What is the Cooperation Fund for the Water Sector?

The Cooperation Fund for the Water Sector (CFWS) is a multi-donor facility established in December 2001 to help ADB promote effective water management policies and practices at the regional, subregional and country levels; and thereby catalyze the implementation of ADB's water policy in its developing member countries.

What are the priorities?

The top priority is for the Asia and Pacific region to plan and execute integrated, cross-sectoral approaches to water management and development. Key areas include promoting water sector reform, management of water resources, improving and expanding the delivery of water services, fostering conservation and efficient use of water as well as promoting regional cooperation and increasing the mutually beneficial use of shared water resources within and between countries.

What kind of activities are eligible for the fund?

The cooperation fund finances activities under six components:

• advocacy and communications
• knowledge base and capacity building
• pilot and demonstration activities (PDAs)
• water partnerships
• regional events and initiatives
• coordination, monitoring and evaluation.

The activities add value to the water projects carried out by ADB’s regional departments and increase the synergy in ADB’s water sector operations.

Who is eligible to receive the funding?

The ADB developing member countries are eligible to receive assistance.

Who supports the fund?

The Netherlands and Norway support the fund.