nexus dialogue on water infrastructure solutions workshop report
TRANSCRIPT
1
Nexus Dialogue on Water Infrastructure Solutions
Workshop Report
ASIA
Nexus Dialogue Workshop
Bangkok, Thailand, 17-19 March 2014
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Contents
Executive Summary ................................................................................................... 3
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................... 4
2. Asian Nexus Dialogue Workshop Objectives .................................................... 6
3. Keynote Address .............................................................................................. 7
4. The Nexus Dialogue on Water Infrastructure Solutions .................................... 7
5. Status of the Nexus in the Asia Pacific Region ................................................. 8
6. Asia Region Nexus Vision and Targets ........................................................... 10
7. Asia Region Problems, Solutions and Ways to Mobilise ................................. 11
8. Development of Investment Grade Proposals ................................................ 14
9. Next Steps ...................................................................................................... 15
10. Appendices ..................................................................................................... 16
Appendix One: Workshop Agenda .................................................................................. 16
Appendix Two: Workshop Participants ............................................................................ 18
Appendix Three: Asia Region Case Studies ...................................................................... 20
Appendix Four: Problems, Solutions and Mobilisation ..................................................... 34
Appendix Five: Group Proposals ..................................................................................... 48
Appendix Six: Workshop Evaluations ............................................................................ 49
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Executive Summary
Water, energy and food systems are inter-connected and have become increasingly more complex
and dependent upon one another. As a result, a disturbance in one system can destabilise the others
- highlighting the need for a ‘Nexus-Based Approach’. This requires the water, energy and food
sectors to engage in a dialogue and deliberative analysis of river basins, looking for solutions to
optimise the inter-dependencies and support the equitable and sustainable allocation of natural
resources while balancing environmental, social and economic issues.
The Nexus Dialogue on Water Infrastructure Solutions held the last in a series of three regional
“Anchor” workshops (for Africa, Latin America and Asia) in Bangkok, Thailand on 17-19 March 2014
in partnership with United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific
(UNESCAP1). Participants were drawn from across Asia from the water, energy and food sectors. The
Nexus Dialogue workshop provided an opportunity to identify the problems and solutions to secure
water, energy and food security, both across and within Asian river basins.
The aim of the Asia Nexus Dialogue workshop was to build on the outputs from the African and Latin
American workshops and focus on the implementation of solutions for water, energy and food security
in the region. Workshop participants were encouraged to identify where the barriers to implementation
exist, and look at where and how these have been overcome.
The objectives of the workshop were to:
Learn from workshop participants about their nexus challenges
Support participants in establishing coordinated nexus roadmaps
Understand how to scale up nexus solutions
Build a roadmap towards the Beijing International Conference
A number of emergent themes came out of the workshop, these included:
The need to improve nexus data, information and decision support systems
The need to enable new and innovative nexus (clean/green/eco) technologies
The need for improved nexus governance platforms and institutional arrangements
Participants from the Bangkok workshop were encouraged to build new coalitions and partnerships
for follow-up action in technology, demonstration and investments in built and natural water
infrastructure and national-level dialogues on policy and implementation.
1 http://www.unescap.org/
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1. Introduction
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN2) and the International Water Association
(IWA3) are collaborating on a joint initiative to address competing water demands in river basins. The
‘Nexus Dialogue on Water Infrastructure Solutions’ is a call to action to those leading transformations
in water infrastructure planning, financing and operation. With a continued increase in water
abstractions and use from growing populations, and more irregular patterns of water availability due to
climate change, the pressure on water supplies is rising.
Increasing urbanisation and economic growth provide significant benefits, but also pose a range of
challenges especially for water quantity and quality. Water, energy and food security rely on water
infrastructure. Recognition of the closely bound interaction between water, energy and food – the
nexus – has led to new demands for water infrastructure and technology solutions.
To address competing water needs cities and utilities need to diversify water supply options from a
single source to a portfolio of supplies. They will need to optimise water infrastructure for multiple
purposes, including investing in watersheds as natural infrastructure to work in concert with built
infrastructure which supplies water to cities and industry. This will require cities and industries to
engage effectively and efficiently in river basin management and support the equitable negotiation of
water allocations across users.
Figure 1: Interactions of water, energy and food - the nexus
The Nexus Dialogue is future-focused, examining how engineered and nature-based water
infrastructure and technology are currently being used and can be made more functional and
sustainable (Figure 1), to secure water, energy generation and food production while balancing
environmental, social and economic issues.
2 http://www.iucn.org/
3 http://iwahq.org
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The Dialogue helps to identify and share water infrastructure and technology solutions for the water-
energy-food security nexus. More complete and broad cross-sectoral thinking is required to deal with
the challenges around water, energy and food production efficiencies, trade-offs, and cross-sectoral
impacts. The Dialogue will provide a global platform (Figure 2) for sharing experiences, lessons, tools
and guidelines on how portfolios of water infrastructure and technologies can address nexus
challenges.
Figure 2: Global Dialogue Platform
The Dialogue is designed to build a common understanding of innovative planning, management and
operational approaches that provide shared benefits across sectors. A series of three regional
workshops – in Africa, Latin America and Asia – have brought together innovators and thought
leaders from the water, food and energy sectors (Figure 3).
Figure 3: The Nexus Dialogue
The workshops build on ‘best-practice’ success stories in water infrastructure operation and
innovation to create a shared, cross-sectoral vision that combines best available technology, know-
how and experiences. The Nexus Dialogue will culminate in the 2014 International Conference on
Water, Energy and Food in China. The conference will be a major milestone in creating new pathways
for water infrastructure planning, investments and operations to meet the integrated challenge of
water, food and energy security.
May 2013
Regional Workshop: Africa
Nairobi, Kenya
September 2013
Regional Workshop: Latin America
Bogota, Columbia
March 2014
Regional Workshop: Asia
Bangkok, Thailand
November 2014
International Conference
Beijing, China
SolutionOptions
SolutionOptimisations
SolutionImplementation
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2. Asian Nexus Dialogue Workshop Objectives
The objectives of the Asian Nexus Dialogue workshop were to:
Learn from workshop participants about their nexus challenges
Support participants in establishing coordinated nexus roadmaps
Understand how to scale-up nexus solutions
Build a roadmap towards the Beijing International Conference
The workshop was organised over 3 days and a complete agenda of the workshop is available in
Appendix 1 and a list of participants is in Appendix 2.
Day 1
Session 1.1: The Nexus Dialogue on Water Infrastructure Solutions
Session 1.2: Status of Nexus in Asia-Pacific Region
Session 1.3: Asia Region Nexus Case Studies
Session 1.4: Asia Region Nexus Vision and Targets
Session 1.5: Asia Region Nexus Case Studies
Day 2
Session 2.1: Nexus Problems
Session 2.2: Identifying 100 Nexus Solutions
Session 2.3: Refine Top 5 Nexus Solutions
Session 2.4: Mobilise Top Nexus Solutions
Day 3
Session 3.1: Develop Nexus Proposals
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Session 3.2: Proposal Presentations
Session 3.3: Proposal Review Panel
Session 3.4: Workshop Reflections and the Road to Beijing Conference
Session 3.5: Workshop Evaluation
3. Keynote Address
Mr. Rae Kwon Chung, Director, Environment and Development Division, UNESCAP, welcomed all to
the UN Conference Centre in Bangkok. He advised workshop participants that UNESCAP had been
looking at both ‘water in green growth’ and the status of the water-energy-food nexus since 2011.
UNESCAP has been focusing on Eco-Efficient Water Infrastructure (EEWI4) since 2009 with pilot
projects in member countries of South Asia and Southeast Asia. Under a joint UNESCAP and
UNHABITAT programme the first regional workshop on EEWI is being held on 19-21 March 2014.
The EEWI programme and pilots look across the overall policy, governance and awareness of water
resource management within river basins in Indonesia, Viet Nam, specific parts of urban storm water
management in Malaysia and aspects of Singapore’s Active, Beautiful and Clean (ABC) programme.
It also touches on specific needs of water supply and sanitation infrastructure in the Philippines and
Nepal.
In 2013 UNESCAP, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO5) and Asian
Development Bank (ADB6) partners have been looking into ‘building resilience to natural disasters
and major economic crises’. This included avoiding catastrophic failure by analysing the land, water
and energy nexus. The first UNESCAP Asian and Pacific Energy forum was held at the ministerial
level in May 2013. It resulted in a breakthrough roadmap on regional cooperation for enhanced
energy security and the sustainable use of energy.
