Pacific Partnership Initiative on Sustainable Water Management
Establishment of a Coordination Unit on Sustainable Water Management to Optimize Pacific Regional Action Plan
BACKGROUND
The Pacific Partnership Initiative on Sustainable Water Management between ADB and the South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission (SOPAC) aims to improve the coordination of water activities among Pacific Island Countries (PICs). ADB and SOPAC agree on
- strengthening regional cooperation
- improving water resources management in extreme climates
- following-up on the initiatives set at the 3rd World Water Forum
One component of the partnership is the establishment of a coordination unit on sustainable water management.
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DESCRIPTION OF COMPONENT
The Pacific Island Nations' Regional Action Plan (RAP) for Sustainable Water Management was formulated during the regional consultation workshop on Water in Small Island Countries in 2002, one of the preparatory activities for the 3rd World Water Forum.
The RAP focuses on six themes, and each theme consists of key messages to stakeholders and corresponding actions required to attain them:
The advocacy, coordination, networking, implementation, and monitoring of the RAP require a significant and dedicated effort. As such, the Pacific Partnership Initiative proposes the establishment of a small unit that will be attached to SOPAC, the regional agency mandated by 18 Pacific Island Countries to provide technical support in the water sector.
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OBJECTIVES
- Facilitate the implementation and monitoring of the RAP
- Increase country and donor support to the water sector.
- Promote coordinated approach to water management in the Pacific
- Facilitate accelerated improvements in water management (including improved political commitment, institutional reform, technical capacity, and community awareness of water issues) in individual PICs
- Enhance donor coordination and harmonization in the water sector
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PROPOSED ACTIVITIES
The Coordination Unit is expected to undertake the following activities:
- Introduce integrated water resources management concepts in PICs
- Share information to strengthen collaboration & coordination of international and regional initiatives
- Strengthen exchange of information with and between donor agencies, including consultation on Water Policies, Strategies and Development Programs
- Strengthen involvement and exchange of information with water utilities/ associations and the private sector
- Identify and establish resources and institutional measures for the long-term support of the Coordination Unit
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OUTPUTS
Specific outputs will include the following:
- Fully functional and effective Pacific Partnership Coordination Unit
- Establishment of a dedicated Web Site
- Distribution of multimedia materials
- Establishment of a Partnership Database
- Production of Quarterly Newsletters
- Review implementation of the Pacific RAP through the Action Matrix
- Semi-Annual and Annual Report of Coordination Unit
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CONTACT
Wouter Lincklaen Arriens
Lead Water Resources Specialist, ADB
E-Mail: water@adb.org
Cristelle Pratt
Director, SOPAC
E-mail: director@sopac.org
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