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4th World Water Forum
A Global Stage for Local Action
Seven days of forums, panels, and networking will unfold 16 March at the 4th World Water Forum in Mexico City. Will it be more than just a talk shop? ADB thinks so. A delegation, led by Vice President Geert H.P.B. van der Linden, will report on action ADB has taken on the four initiatives it committed to at the last World Water Forum in 2003 in Japan. ADB also has a major announcement in store from Mexico —an action plan to catalyze significantly higher investments in Asia's water sector. This issue looks at the major themes of the 4th World Water Forum— river basin management, decentralization, reforms and the overall development of the international water agenda and ADB's role.
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Djendam Gurisinga on Managing Water Resources in a River Basin Context
Policies, information, analytical tools, and platforms for participation govern the process of water resources management, says Djendam Gurisinga, President Director of Indonesia’s largest river basin organization. They are tied together by the key ingredient—the people who make water their business. Find out how this basin organization has been pursuing reforms on cost recovery, knowledge management and more.
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Water and the International Agenda - From Dublin to Mexico
The second World Water Forum in the Hague in 2000 gave the water crisis its much deserved spot at the top of the development agenda and the Millennium Development Goals ensured that it remains there. Since then, every year has brought several conferences, world summits, and UN resolutions. What have these important milestones accomplished? And what more can we expect from the latest global water gathering — the 4th World Water Forum, 16-22 March 2006 in Mexico City? |
Results of ADB's Commitments at the 3rd World Water Forum
What has happened to the four key initiatives ADB committed to implement at the 3rd World Water Forum in 2003 in Japan? Have they raised awareness, skill levels, and investments in the water sector? More importantly, have they actually reduced poverty and improved water security? The 4th World Water Forum is a timely opportunity to take stock of progress. |
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Changes Introduce Indonesia to New Remedies to Old Maladies
From the newly decentralized governance setup, to the New Water Law, to the rigorous pursuit of integrated water resources management in river basins—Indonesia is clearly working towards a new and improved water sector. ADB is on hand to help develop innovative approaches to lingering problems. Can Indonesia shift gears in time to meet its MDGs?
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 ADB joins the 4th World Water Forum, 16-22 March, Mexico City
Drawing on results achieved since the 3rd World Water Forum in 2003, an ADB delegation headed by Vice President Geert van der Linden will share ADB's experience in implementing water projects and catalyzing financing, reforms, and capacity development. ADB is also supporting 10 Asian journalists to attend the forum. |
 ADB to Announce Water Financing Program in Mexico
From the global stage set by the 4th World Water Forum in Mexico City, ADB will announce on 20 March a major new initiative that will substantially increase its investments in the water sector over the next five years. The Water Financing Program, in addition to ongoing water operations, will direct new investments at rural communities, cities and the heart of the water sector — river basins. |
 Azerbaijan: ADB Boosting Focus on Roads and Water Infrastructure
Azerbaijan's road and water supply and sanitation sectors get a boost from new ADB loans totaling US$179 million in 2006. Maturing relationship between the Azerbaijan government and ADB, and the country's improved economic outlook account for this boost, says Matthew Westfall of the ADB Resident Mission in Azerbaijan. |
Indonesia: Project Planned to Clean up Urban Areas
By 2025, 160 million people in Indonesian cities will be scrambling for better basic urban services, particularly water supply and sanitation facilities. ADB will help Indonesia prepare for this scenario through a US$1.2 million technical assistance grant focusing on reduced pollution and improved urban sanitation and public health services. |
South Asia: Promoting Water Saving Rice Production
It takes 3,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of rice in South Asia. This scenario worsens with the impending water shortage in the region by 2025. ADB will provide South Asia with a US$1 million technical assistance grant to support the development of new water-saving rice production technologies. |
Thailand: National Water Resources Committee Undergoes Benchmarking and Peer Review
Asian water sector apex bodies have embarked on a peer review and performance benchmarking program. The Philippines first pilot tested the program in October 2005, and Thailand's National Water Resources Committee is currently undergoing theirs. Malaysia's turn is tentatively scheduled in April 2006. |
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Singapore: Technology Turns Water Weakness into Strength
Water purification technologies propelled this small island country into self-sufficiency, and liberated it from depending on neighboring countries for water. Singapore's desalination plant now produces 114 million liters of potable water every day. |
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India: Villagers Lend Hand to Revive Historical Legacy
The run-down Chandeli water tanks in Jatara, Madhya Pradesh, long ago built by Bundela kings and feudal landlords, once again supply water to the villages' agriculture and livestock industries. Community involvement has a big part in this story. |
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ADB Water Website Dons New Look
ADB's Water for All website sports a new look and adds new features for faster and easier web browsing. Visit the Water Knowledge Center for easy access to ADB materials on Asia's water sector, or view compiled resources for government stakeholders, civil society groups, private sector, journalists, researchers and ADB Staff.
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Water for All News is produced by the Asian Development Bank
(ADB) to provide current information
to developing member governments, professionals, researchers,
private sector, civil society, academe, and their counterparts
in the donor community who are interested in water sector
issues that affect the pace of development.
For comments or more information, contact water@adb.org
Disclaimer
The Asian Development Bank provides the information contained
in this newsletter and links to its web site solely as a resource.
While ADB tries to provide high-quality content on its web
site, it does not guarantee the accuracy, reliability, or
timeliness of this information; and therefore, will not be
liable in any capacity for damages or losses to the user that
may result from the use of this information. ADB and its affiliate
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disclosure of content in this newsletter or on its web site.
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