4. The Nexus Dialogue on Water Infrastructure Solutions
Damian Crilly (IWA) and James Dalton (IUCN) provided background to the concept of the nexus,
specifically, the Nexus Dialogue on Water Infrastructure Solutions. Delivering water uses energy,
energy production uses water, agriculture uses both; and modern societies need all three. Water, land
and energy systems are interconnected, with complex interactions (the nexus). We all depend upon
natural resources for our water, energy and food security.
The global trends of population growth, rapid urbanisation and rising living standards are placing
increasingly competitive demands upon finite natural resources for agriculture, energy and industrial
production. The world population is predicted to grow to over 9 billion by 2050. This rising global
population is becoming increasingly urban. Today, one in two people on the planet live in a city. Every
second, the urban population grows by 2 people.
If these trends continue it is estimated that by 2050:
Water demand is projected to increase by 55% more than current levels
Energy demand is projected to increase by 80% more than current levels
Food demand is projected to increase by 60% more than current levels
4 http://www.unescap.org/events/regional-workshop-eco-efficient-water-infrastructure-towards-sustainable-urban-development
5 http://www.fao.org/home/en/
6 http://www.adb.org/
8
As global resource demands increase with rising
populations and expectations, they will need to be
serviced with water, energy and food against a
backdrop of climate change. Competition will increase
across the various uses of these natural resources for
agriculture, industry, energy and ecosystems.
Recent extremes of droughts and floods in Asia have
forced recognition of the closely bound interaction and
interconnections between water, energy and food. The
world is becoming increasingly interconnected.
Disturbance and change in one system can destabilise
the others. This is forcing recognition that isolated
solutions aimed at just one sector are no longer fit for
purpose. Development of innovative water
infrastructure and technology that optimise and
address the interdependencies of water, energy and
food will become ever more important.
5. Status of the Nexus in the Asia Pacific Region
Hezri Adnan, Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia (ISIS7) provided an overall
perspective of the Nexus in the Asia Pacific Region. The availability of freshwater in Asia is less than
half the global annual average (6,380m3 / person). However, the UNESCAP Index of Water
Available for Development reveals that there have been steep declines in water availability for
development since the baseline year.
Continued growth of energy use in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in China and India, will have
major consequences for geopolitics, financial and energy markets and pollution, both regionally and
globally. It is estimated that by 2050, South Asia will need to divert up to 57% more water to
agriculture.
There are a number of geographical nexus ‘hot-spots’ recognised within the Asia Pacific Region. For
example, there are conflicts between upstream hydropower states and downstream uses (e.g.
irrigation for cotton, rice and wheat) in Central Asia.
Recommendations included:
Improve and deepen analysis of water, energy and food linkages in Asia-Pacific though input-
output analysis focusing on physical (resource intensity), monetary (price & cost dynamics)
and distributive (implications of social allocations)
Adopt green economy/growth model which encourages investments in natural capital
Re-orientate government policy framework through measures such as pricing of resources
which reflects their actual value and addressing the weakest links in the supply and demand
chain
Disruptive innovation
7 http://www.isis.org.my/
9
Empower policy process which include
policy integration to address silo approach and
foresight through scenarios and systems
thinking
This overview of the Nexus in the Asia Pacific
Region was followed by the following
enlightening regional case studies, which
highlighted nexus connections.
Food, water and energy security
trade-offs in the 3-S river basin and Tonle
Sap
Tracy Farrell (Conservation International8)
briefed workshop participants on food, water and energy security trade-offs in the Sesan,
Srepok and Sekong (3-S) river basin and Tonle Sap.
Integrated Trang River Basin Management, Local Stakeholders’ Perspective
Chamniern Vorratnchaiphan, IUCN Thailand, briefed workshop participants on how
ecological, participatory and integrative approaches were involved in the development of the
Trang River Basin Strategy.
The role of modelling in informed nexus decision making
Tarek Ketelsen, International Centre for Environmental Management (ICEM9), Vietnam,
briefed workshop participants on the role of modelling in informed nexus decision making in
the Mekong.
Urban nexus from a local perspective – Nashik, Maharashtra, India
Emani Kumar, International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI10
), briefed
workshop participants on a local perspective of an urban nexus using Nashik, Maharashtra
(India) as a case study.
ASEAN foresight on the water-energy-food nexus
Surachai Sathitkunarat, National Science Technology and Innovation (STI11
), Thailand,
briefed workshop participants on sustainable economic development and eco-resilience in
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN12
).
Understanding the nexus in the Mekong Region
John Dore, Australian Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bangkok13
, briefed
workshop participants on nexus issues in the Mekong Region.
Details of all of the above presentations are available in Appendix Three.
8 http://www.conservation.org/Pages/default.aspx
9 http://icem.com.au/
10 http://www.iclei.org/
11 http://www.sti.or.th/en/
12 http://www.asean.org/
13 http://aid.dfat.gov.au/Pages/home.aspx
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6. Asia Region Nexus Vision and Targets
Workshop participants were asked to work in groups and define and prioritise targets that would help
reach a nexus vision for 2030 for the Asia region.
As a prompt workshop, groups were asked to consider:
What are some of the policy, economic, social, technical, legal/institutional and environmental
targets around provision of water, energy and food you would like to see by 2030?
The purpose of this exercise was to get participants thinking about water-energy-food links and how
these would look like in the future.
Group outputs included:
Education
The education curricula breaks out of water, energy and food silos
Capacity building on cost benefit analysis considers financial, social and environmental trade-offs
Politics
The evidence base which reflect the realities of the trade-offs across the nexus drives political decision making
Economics
A practical benefit sharing approach for each infrastructure development is established
Pricing of the negative impacts of infrastructure development on natural resources is in place (subsidies, staggered approach to the Payment for Ecosystem Services, a proper valuation of resources)
Improved incentives are in place to maximise water and energy efficiencies (such as water treatment)
Research and Technology
International cooperation between countries and sectors to increase technology transfer, research and development, knowledge exchange and transfer)
Governance and institutions
Improving participation in the development and operation of multi-use infrastructure
Nexus ministries coordinate sectors
Improve inter-ministerial coordination
Effective governance mechanisms at the trans-boundary levels
Corruption free and transparent decision making Nexus development and planning
Strengthen the linkages between sectoral planning and river basin planning at different levels, with attention to upstream and downstream linkages
Integration between spatial planning (river basin, tributaries, administrative boundaries)
Integration of regulations across spatial levels
Demonstrate best practice with pilot studies and projects, scaled to area level interventions
Some key points raised in plenary discussions included:
Nexus provides a space for investing in green growth – green growth is a strategy for
sustainable growth for poverty reduction
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Creating a Vision for 2030
Defining problems
Brainstorming 100 solutions
20 ways to mobilise each of Top 5 solutions
Need to consider the social dimension, it is not just about investing in technology and
infrastructure
Bilateral relationships in the nexus are more achievable than trilateral complexity
Sectoral silos are a problem institutionally, educationally and at the research and science
level (‘feeding the beast), as education and research reinforce the silos
Build better with a wider range of uses and manage smarter
7. Asia Region Problems, Solutions and Ways to Mobilise
Once participants had defined their vision for 2030, they were guided through a process of defining
problems, identifying solutions to these problems and ways to mobilise the solutions. The process is
illustrated in Figure 4 below.
Figure 4: Problems, Solutions and Mobilisation Process
Participants were grouped according to their geographic locations and asked to identify the key
problems in each country or country groups in relation to water, energy, food interactions. Problems
were identified at the interface of:
Water-food Water is needed to grow food; Food transports (virtual) water
Food-energy Food can be used to produce energy; Energy is needed to produce food
Energy-water Water is needed to generate energy; Energy is needed to supply water
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Some selected examples of key problems identified include:
Excessive upstream irrigation limiting downstream hydropower potential
Lack of information about the impact of inter-connexion between Energy, Food and Water
Lack of strategic planning across sectors; no clear quantitative targets for resource allocations
Poor farming techniques and unsustainable water and energy consumption
High inter-sectoral competition for water, energy and land resources
Distorted allocation of resources
Water is under-priced and electricity is over subsidised
Please refer to Appendix 4 for the full list of problems identified by each group of participants.
Figure 5: The PESTLE Approach (Policy, Economics, Social, Technology, Legal, Environment)
Based on the problems identified, participants were then asked to brainstorm up to 100 solutions that
address the problems to reach the vision targets. The solutions were not just infrastructure and
technology, but also the political, economic, social, technical, legal and institutional, and
environmental, the ‘PESTLE’ approach (Figure 5) to facilitate implementation of the solutions.
