The Chair of Senegal CWP and three members of the steering committee took part in the various activities related to the celebration of the World Water Day in the countries. The official ceremonies took place in Saint Louis this year. The CWP contributed in finalizing the official communications that were delivered in addition to contributing to the panel discussions. The scientific panel took place on the topic “Water and Employment” and presided by the Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, Mr. Mansour FAYE. Two communications were made on the topic one covering national data and the second one reflecting local situation.
GWP Eastern Africa promoted the participation of Sudan Water Partnership national coordinator and member into a Young Water Professionals conference on the 11th, 12th and 13th of December in Kampala, Uganda, an event that was organized by International Water Association/African Water Association /National Water Sewage Corporation of Uganda conference.
Dr. Danka Thalmeinerova, GWP’s Knowledge Management Officer, wrote this blog after attending a meeting on September 3-4, 2012, hosted by Finland, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention).
GWP Hungary has become the national organizer of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize according to an agreement with the Swedish International Water Institute.
International water cooperation is essential. This was one of the key messages that Ambassador Robert F. Van Lierop delivered in his keynote speech at the GWP Consulting Partners Meeting in Stockholm. He made it clear that climate adaptation issues affect the entire world.
In the Danube hydrographic basin, agricultural practices continue to be the main source of water pollution. A pilot project “Best Agricultural Practices” was initiated focusing on e.g. nutrient management, conservation tillage and manure management. Awareness campaigns were initiated, training and education of farmers were emphasised. The key lesson is that these projects should be complimented by other technical and investment measures.
Management of the Upper Vistula basin is guided through the project Continuation of the Implementation of the Water Framework Directive, which is a joint French-Polish initiative. This project provides avenues for exchange of practical experiences between Polish and French partners, mobilises different stakeholders within basin borders. The most important lesson learned is to remember that documents should be transparent and comprehensible.
GWP Executive Secretary Dr Ania Grobicki was invited by the Brazilian government to speak at the Water Dialogue Panel which was broadcasted live on 19 June 2012. Ten recommendations were discussed by the panel and they will be transmitted directly to the roundtables of Heads of State and Government.
Chile's export-oriented economy based on products like copper, fruit, wood, salmon and wine – all of which need water for their production – has led to a significant increase in water use.