. Rapid population growth, transformation from rural societies to urban megacities, industrialization, over exploitation, pollution, poor river management, lack of coordination between neighboring countries and particularly climate change are the drivers in depletion of quality as well as quantity of water. Competitive industrialization, drawing down of ground water for household and commercial use has made the Asian country highly vulnerable to water stress. In some of the river basins of Asia, ground water is declining annually at a rate of two to four meter which stresses water quality and results in salt intrusion into groundwater aquifers. Excessive use of ground water can enhance flood disaster thus needs of proper water allocation and alternative water resources. Scarcity of water in emerging economics, water pollution, floods and droughts are the major issues on water security thus to overcome this issue needs of urgent policy attention, cooperation between regional countries and integrated basin management into the impact of climate change on water resources. Despite of focusing on pure engineering only, engineer should consider surrounding scenario. Good management of water resources can manage water security. IWRM is a process that can help to achieve water security which provides a triple bottom line of economic, social and environmental benefits to secure water for everyone. Presentation on Water Security in Asia and Pacific, Water Security from the case of JAPAN, Water Security in Citarum River Basin, Water Security in International Rivers and Role of River Basin Organization in the promotion of water and Green Growth for better Water Security was conducted by experts. Summary of Presentation:


Asian Water Development Outlook 2013, Measuring Water Security in Asia and the Pacific provides the first quantitative and comprehensive analysis of water security of the country by country basis in the region, examines five dimensions of water security from household, urban, environmental, economic to water related disasters, indicators and scaling system are used to rank the progress of each 49 Asia and the Pacific countries.

Water security case of Japan shows that the practice of industrial water recycling system may have short term impacts due to certain codes which may restrict water reuse but it will be key factor to deal with water scarcity in long run. Asian country should avoid negative IWRM spiral to develop water security.

Experience of Citarum river basin Indonesia shows that water should be clean, healthy and sufficient to meet up the people's necessity. Updating of information & database and coordination between different agencies are essential for water security.

Necessity of Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in river basins. Espoo Convention can be a good model to conduct transboundary EIA. Keys for success should be explored and adopt some good practices from the International rivers for security of water.

"GREEN" economic growth could play vital role for continual development of river basin. Innovative RBOs are logical drivers for basin development and modernization. Nevertheless, consciousness and perceptions on water security is arising but furt

her supports are required to perform actions. Political willingness, data and knowledge sharing, proper monitoring and evaluation, appropriate technology, Stakeholder ownership, and coordination between government agencies, private sector and local communities are some most important keys to carry successful IWRM to achieve water security.