Following this, groups were asked to select and further develop their top five solutions. Participants
were advised that these needed to be the best solutions that would work for their country’s water,
energy, food security. They were advised that they should choose the solutions that will be a good
investment, catalytic and achieve the vision 2030 target(s).
Water
Infrastructure
Policy
Economics
Social
Technology
Legal/ Institutional
Environment
13
Some selected examples of solutions identified include:
Stimulate investments (public-private partnerships) in the nexus
Develop a national nexus database
Establish Mekong Nexus Council
Pilot green technologies
Establish a National-Regional Nexus Platform
Establish a nexus think tank to implement nexus relevant analyses and understand trade-offs
Promote and enhance nexus data democratisation
Please refer to Appendix 4 for the full list of solutions identified by each group of participants.
Once their top five solutions had been selected, participants were asked to identify and further
develop 20 ways to mobilise each solution. Participants were advised that this could include, funding
policy, capacity, education. Participants were asked to consider:
What institutions will be involved?
What the resources (people) would be needed?
Where would the finance come from for a solution?
What types of monitoring systems would be needed?
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Some selected examples of how to mobilise identified solutions included:
Capacity building through case studies and knowledge sharing
Analyse shared risks of lack of coordination
Creation of regional policy projects
Supporting policies for technology to attract investment, both public and private
Identify sectoral nexus focal points and champions
Rapid appraisal on national nexus problems
Establish formal links with existing initiatives
Improved public participation and resource allocation
Remove perverse subsidies
Creating market based pricing
Please refer to Appendix 4 for the full list of how to mobilise solutions.
8. Development of Investment Grade Proposals
Each group was asked to select their preferred most ‘catalytic’ solution from their top 5 solutions and
transform this into an ‘investment-grade’ project proposal. They were advised that this should include
a timeline and steps needed to achieve the Nexus 2030 Vision targets. The format for the proposals
included:
What are the milestones/steps and when do they happen?
Who is involved in the solution?
Benefits and trade-offs
Supporting legal instruments
Links to Development Agendas
Risk analysis and management
Cost and funding sources
Up-scaling
What are the barriers/gaps for implementation?
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A summary of the selected solutions by each group is set out below:
Group Proposal Problem(s) Addressed
1 Nexus Database
Lack of information about the impact of inter-connection between Energy
Food and Water
2 Mekong
Council
Lack of strategic planning across sectors
Upstream/downstream trans-boundary conflicts
3 Green
Technology
Poor links between research and practical application
Poor farming techniques
Unsustainable water and energy consumption
4 National
Regional
Nexus
Platform
Working in silos
Inter-sectoral competition for resources
Inefficient allocation of resources
Lack of coordination between sectors
5
Data
Democratisation
Distorted allocation of resources
Please refer to Appendix 5 for more detailed group outputs
9. Next Steps
Participants from the Bangkok workshop were encouraged to build new coalitions and partnerships
for follow-up action in technology, demonstration, investments in built and natural water infrastructure,
and national-level dialogues on policy and implementation.
This Nexus Dialogue methodology allows for context-specific consultations along with international
cross-fertilisation of ideas and solutions. The next Nexus Dialogue workshop will be held in Istanbul,
Turkey in July 2014.and will build on the outputs of the Asia Nexus Dialogue workshop.
The Nexus Dialogue will culminate in the 2014 International Conference on Water, Energy and Food
in China. The conference will feature water infrastructure and technology solutions for optimisation
across the nexus. The conference will be a major milestone in creating new pathways for water
infrastructure planning, investments and operations to meet the integrated challenge of water, energy
and food security.
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10. Appendices
Appendix One: Workshop Agenda
Day 1, Monday 17 March 2014, The Nexus Realities – visioning day
Time Session Summary
09.00-09.30 Arrival and registration
09.30 -9.45 Session 1.0: Opening Session UNESCAP/IUCN/IWA – Welcoming Addresses
09:45-10:15 Session 1.1: The Nexus Dialogue IUCN/IWA
Outline the purpose of the Nexus Dialogue on Water Infrastructure Solutions
10.15-10.30 Questions & Answers
10.30-11.00 Session 1.2: Status of the Nexus in Asia-Pacific Region
The Interdependence of Water, Food and Energy Resources in Asia Dr. Hezri Adnan, Program Director, Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS), Malaysia
11.00-11.15 BREAK
11.15-12.15 Session 1.3: Asia Region
Nexus Case Studies
Food, water, energy security trade-offs 3-S river basin and Tonle Sap Dr. Tracy Farrell, Snr Technical Director-Greater Mekong Program, Conservation International
Integrated Trang River Basin Management from Local Stakeholders’ Perspective’ Dr. Chamniern Vorratnchaiphan, Country Representative, IUCN Thailand
The role of modelling in informed Nexus decision making Dr. Tarek Ketelsen, Technical Director, International Centre for Environmental Management, Vietnam
12.15-12.30 Questions & Answers
12.30-13.30 LUNCH
13.30-14:45 Session 1.4: Nexus Vision Development (group work)
Participants will work in groups to shape and prioritise targets for 2030 around the provision of water, energy and food in the region
14.45-15.00 BREAK
15.00-16:30 Session 1.5: Asia Region
Nexus Case Studies
Water-Food-Energy: Urban Nexus from Local Perspective – A case study of Nashik, Maharashtra, India Prof. Emani Kumar, Deputy Secretary General, ICLEI Global and Executive Director, ICLEI South Asia
ASEAN foresight on the water-energy-food nexus Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, Director, Department of Energy and Environment, National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office, Thailand
Understanding the Nexus in the Mekong Region Dr. John Dore, Senior Regional Water Resources Specialist, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australian Embassy, Bangkok.
16.30-17.00 Questions & Answers and Plenary Discussion
17.00 Day 1 Close
17.00-19.00 Asia Nexus Workshop Reception - United Nations Conference Centre
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Day 2, Tuesday 18 March 2014, Mapping Nexus Solutions Nexus for your country
Time Session Summary
08:30-08.35 Introduction to Day 2 Brief re-cap from Day 1, and explanation of Day 2 activities
08:35-09:30 Session 2.1: Nexus Problems (group work)
Key problems in each country or country groups in relation to water, energy, food interactions are defined. These include policy, economic, social , technical, legal (institutional) , and environmental (PESTLE) problems
09:30-12.00
Session 2.2: Identifying 100 Nexus Solutions (group work)
Identify and develop 100 solutions which includes using a PESTLE analysis to enable each country or country group to reach the Nexus 2030 Vision
12.00-13.00 LUNCH
13.00-15.00
Session 2.3: Refine Top 5 Nexus Solutions (group work)
Select and further develop the top 5 solutions from the100. The solutions should be catalytic and achieve the vision 2030 target(s)
15.00-15.15 BREAK
15.15-16.30 Session 2.4: Mobilise Top Nexus Solutions (group work)
Identify 20 ways to mobilise each of the top 5 solutions
16.30-17.00 Wrap Up of Day 2 and Close
Day 3, Wednesday 19 March 2014, Mobilising Nexus Solutions
Time Session Summary
08:30-08.35 Introduction to Day 3 Brief re-cap from Day 2, and explanation of Day 3 activities
08.35-12.00 Session 3.1: Develop Nexus Proposals (group work)
Select preferred most ‘catalytic’ solution from top 5 and transform into an ‘investment-grade’ project proposal that includes timeline and steps needed to achieve the Nexus 2030 Vision targets (template provided)
12.00-13.00 LUNCH
13.00-15.30 Session 3.2: Presentations and Q&A of Nexus Proposals
Plenary presentations of project proposals
15.30-15.45 BREAK
15.45-16.15 Session 3.3: Proposal Review Panel
Nexus 2030 Vision Review Panel announce ‘winning’ proposals
16.15-16.30 Session 3.4: Workshop Reflections and the Road to the Beijing International Conference
Plenary discussion on the workshop including explanation of the Beijing International Conference
16.30-16.45 Session 3.5: Workshop Evaluation Participants evaluate workshop
17.00 Closing Remarks from UNESCAP and IUCN/IWA - Workshop Close
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Appendix Two: Workshop Participants
Name Organisation Country
Imtiaz Ahmed Dhaka University, School of International Relations Bangladesh
Emani Kumar ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability India
Kanupriya Harish Jal Bhagirathi Foundation India
Thoummabout Vithounlabandid Department of Energy Policy and Planning, Ministry of Energy and Mines Laos
