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Promoting Water Sector Reforms
National Water Sector Apex Bodies - NWSAB

To adopt water policies and laws, and carry out institutional reforms, countries will need to set up a national apex body to coordinate such reform and formulate a national water action agenda. Water is a critical issue to sustainable economic development, and it is important that the water sector apex body represents the interests of all stakeholders.
SPOTLIGHT
Second Regional Meeting of National Water Sector Apex Bodies

When national water sector apex bodies (NWSABs) first met in May 2004, they agreed to pursue further cooperation among them. A second meeting has been organized to review the progress on these activities.

To adopt water policies and laws, and carry out institutional reforms, countries will need to set up a national apex body to coordinate such reform and formulate a national water action agenda. Water is a critical issue to sustainable economic development, and it is important that the water sector apex body represents the interests of all stakeholders.

PRIORITY NEEDS OF NWSABs THAT REQUIRE REGIONAL COOPERATION

During the regional meeting of national water sector apex bodies in Hanoi, Viet Nam in May 2004, participants identified the issues that constrain water sector performance and coordination in their respective countries, and the actions that could potentially lessen these constraints.

Countries with Apex Bodies Countries without Apex Bodies* Knowledge Partners
Priority Needs and Issues Suggested Activities
Judicious use of capacity/coordination
  • Share knowledge and experiences to encourage the adoption and use of best practices
  • Sharing data and information, especially real-time data between shared waters
  • Training facilities
Resource availability and demand
  • Coordinated development and management of shared river basins, watersheds and catchment areas
Sector capacity
  • Data information exchange, especially shared waters, especially real-time forecasts
  • Share ideas and guidance on legal and regulatory issues
  • Share training and capacity building, human resources development mechanism
  • More funds
Engagement and buy-in
  • Build awareness among top leadership
  • Enable and equip to "bridge communication gap" between water profession and leadership
  • Share knowledge/experience on participatory methods, public information, and communications
* Countries without established apex bodies include: Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan

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PROMOTING REGIONAL COOPERATION: PRIORITY ACTIVITIES
During the regional meeting of national water sector apex bodies in May 2004, participants have agreed to pursue the following activities designed to promote cooperation among them.
  1. Information Sharing
  2. Peer Review
  3. Developing Performance Indicators and Benchmarks
  4. Joint Trainings/Workshops
  5. Cross Visits and Regional Exchanges to Raise Awareness
  6. Involvement of Media/Strengthening Public Relations
  1. Information Sharing

    2. Regional cooperation could facilitate information sharing on the following:
    • Policy and legislation review
    • Awareness raising
    • Data and information management and planning
    • International cooperation/shared river basins (need for real-time data was emphasized)
    • Exchanging best practices

    Next Step: set up an e-group among the apex bodies.

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  2. Peer Review

    3. Many apex bodies feel that their peers, rather than external consultants, are in a better position to assess their performance and effectiveness as apex bodies.

    Thailand has volunteered to be the pilot country to undergo this peer review.

    Next step: define the mechanics for the peer review; ensure that the review is linked to the proposed benchmarking exercise to be undertaken by the apex bodies.

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  3. Developing Performance Indicators and Benchmarks
    4.

    Seven key result areas of effectiveness were discussed by the apex bodies:

    1. guiding national water sector reforms
    2. introducing integrated water resources management
    3. improving and expanding the delivery of water services
    4. enhancing sustainable water use in society
    5. promoting equitable use of shared water resources
    6. fostering consultative and participatory approaches
    7. building capacity to respond to changing needs

    The apex bodies recognized that benchmarking their performance would be a good exercise to assess how they are faring and in which areas they need to improve. They also acknowledged that cultural sensitivities of the different countries will need to be taken into consideration.

    Next Step: develop performance indicators for the benchmarking exercise and the peer review process.

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  4. Joint Trainings/Workshops

    5. The group proposed joint training courses for staff of apex bodies, to focus on subjects such as water policy, water law, strategy, and regulation.

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  5. Cross Visits and Regional Exchanges to Raise Awareness

    6. Apex bodies need support from decision makers and politicians. Raising their awareness is a possible key to getting this support.

    Priority activities: cross visits or exposure trips that will allow for inter-country exchanges and sharing of experiences.

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  6. Involvement of Media/Strengthening Public Relationsli>

    Getting media more involved could help with raising awareness not only among politicians and decision makers but also for the general public. Also, each apex body should consider investing in public relations.

    Priority activities: develop and agree on core messages; launch regional coordinated media campaigns.