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National Water Sector Apex Bodies
About Water Apex Bodies
ADB considers Water Apex Bodies as critical institutions to improve decision-making for better water governance. Water Apex Bodies aim to promote a national focus on water sector reform, guide a water sector reform process, and facilitate policy dialogue and investment partnerships. |
MORE ABOUT WATER APEX BODIES
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ADB regards National Water Sector Apex Bodies as critical institutions to improve decision-making for better water governance. In support of its water policy, ADB actively promotes and supports the development of national water sector apex bodies to:
- promote a national focus on water sector reform, through the formulation and adoption of effective national water policies, water laws, improved institutional capacities, information management, and a national action agenda for the water sector
- guide a water sector reform process in which the relevant stakeholders in the country collaborate to achieve agreed water sector outcomes
- facilitate policy dialogue and investment partnerships in the water sector with development partners, including ADB
TopNine countries in Asia have established their national water apex bodies. Read thier individual profiles.
| Bangladesh | Water Resources Planning Organization |
| Lao PDR | Water Resources Coordinating Committee |
| Malaysia | Department of Irrigation and Drainage |
| Nepal | Water and Energy Commission Secretariat |
| Philippines | National Water Resources Board |
| Thailand | Natural Water Resources Committee |
| Viet Nam | National Water Resources Council |
| India | National Water Resources Board |
| Kazakhstan | Water Resources Committee |
Water apex bodies generally experience the following challenges and constraints in their work:
- Need for better enabling environment to perform more effectively; to clarify functions and indicators of effectiveness
- Need for sustained political commitment to water sector reforms
- Need for a clear mandate that is recognized and accepted, and not be seen as threat by other agencies
- Need to differentiate between an apex body and a ministry of water resources which has a cross-sectoral role
- Need to understand factors that determine whether a country should establish an apex body
- Need to assess the extent to which apex bodies have benefited the general public in terms of access to water
- Need to assess the extent to which apex bodies should be involved in transboundary water management
Mai Flor
Urban Water Specialist
E-mail: mflor.consultant@adb.org