Ludovic Branlant Lao Institute for Renewable Energy Laos
Vongchanh Indavong Theun Hinboun Power Company Laos
Keoduangchai Keokhamphui Water Resources Engineering Department, National University of Laos Laos
Hezri Adnan ISIS Malaysia
John Dore Australian Embassy - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Mekong
Tracy Farrell Conservation International Mekong
Aye Myint Department of Irrigation Myanmar
Dipak Gyawali Nepal Water Conservation Foundation Nepal
Ajoy Karki Sanima Hydro Nepal
Ratna Sansar Shrestha Senior Water Resource Analyst Nepal
Christopher Butler Univ. of California Nepal
Kairos Dela Cruz Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities Philippines
Kamal Laksiri Ceylon Electricity Board Sri Lanka
Upali Daranagama Ministry of Power and Energy Sri Lanka
Mr. Rakchai Kiat-Arpakul Bureau of International Cooperation Thailand
Ms. Sukontha Aekaraj Bureau of International Cooperation Thailand
Nitiphan Trongkarndee Bureau of Water Resources Conservation and Rehabilitation Thailand
Carl Middleton Chulalongkorn University, Thailand Thailand
Alejandro Hita Communications Consultant (IUCN) Thailand
Alex Smajgl CSIRO Thailand
Hongpeng Liu UNESCAP – ESWRS Thailand
Banashri Sinha UNESCAP – SUDS Thailand
Jeremy Tormos UNESCAP- ESWRS Thailand
Salmah Zakaria UNESCAP- ESWRS Thailand
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Name Organisation Country
Ruth Erlbeck GIZ – Thailand Thailand
Falk Momber GIZ – Thailand Thailand
Piyamarn Sisomphon Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute Thailand
Surajate Boonya-Aroonnet Hydro and Agro Informatics Institute Thailand
Chamniern Vorratnchaipan IUCN- Thailand Thailand
Lalita Rammont IUCN-ARO Thailand
Yanyong Inmuong Khon Kaen University Thailand
Wisoot Weeteeprasit MWA Waterworks Academy Thailand
Boontariga Kasemsontitum National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office (STI) Thailand
Jakapong Pongthanaisawan National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office (STI) Thailand
Surachai Sathitkunarat National Science Technology and Innovation Policy Office (STI) Thailand
Mr. Apichart President of Thailand Water Resource association Thailand
Chayanis Krittasudthacheewa Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Thailand
Chusit Apirumanekul Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI) Thailand
Benjamas Chotthong Thailand Environment Institute Thailand
Gordon Johnson UNDP Thailand
Rick Switzer United States Government Thailand
Tarek Ketelsen Center for Environmental Management Viet Nam Viet Nam
Le Thi Ha Lien Institute of Policy and Strategy for Agricultural and Rural Development Viet Nam
Thierry Facon FAO Asia Region
Roland Treitler GIZ Asia Region
Tania Lee International Rivers Asia Region
Javier Mateo-Sagasta IWMI Asia Region
Jaeyoon Park UNEP Asia Region
Makiko Yashiro UNEP Asia Region
Klomjit Chandrapanya USAID Asia Region Development Mission for Asia Asia Region
James Dalton IUCN Switzerland
Tao Li IWA China
Ganesh Pangare IWA Thailand
Damian Crilly IWA UK
Julien Katchinoff US State Department USA
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Appendix Three: Asia Region Case Studies
1. Status of the Nexus in the Asia Pacific Region
Hezri Adnan, Institute of Strategic and International Studies Malaysia (ISIS)
Hezri Adnan advised workshop participants that natural resource availability is a high priority concern
across governments, corporate boardrooms and local communities.
In the 1970s the publication ‘Limits to Growth’ stressed the importance of planetary boundaries on the
basis of the human-ecological footprint. But a collective global fixation on growth economics meant
the limits argument did not receive widespread official acceptance in public policy. Limits to Growth
predicted that unsustainable exploitation of finite natural resource will send shocks to the economic
system and will be reflected in global markets.
Food prices rose by nearly 40 percent in 2007 and further increased in 2008; prices flared up again in
2011. Higher food prices can be considered a key indicator of growing natural resource scarcity as
food production depends on many other resources. Agriculture is becoming increasingly energy-
intensive through increased use of fertilisers, machinery and groundwater pumping. Consequently,
impacts can be transferred from producer countries or regions to consumer countries or regions in the
sake of national interests. For example, food supplies in Malaysia were recently disrupted following
Viet Nam’s export restrictions on rice.
It is estimated that 60% of the world’s ecosystem services have been degraded since the mid-20th
century. There are now five attributes to a new natural resource realism:
Lack of unexplored resource zones beyond those now being used for development
Technical, social and environmental limitations on the exploitation of new resources
Increasing demand from insatiable new consumers
Interconnectedness of markets and price volatility
Broadening of actors in governing resources.
21
Hezri advised that global human society must now attempt to solve a set of complex, interrelated
problems that can be characterised as fundamental threats to civilisation. However, due to the
vastness of some individual areas and the difficulty of considering all three components of water,
energy and food together, there is still limited focus on how to support decision-making at the nexus.
As a result, policies and regulations can often inadvertently create sub-optimal signals to economic,
national security or environment concerns.
The availability of freshwater in Asia is less than half the global annual average (6,380m3 / person).
Asia’s rivers, lakes and aquifers give it, per capita, less than one-tenth the water of South America or
Australia and New Zealand, less than one-fourth of North America, almost one-third of Europe, and
moderately less than Africa. The most dynamic Asian economies, including China, India, Indonesia,
South Korea and Viet Nam, are all in or close to being in conditions of water stress. The exceptions
are few: Bhutan, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Papua New Guinea.
UNESCAP captured the Asian crisis through its 2009 Index of Water Available for Development, a
measure of per capita water availability for human, economic and ecological uses per year on the
basis of each country’s internal renewable water resources minus total water used. This index reveals
that there have been steep declines in water availability for development since the baseline year.
Primary energy demand in Asia-Pacific Region is projected to increase from 4,025.2 million tons of oil
equivalent (MTOE) in 2005 to 7,285.6 MTOE in 2030, growing at an annual rate of 2.4%. Growth of
energy use in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in China and India, will have major consequences
for geopolitics, financial and energy markets and pollution both regionally and globally. Currently, 578
million Asians are undernourished. The global economic crisis and the food crisis in 2007-08,
deprived an additional 100 million people of access to adequate food. It is estimated that by 2050
South Asia will need to divert up to 57% more water to agriculture.
There are a number of geographical nexus ‘hot-spots’ recognised within the Asia Pacific Region. For
example, Central Asia has demographic pressures (62 million people), artificially drawn borders,
unsustainable Soviet era irrigation practices and severe environmental degradation problems. These
issues accentuate tensions within the water, energy and food security nexus. The relationships
between upstream and downstream states in Central Asia are often characterised by mutual distrust,
political tensions and discord.
There are conflicts between upstream hydropower states and downstream uses (e.g. irrigation for
cotton, rice and wheat). Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan control approximately 80% of freshwater resources
with a focus on hydropower energy production to earn foreign exchange by electricity export.
Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and South Kazakhstan need water in the summer for their irrigation
schemes. The Kyrgyz Republic releases water in the winter time to generate electricity. Over
exploitation of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya over the past half-century has led to the drying out of the
Aral Sea.
In Southeast Asia, Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet Nam all aim to enhance sub-
regional energy-economic cooperation. There 11 hydropower dams on the free flowing main stem of
the lower Mekong River and 77 other dams in the Mekong Basin as a whole. These dams will reduce
fish catch and place heightened demands on the resources necessary to replace lost protein and
calories.
In South Asia, the Hindu-Kush Himalayan sub-region has strong water, energy and food nexus
dimensions with upstream actions often having downstream effects. India’s Gujarat groundwater
overdraft is impacting on energy generation. India’s irrigation sector is dependent on groundwater.
Much of this groundwater is pumped using electricity. Current groundwater abstraction and use
exceeds sustainable recharge leading to groundwater over-exploitation. Energy subsidies have
caused groundwater depletion from aquifer over abstraction since the late 1980s.
