Water

In 2001, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) outlined its vision for integrated water management in the region in its "Water for All" water policy.

The policy recognizes the Asia and Pacific region's need to formulate and implement integrated, cross-sectoral approaches to water management and development. It also advocates that

• water is a socially vital economic good
• water needs careful management
• a participatory approach will help conserve and protect water resources

• Promote a national focus on water sector reform
• Foster the integrated management of water resources
• Improve and expand the delivery of water services
• Foster the conservation of water and increase system efficiencies
• Promote regional cooperation and increase the mutually beneficial use of shared water resources within and between countries
• Facilitate the exchange of water sector information and experience
• Improve governance and capacity building

ADB ensures the continuing effectiveness of the Water Policy by undertaking review processes designed to assess the extent to which the policy provisions have been integrated into ADB's water operations and have contributed to the vision of attaining water for all.

• 2005 Comprehensive Review of ADB's Water Policy Implementation
  Assessed the region's challenges and investment requirements and recommended strategies for ADB's support to clients.
• 2003 Interim Review of the ADB's Water Policy Implementation
  Assessed the integration of the Water Policy into ADB operations and generated lessons for ongoing and future operations.
• Approved revision in ADB's Water Policy regarding large water resources projects
  The Interim Review recommended revising the policy provision for large water resources projects.

Five years after the Water Policy was approved, what progress has it brought Asia and the Pacific? ADB's publication, “Charting Change: The Impact of ADB’s Water for All Policy on Investments, Project Designs and Sectoral Reforms,” takes a close look at how the policy's implementation has influenced investment levels, generated more strategic project designs and made strides in improving public policy.

• In Brief summary on ADB's Water Policy 2006 [ PDF ]
• "Water for All" The Water Policy of ADB
• Frequently asked questions about the water policy