Background

Across Asia, a variety of small and large river basin organizations (RBOs) are now helping governments and stakeholders to implement integrated water resources management (IWRM) in river basins and thereby increase water security. Most of the RBOs operate within the structures of regular government departments; however a growing number of governments have opted for a corporate or quasi-corporate model to provide RBOs greater autonomy in their management, capacity development, and revenue generation. Decision-makers who are considering how to establish new RBOs or to strengthen existing ones now have a wider choice of models and examples to determine effective solutions that suit the local conditions.

The Network of Asian River Basin Organizations (NARBO) will for the first time convene an international workshop to explore the benefits that corporate RBOs can deliver to governments and basin stakeholders in Asia, and the necessary conditions for corporate RBOs to function effectively. The seminar is organized to help interested government and RBO decision-makers in Asia determine appropriate models for new and existing RBOs to implement IWRM in their river basins and thereby increase water security. NARBO will invite RBO champions to present corporate and quasi-corporate cases. Specialists from the academe and development partners are welcome to contribute to the discussions as resource persons. The Seminar will kick off with a study visit in the Brantas River Basin on 22 June.

Objectives

Supported by a background paper presenting existing cases and a proposed analytical framework for decision-makers, the participants will discuss:

1. Strengths and weaknesses of existing types of RBOs in Asia
2. Application and performance of corporate and quasi-corporate RBOs
3. How governments can determine an appropriate RBO model.

Organizers

The workshop is being organized by Perum Jasa Tirta 1 Public Corporation (PJT 1, the RBO for the Brantas and Solo River Basins) and the Center for River Basin Organizations and Management.

Target participants

Participation is open to NARBO members and non-members.