22
Recommendations
Current policy approaches to nexus challenges in the Asia Pacific Region tend to focus on input-
output analyses. Hezri advised the need for three scarcity metrics:
Physical (resource intensity)
Monetary (price & cost dynamics)
Distributive (implications of social allocations)
There is a strong need for policy salience which should include country-level studies and the co-
production of nexus knowledge to:
Re-orientate government policy frameworks
Incorporate policy cycle - ‘socialisation’ of nexus ideas
Strengthen price signals to ensure efficient use of resources (e.g. subsidy and pricing)
Re-design property rights
Address supply-and-demand chain (focus on weakest links)
Promote disruptive innovation
Empower policy process (institutional thinking)
Address silos with policy integration
Long-term policy (foresight, future studies)
Apply systems thinking
23
2. Food, water and energy security trade-offs in the 3-S river basin and Tonle Sap
Tracy Farrell (Conservation International)
Tracy Farrell briefed workshop participants on food, water and energy security trade-offs in the
Sesan, Srepok and Sekong (3-S) river basin and Tonle Sap (Figure 6).
Figure 6: 3-S River Basin and Tonle Sap
The 3-S river basin straddles Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia with over 40 dams existing or planned. It
is a key part of the overall ecosystem delivering services to millions downstream, but much of the
focus has been on the Mekong. Yet this important tributary needs greater attention in policy dialogues
and research to help maintain food security both within the 3-S and further downstream. Projected
threats from hydropower in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam include:
Power play dynamics between countries—Laos receives 70% of benefits/export revenues,
with Chinese and Thai companies investing receiving half of those benefits in early phases.
Social impacts of dams – forced migration and population displacement of hundreds of
thousands have to resettle—benefit sharing mechanisms required. Weak enforcement
legislation.
Massive land conversion - 2.6 million hectares wiped out in Cambodia in the last two years
alone. Similar rates in Laos, thousands of small scale farmers displaced and no
taxes/revenues for protection collected/income from farming leaves the country.
24
Trade-offs - Loss of 30% of protein sources (fish) for parts of Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
Not easily replaceable, recent study showed that there is not enough land in Cambodia left to
grow meat protein
More than 500 million people in the Mekong sub-region are affected by large dams in terms of
downstream impacts/loss of flows/diversions/fisheries migrations. Connected countries are hugely
dependent on resource extraction and conversion to meet poverty alleviation and development goals.
There is a dependence on ecosystem goods and services, yet ecosystem conversion/degradation
and services are being lost and the decisions being made do not recognise trade-offs. Service trade-
offs are both trans-boundary and domestic. Decisions must be made about which services are most
critical, to whom, and which trade-offs are acceptable. Over 42 dams are being constructed or are
planned for the 3S River Basin.
Although it accounts for only 10% Mekong river basin, it accounts for more than 20% of the annual
water volume. 3-S flows to the Mekong account for 3,000 m3/second in dry seasons and 4,500
m3/second in wet seasons. Nearly 15% suspended sediment discharge originates in the 3-S. It is a
key nutrient source for agriculture and fisheries. It is the most important catchment for migrating fish
populations.
With close proximity to lower floodplains the 3-S is important for maintaining rice and fish baskets for
millions in Cambodia and Vietnam downstream. It is valued at hundreds of millions of dollars in terms
of ecosystem service provisioning, regulation, supporting and cultural services. The ultimate test case
for hydropower trade-offs is food security. This is a critical question for Southeast Asia in terms of
political stability and poverty alleviation. Tonle Sap fisheries are vital for Cambodia’s food security. It
is the fourth-largest inland fishery in the world, larger than U.S. and Canada combined (12% of GDP),
accounting for:
About 500,000 tonnes of fish are caught annually (>55 tonnes/hour)
60% of entire country’s protein is from inland fisheries in Cambodia
Over 1 million people in floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake rely on fishing; another 2M in
floodplain
Tonle Sap Lake has intense dynamic flood pulse system, bringing nutrients and fisheries and other
products it relies upon, some 1 million people, with another 2 million or so in outer areas benefitting
from agriculture. Most people fish and grow rice, so they rely upon a dual or even tri-copping/system,
shifting with the seasons and water flows. Any impacts on either the flood pulse system (i.e. flattening
it via hydropower, or changing fisheries and nutrients) will disrupt the entire ecosystem.
Current and under construction projects will increase 3-S dry season flows by 28% and decrease wet
season flows by less than 4% compared to historical natural flows. Development of proposed new
hydropower projects on the main Sekong, Sesan and Srepok Rivers will further increase flows by
63% in the dry season and decrease flows by 22% in the wet season at the outlet of the basin. Only
minor additional changes of +7 and -3% in dry and wet season flows, respectively, occurred when the
proposed projects on sub tributaries were included because these dams are mainly run-of-river
schemes.
Recommendations
Nexus issue discussions can force much needed transparency in trans-boundary and domestic
development dialogues. Trade-offs are inevitable, now is the time to encourage informed choices
while resources are relatively plentiful. Downstream countries need to not only advocate for their poor
people but also use zoning and protection to prepare for income/loss of services shocks.
25
3. Integrated Trang River Basin Management, Local Stakeholders’ Perspective
Chamniern Vorratnchaiphan, IUCN Thailand
Chamniern Vorratnchaiphan briefed workshop participants on how ecological, participatory and
integrative approaches were involved in the development of the Trang River Basin Strategy. It
involved consultation between partners; a Memorandum of Understanding between 25 local
governments and 2 provinces; and the establishment of 2 provincial working groups
Some of the short term flood risk mitigation actions in the strategy included:
Dredging
Warning system
Developing communications
Flood Monitoring by communities
Mapping the risk areas
Evacuation planning
Some of the long term actions in the
strategy included:
A climate change learning
centre
Natural resources
rehabilitations
Feasibility study on integrated
flood management
A disaster warning centre
Safety procedure practice drills
A comprehensive city plan (with 7 surrounding Local Government Organisations)
4. The role of modelling in informed nexus decision making
Tarek Ketelsen, International Centre for Environmental Management (ICEM), Vietnam
Tarek Ketelsen, briefed workshop participants on the role of modelling in informed nexus decision
making in the Mekong. The history of development in the Mekong sub-region is one of dynamic
economic growth promoted by the transition of Mekong countries to open, market-driven economies,
trade-liberalisation and the encouragement of Foreign Direct Investment. The result of these reform
programmes has been some of the highest growth rates in the Asia Region driven largely by strong
investment in the oil and gas, mining, hydropower, forestry and textile sectors and the development of
infrastructure to support sectoral growth.
The urgent demand for infrastructure and the market reforms enabling the private sector has meant
that the pace and nature of development is being driven at the project level. Project proponents
26
therefore have a strong influence on national and local development. However, infrastructure driven at
the project level tends to be single sector/ single-purpose focused. With so many projects, it is
sometimes difficult to know where to start looking for safeguard issues. Appropriate and proportionate
responses are unlikely be project driven; a wider, more integrated perspective will be required.
Modelling assessments can help a wider range of stakeholders to:
Determine strategic priorities
Of the 130+ large single purpose hydropower projects existing or proposed for the
Lower Mekong Basin, where should we start to integrate a flood control use?
Which of the ~55,500 km2 of remaining natural wetlands are most vulnerable to
climate change and where should we start with adaptive wetland management?
Engage with development using a common language for trade-offs and benefits
What does the use of reservoirs for irrigation supply and environmental flows mean
for electricity production?
5. Urban nexus from a local perspective – case study of Nashik, Maharashtra, India
Emani Kumar, International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI)
Emani Kumar, briefed workshop participants on a local perspective of an urban nexus using Nashik,
Maharashtra (India) as a case study. ICLEI is the world’s leading network of 12 mega-cities, 100
super-cities and urban regions, 450 large cities and 450 small and medium-sized cities and towns in
86 countries. "The road to sustainability runs through the world's towns and cities."
Emani advised that the nexus approach offers an opportunity to re-integrate two or more assets,
systems, and/or services to achieve multiple policy urban objectives through single investments,
projects or programmes.
With the increasing population, urban migration and agglomeration, economies will intensify the
expansion of urban regions and the renewal of existing urban areas. There is substantial upward
pressure on the basic cost structure of 21st Century urban centres and their industrialised economies.
Urban population growth is associated with increased quality of life and resource consumption despite
the inequalities in and across urban regions. The patterns of increased demand for water, energy and
food are placing increasing pressures on available natural resource stocks.
Urban regions face increasing risk exposures and vulnerabilities due increasing climate, health, and
economic risks. The realities of climate change have increased urban exposures and vulnerabilities to
tropical storms, sea level rise, flooding, extreme heat events, droughts, and fire. However, increasing
public sector fiscal constraint, global
economic fundamentals, the recent financial
system crises; and public policy trends
together substantially reduce government
capacity at all levels to invest in urban
infrastructure and regeneration.
ICLEI recognises that the nexus perspective
provides an informed and transparent
27
framework for determining and resolving trade-
offs to meet increasing demands.
A nexus approach enables:
Identification of the synergies and
trade-offs among water, energy and
food both in design and
implementation of policies, plans and
investments to:
Prioritise access for the poor and the marginalised in sector strategies, planning and
investments
Increase resource productivity, establishing mechanisms for optimal allocation of scarce
resources
Incentivise technological development to turn waste into a resource
Strengthen the basic role that nature plays in supporting life, well-being and cultures
Improve efficiency of resource use both through their direct actions and in influencing the way
business is done
The ICLEI project objective sought was more optimised use of a city’s resources (human, financial,
built and natural) by identifying and establishing mutually beneficial responses from the inter-linkages
between sectors (water, energy, food). The city selected for the project is Nashik, situated on the
Northwest of the state of Maharashtra, India (Figure 2).
Figure 7: Nashik, situated on the Northwest of the state of Maharashtra, India
Nashik Nexus Context
Water
With the increasing population there is increased demand for drinking water supply
Groundwater level is decreasing at the rate of 1-3 m every five years.
Groundwater pumping for agricultural purposes is very energy intensive
Nashik is:
The Fourth largest city in Maharashtra with the
total population of 1,486,973 (2011)
Located on the bank of Godavari River
One of the holiest cities of India, hosts Simhashth
Kumbh Mela, a mass Hindu pilgrimage
Famous for its grape production and is known as
the ‘Grape city’ or ‘Wine capital of India’.
28
Drinking water supply consumes: 270 Ml/day
Sources of drinking water: 90% from Gangapur Dam; 8% directly from river; 2%
groundwater
Energy
Water treatment and supply is very energy intensive: 58% of total energy consumed
80% of irrigation takes place through groundwater: pump and energy intensive
Food
Large producer of quality agricultural crops to Mumbai (‘Backyard of Mumbai’)
High paced urbanisation, industrialisation and fast deforestation
Application of nexus approach could help to evolve joint strategies that can help Nashik to conserve
its resources while at the same time improve the viability of its power industry without compromising
on its agricultural produce. Analysing the growth in use of groundwater and energy for pumping
coincides with India’s overall development policy of attaining food security through Green Revolution
technologies.
Groundwater is a common pool resource that has been typically utilised in an open access
framework, within which; resource ownership is according to a “rule of capture”. When no one owns
the resources, users have no incentive to conserve the resource for the future, and self-interest of
individual users leads them to overexploit the resource.
Lack of appropriate energy policy has also resulted in economic inefficiency by electricity utilities and
presents a barrier to the national development policy of attaining food security through Green
Revolution technologies.
Recommendations
Water
Groundwater should be used as buffer, not primary source for agriculture
Need to improve surface water storage & distribution
Need to establish water saving technologies and irrigation practices
Food
Need to improve yield enhancement while moving towards organic farming
Need to promote less water intensive crops
Energy
Energy/water pricing should be dynamic
Need to establish feeder segregation for domestic and agricultural purposes
Need to establish 100% metering of agricultural pumps
6. ASEAN foresight on the water-energy-food nexus
Surachai Sathitkunarat, National Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy Office, Thailand,
Surachai Sathitkunarat, briefed workshop participants on sustainable economic development and
eco-resilience in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
29
The APEC14
Center for Technology Foresight (APEC-CTF15
) is the first multi-economy level foresight
organisation in the world. It was launched as a project of the Industrial Science and Technology
Working Group (ISTWG16
) within APEC in 1998. In 2012, APEC agreed to broaden the mandate of
the former ISTWG to include issues of innovation policy development and intensify cooperation
among governments, businesses and academia, thereby transforming the ISTWG into the Policy
Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI). It is hosted by Thailand’s National STI
Policy Office.
ASEAN countries can be given water, energy and food security index scores (1-5):
E = Energy Constraint Preparedness Score (1-5)
F = Food Security Index Score (1-5)
W = Water Security Index Score (1-5)
These scores can be combined into a Constraint Preparedness Index (CPI = √((𝐸2+𝐹
2+𝑊
2)) as shown
in the table below:
ASEAN Country Energy Food Water Sum of
Squares CPI
Brunei 4.0 3.5 3.0 37.3 6.1
Cambodia 3.0 1.6 1.6 14.1 3.8
Indonesia 2.5 2.3 2.6 18.3 4.3
Laos 2.0 1.8 2.6 14.0 3.7
Malaysia 4.0 3.2 3.4 37.8 6.1
Myanmar 3.0 2.0 2.2 17.8 4.2
Philippines 1.5 2.3 2.2 12.4 3.5
Singapore 4.5 4.0 3.4 47.8 6.9
Thailand 4.0 3.0 2.2 29.8 5.5
Vietnam 1.5 2.4 1.8 11.3 3.4
Table: ASEA Constraint Preparedness Index Country Scores
14
http://www.apec.org/ 15
http://www.apecforesight.org/ 16
http://www.apec.org/Groups/SOM-Steering-Committee-on-Economic-and-Technical-Cooperation/Working-Groups/Policy-
Partnership-on-Science-Technology-and-Innovation.aspx
30
Recommendations
Recommended actions to address identified nexus issues in ASEAN countries are set out in the table
below:
ISSUE PROBLEM RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
Energy, Water for
Agriculture
Too much waste and
inefficiency
Log energy, water use
Evaluate technology, processes
Possible use of precision agriculture (Satellite data)
Demos of efficient technology Embed cost of energy
and water
Energy, Water for
food processing
and distribution
Water undervalued,
energy trade-offs with
other uses
Track and monitor efficiency
Include opportunity cost, e.g., cost of providing water
for sanitation, drinking, bathing, etc.
Energy for water
supply, distribution
and waste
processing
Very energy intensive
with true cost of energy
not taken into account
Calculate true cost of energy, including use and
mitigation of impacts (remove subsidies?)
Water for
electricity
generation
Competes with other
requirements for water
Calculate water use and compare with other possible
uses and costs incurred
Land use Conflicting
requirements for
agriculture, energy,
commerce, habitation
Require analysis to balance and optimise potential
uses for energy, food, water, e.g., agriculture, industry,
residential and commercial use, electricity generation
Table: Recommended actions to address identified nexus issues in ASEAN countries
7. Understanding the nexus in the Mekong Region
John Dore, Australian Aid, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Bangkok
John Dore briefed workshop participants on nexus issues in the Mekong sub-region (Figure 3), and is
home to about 70 million people. The Mekong River Basin is a geographic subset of the Mekong
Region. The Mekong sub-region covers 2.3 million km2 and is home to more than 240 million people.
Across the region, development pathways are being vigorously contested by opponents who argue
that current modes of development (e.g. dams), risk-bearing and benefit-sharing are inequitable and
unsustainable.
Maps are seen as powerful tools for visualising dam development and form a key way of deliberating
water, food and energy questions. They are a useful way of show-casing results and as a way of
organising data and information around the river basin, catchments or individual dams.
Alex Smaigl, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO17
) briefed
workshop participants on the Exploring Mekong Region Futures project18
. The project
17
http://www.csiro.au/ 18
http://www.csiro.au/science/MekongFutures
31
conceptualises water, food and energy as equally relevant, all connected and driven by the ‘Nexus
Core’ (Figure 4).
The Mekong River flows for approximately 4,800 km, drawing waters from its basin of 795,000 km2.
The project identified population growth and climate change and the core drivers, which impact on the
availability of ecosystem services. The combined effect has implications for each of the three Nexus
sectors. These three sectors respond (i.e. energy demand increases) and with this there are cross-
sectoral impacts
Figure 8: The Mekong Region
.
32
Figure 9: Nexus Interconnections and entry points
The project identified three types of Nexus analysis:
Type 1: A partial Nexus analysis
Type 2: A holistic Nexus analysis, static comparative
Type 3: A dynamic Nexus analysis
Nexus System Criticalities
These analyses enable understanding of the water food energy nexus at the local level as well as at
the regional (trans-boundary) level.
Fish stocks are largely discussed within the context of mainstream dams. However, through these
analyses fish stocks emerge as critical resources that require careful management and new
governance solutions independent from mainstream dams.
Impacts of land use change and irrigation are highly uncertain. If land use change and irrigation are
managed primarily as an instrument to alleviate poverty the development of the wider Mekong Region
is likely to experience a more sustainable development. Risks in the Nexus need to be managed
carefully with particular attention to monoculture dependencies.
Migration dynamics depend on a portfolio of available livelihood options and determine a critical factor
influencing political stability.
33
Labour shifts from primary to secondary sector employment, in particular as part of an underpinning
urbanisation trend. Investing in the necessary urban infrastructure and in maintaining rural livelihood
options will be a key factor in safeguarding social and economic stability. But in some contexts the
more effective investments locate in rural areas to reduce urban growth.
It will be critical to effectively manage energy demand (as opposed to the singular management of
power supply).
Chayanis Krittasudthacheewa, Stockholm Environment Institute - Asia (SEI Asia19
) briefed workshop
participants on key factors making cross sectoral collaboration in the Mekong Region possible. These
include:
All concerned parties committed to solve real world problems
Use existing mechanisms (e.g. River Basin Organisation)
Identify key champions in the area and in the process to gain buy of ideas
Use multi-objective planning tools
Engage with all concerned stakeholders for entire project period
Build ownership of data and project outputs
19
http://www.sei-international.org/asia/about-sei-asia
34
Appendix Four: Problems, Solutions and Mobilisation
Group 1
PROBLEMS
Sufficient consumption on water, energy and food while maintaining sustainability of natural
resources
Infrastructure investment choice
Water quality and quantity –drinking, allocation, sanitation, agricultural use, industrial use
Food – market linkage, agricultural policy, overlapping concessions, technology (e.g.
efficiency), food policy and food sovereignty, land use choices – rubber food or biofuel,
productivity
Project affected people – enough food? Land to cultivate, clean water, electricity
Energy supply and demand – sufficiency and reliability; pricing; alternatives (e.g. green,
nuclear coal, hydro, biogas); efficiency; rural and urban; grids; consumption; purpose for local
or expert?
SOLUTIONS
1. Economics – power exchange is working fairly; market price to reflect optimum energy
consumption; incentives for less energy consumption
2. Education – education awareness, appreciate of interdependence of different resources,
across boundaries; youth exchange
3. Nexus development and planning – comprehensive options assessment; cost-benefit
planning; consult, inform and carry consent of project affected people
WAYS TO MOBILISE
Education system
Curriculum
Educational programs at various stages – elementary to tertiary
Activities – increase understanding what is recycling, gardening, farming; later moving to
practical and professional – sharing nexus practices
Closer collaboration between corporate and education sector
More social exchange – raise awareness programme through practical activities (agriculture)
Facilitate and support regional and national exchange programmes – link to best
practices
Incorporate corporate lessons learned into the education system – provides an overview
of issues that will face in professional career
35
CSR is a funding option
Improvement of information sharing
Exchange of knowledge between different countries and regions
Development of common databases
Consult, inform and get consent of project affected people
GIS overlays of infrastructure and concessions
Could create an information committee to collect and disseminate information
Dissemination of sustainable agricultural practices
Facilitation of international technology transfers
Optimum power trading
High quality grid at regional level – exists in form of Asia Energy Highway
Power exchange is working fairly
Agree establishment of a grid code (technical support)
Support and creation of a regional power trade board
Incentives for less energy consumption for industries to households
Technology support through SCARDA
Facilitate the exchange of best practices
Comprehensive Assessment of Infrastructure Development
Nexus baseline assessments (EIA, ESIA, RAP, SEA, CIA, etc.)
Development of guidelines for assessments which will link water, energy and food
together
Use of a participatory approach
Nexus award through a ranking system
36
Group 2
PROBLEMS
Reduced rainfall resulting in lack of water for power plants (water – energy)
Water quality problems which impact food processing (water-food)
Reduced water quality requires increased energy for treatment (water – energy)
Reduced water for environmental flows (nexus core – water)
Heavy rainfall leading to flood impact agriculture (water – food)
Decreased rainfall and increased energy consumption because of the energy required to
transfer and transport water (nexus core – water) – Thailand and China
Increased water demand for increasing rice crops due to subsidies (Thailand) (water –food)
Low water levels leading to insufficient water for power production (water-energy)
Downstream impacts of upstream hydropower (water- energy)
Increased biofuel production resulting in changes in food production (food – energy)
Pollutants from sugar cane, rice, etc. impacts water quality inputs (food – water)
Insufficient water storage(in some parts of Thailand) mainly for food production (water – food)
Not well designed water storage which results in unplanned releases (water – energy)
Deforestation resulting in increased sedimentation which impacts hydropower (water –
energy)
Most dams are single purpose, resulting in a conflict between agriculture and hydropower
(water – energy)
Natural flood risks are replaced by operational flood risks (water – energy)
Lack of strategic planning linking sectors – no clear cut targets in quantitative way (water
allocation) (water-energy-food)
Dams are not designed for extreme events – climate change as a driver for flood events
(water – energy)
Upstream irrigation limits downstream hydropower (food-energy)
Changes in water availability impacts on fish (water – food)
Water losses in irrigation = inefficiency and allocation (water – food)
Urbanisation reducing agricultural areas (land – food)
Water competition between urban and agricultural needs (water – food – land)
Changes in diets (i.e. meat) increases water demand (water –food)
37
Urbanisation increases energy demand (land – energy)
Energy demand increases with conjunctive water management (water – energy)
Changes in water flow impacts on river transportation – changes carbon footprint
Land clearing for biofuels and food production and rubber (land use problem) (land-energy-
food)
Groundwater based irrigation demands energy (water – energy)
Quality of groundwater demand processing (water – energy)
Land clearing resulting in degradation which affects food security
Energy based groundwater extraction control may fail (renewable energies)
TOP 5 SOLUTIONS
1. Cross sectoral coordination ministry – includes capacity building of ministries; coordinate
current investments better
2. Mekong Council GMS – to solve problem at trans-boundary level (cross sectoral and across
admin boundaries) with teeth and be able to influence national agencies
3. Nexus think tank – implementing nexus relevant analysis; understanding trade-offs
4. Strategic Environment Assessment which includes water allocation planning
5. Financial instruments which improves the GMS wide coordination
WAYS TO MOBILISE
Nexus Ministry
Identify ministries with cross sectoral mandate (2020) – this will be the “nexus ministry”-
such as the Ministry of Finance or planning agency – what would enable this player to
exercise effective coordination
Require economic and policy study to justify the needs/sign of the power shift
Organisational chart of nexus ministries with the functions and duties
Challenge is for line ministries, hand over power
What are the economics and policies which could use for argument for the political level,
which can give more power for ministry – lead to organisation chart for new minister
Negotiated buy- in from sectoral ministries
Re-allocate funding and staff
Capacity building for other ministries
Cross level governance coordination
38
Ministry functioning by 2020 –– Mekong Council (Greater Mekong Strategy)
Consultative meeting to think about to create regional policy projects – ASEAS, MRC,
GMS
Creation of regional policy projects (infrastructure)
Identify unused potential and the risks of coordination between sectors is improved
Risk analysis for lack of coordination (shared risks)
Elections
Budget
Organisational constitutional frameworks
Nexus think tanks – nexus trade-off information
Experts come together
Staff, budget
Regional knowledge exchange
Capacity building
Country expertise
Establish policy-science and science – public interface
Social – Environmental Assessments
How can Ministry can monitor and measure the progress
Budget and international funding
Financial instruments
Establish a negotiation platform between the countries
Transform money for environmental services
Economic valuation or quota system
Develop rules for how to transfer money
Assigning a court for challenges
39
Group 3
PROBLEMS
Energy – water
Energy/water planning separated
Lack of cooperation between ministries in planning
Weak cooperation between ministries in planning
Water cooperation in operation of multi-purpose infrastructure
Large infrastructure has impact on ecosystems/livelihoods
Fragmented planning in local government/decentralisation
Cookie cutter approaches regardless of local circumstances – gap between local agencies an
national planning
Trans-boundary impacts of hydropower dams (benefits accrue to half the country, but impacts
basin wide)
Energy/food is prioritised over water natural resources (that sustain riparian communities)
Government planning is shaped by recent disasters (e.g. Recent flooding in Thailand)
Nuclear/coal consume large amount of water
Trade-offs with other uses
Water quality impacts local community
Water treatment is becoming energy intensive – there is a trade-off, for example increasing
water treatment quality pollutes water elsewhere (if energy from coal/nuclear)
Water is under-priced – electricity is subsidised
Water transfer projects (south to north water transfer in China) is energy intensive
Water – food
Over use of water for production (rice and coffee) in Vietnam – depletion of groundwater
Linkages between national economic policy and impact on water is weak
Farming practices cause pollution of water which impacts food security, health and
ecosystems
Changes in crop production have reduced water flows in rivers leading to increasing salt
water intrusion especially in deltas and coastal aquifers
Water pollution (e.g. heavy metals) also impact food safety
Water pricing is too low, but this is a complex issues that needs careful analysis
40
Depletion of aquifers is not sustainable in some places
Disaster polices are improvised and sometimes chaotic can impact food production - urban
area protection is privileged over agriculture
Food (for riparian communities and beyond) includes fish and other aquatic resources that are
affected by infrastructure/pollution
Food – energy
Multipurpose projects – power demand, irrigation, other flood protection (but also flooding
impacts) – is there decision support, could cooperation be better?
Biofuel – reduced area for food production – impacts on food security
Government policies that promote biofuels for energy security weakly/don’t consider water
and food security
Lack of energy for commercial production
Agriculture becoming more energy intensive – best way to either reduced of meet energy
demand?
Over dependence on one source of energy (centralised systems) can place food systems at
risk – decentralised systems may be more resilient
Emergency water release form hydropower dams can flood/damage agriculture
Lack of promotion of renewable energy alternatives due lack of policy support
High food miles have energy implications (vs the production of local foods)
TOP 5 SOLUTIONS
1. Need to research the evidence to convince public and decision makers, includes sharing
experience and practice
2. Integrated planning (decision support tools, inclusion of stakeholders)
3. Green technology implementation
4. Re-evaluate the value of water/energy to cover the price – encourages water and energy
efficiency
5. Stimulate investments (public-private partnerships) in the nexus
WAYS TO MOBILISE
Research on evidence – to convince public sector decision makers/sharing experience and
practices
Research on appropriate technology
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Research through partnership, academics etc.
Ensuring research addresses real policy problems and challenges
Education
Integrate nexus into youth culture and education
Best practice lessons learning and sharing
Capacity building
Knowledge sharing and effective communications
Create a resource centre and platform to provide information and awareness
Integrated planning, decision support tools, broad stakeholder planning
Need to have dialogue and participation and space to discuss
Honest technology needs assessment
Spaces to link and discuss with national priorities
Participation from public/private/people
Dialogue
Multi-sector river basin planning
Disaster planning, risk assessments, mainstreaming into policy
Green technologies
Natural and environmentally friendly technologies such as wetlands systems, use of
anaerobic systems
For the power plants – use of air cooling system
Genetically modified organisms for biofuels
Wastewater treatment plant can be seen as a resource plant – recover energy and other
resources
Co-location of industrial plants
Co-generation of energy for desalination plants
Decentralised water and energy systems, better use of grey water, air cooling for thermal
power plants, less agrochemicals in food production, rethinking wastewater as a resource,
System of rice intensification, rainwater storage and water use harvesting, cogeneration of
energy for desalinisation (use waste energy)
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Natural infrastructure solutions, wetlands for flood control and wastewater treatment,
mangroves and reef barrier – advanced farming practices that re-acknowledge traditional
practices – less chemicals, less fertilisers, better economic use of water,
Re-evaluate the cost of water
Development tax for infrastructure
VAT discount for water reuse
Tax refund for water and energy savings – if reach a pre-defined goal
Mobilise resources such as climate finance for nexus initiatives
Cut subsidised on resources and gradually increase water and energy pricing for different
sectoral needs
Wastewater should be considered as a resource
Increase efficiency through financial adjustments
Stimulate investment (Public, Private Partnerships in the nexus)
Development taxes for infrastructure
PES
Wastewater treatment costs fully included in bills
Mobilise climate finance for the nexus
Establish nexus safeguards and fiduciary standards
Finance compensation from down to up
VAT discount for water reuse
Tax refund for water energy saving
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Group 4
PROBLEMS
Pan region issues
Lack of institutional linkages across the nexus
Classic silos
Lack of tools for decision making
Bangladesh issues
Water deficit and water surplus
Trans-boundary issues
Upstream dams
Poor sediment flushing
Flood impacts
Awareness of nexus linkages
Poor governance
Corruption – nexus not palatable (dystopia)
No linkages between water, food and energy
Megacities for infrastructure
Massive populations (collective resilience) – cultural mind-set
Energy deficit
Oil imported from middle east (‘developmentaility’)
Solar used in villages
Politics
Salinisation
Water flow diminishing
Salt water intrusion
Sri Lanka issues
Lack of water for power generation when needed
Legal priority goes to water for agriculture
Food security is the top priority
Poor water management practices in agricultural sector for irrigation
Lack of awareness impacts on energy sector
Water quality issues
Excessive use of fertiliser
Traditional design of wastewater treatment
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Energy demand
No capacity or willingness to pay for ongoing maintenance
Energy intense technology
Malaysia issues
Energy security
High demand from rising population
Electricity pricing
Deforestation
Water quantity and quality problem impacts on agriculture
Municipal water supply – pollution, disruption
Problem is awareness
Poor access to information
Strong state secrecy
Cultural issues
Capacity and capability to deal with emerging threats
Institutional weakness
TOP 5 SOLUTIONS
1. NEXign – nexus design and engineering – includes rainwater harvesting, energy efficiency,
design with nature, solar pumps, nexus sanitation
2. NEXcounting – nexus footprints on products; priority areas for multi-purpose infrastructure;
data for research, cost-benefit analysis;
3. NEXommunication – mainframe communication; quantify nexus problems; nutrition
campaigns; build leadership
4. NEX 4 Us – South Asian nexus Charter; create design and dialogue for multi-sector
stakeholders, research, data sharing; advocacy; nexus brokering, etc.
5. NEXonomics – nexus financing, how you finance activities; green technologies; raise money
from private sector; social business; water trading
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WAYS TO MOBILISE
Figure 10: How to mobilise the nexus national-regional platform
46
Group 5
PROBLEMS
Hegemony – technological, professional, marginalisation of traditional/appropriate technology
Not dealing with climate change in the present (treated as a future event)
No temporal planning – how current priorities shape future realities
Maladaptation of climate variability t current levels
Warped allocation of resources
Artificially changing food habits and agricultural patterns
Poor pricing models/practice
Artificial pricing for hydropower
Regressive pricing for water
Subsidised pricing for food
Failure to internalise water and energy footprint concept
Indiscriminate use of biocides to meet market pressures for food
TOP 5 SOLUTIONS
1. Data democratisation (better sharing and collection) and using for CBOs and implementing
within education
2. Inter-disciplinarised (interdisciplinary maze) planning and design – not just engineers
3. Removing subsidies for non-local food stocks, taxing food miles
4. Increased public participation of resource allocation (need for transparency)
5. Market based pricing for WEF based on usage (commercial vs household usage)
WAYS TO MOBILISE
Interdisciplinary Planning and Design
Require engineers, finance experts and social scientists to collaboration all water
infrastructure design
Public information campaigns about linkages to and from water infrastructure projects
Form end user groups to provide feedback on water infrastructure
Incorporate inter-departmental posting for nexus learning
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Adapting traditional technologies to changing times
Development agencies to fund locally formulated current WEF practices
Increased funding for universities that integrates engineering
Establish best management practice manual for creating nexus infrastructure
Improved public participation and resource allocation
Asses resource requirements at grassroots level (CBO)
Improved monitoring systems of water use household/business
Empowerment of communities to negotiate for resources (e.g. land)
Delegating implementation of utilities to the lowest level
Public hearings prior to construction of water infrastructure projects
Appropriate proposed budgets to all village level organisations
Prioritise water use according to local needs
Removing subsidies for non-local food stocks
Incentivising production/consumption of local food
Public relations campaigns to popularise local, rain- fed crops
Removing food subsidies for water-sensitive crops
Nexus brand food products
Community based food distribution
Food miles to be taxed to encourage local production/consumption
Creating market based pricing
Improving incentives for more efficient use and reused of water
Data democratisation
Link real time grass roots data with local FM radio stations
Rain and watershed games
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Appendix Five: Group Proposals
Group Proposal Problem(s) Addressed
Ways to Mobilise Costs (USD)
1
Nexus Database
Lack of information about the impact of inter-connection between Energy Food and Water
Involve existing regional institutions
Agreement among members countries
Support and enhance sharing process
Standardisation of data systems
Capacity building and knowledge sharing
Nexus strategy introduced to all country members 0.5 Million
Nexus awareness raising among member countries 1-2 Million
Agreements signed 0.5-1.0 Million
Standardised database available to all members 3-5 Million
2
Mekong Council Lack of strategic planning across sectors
Upstream / downstream trans-boundary conflicts
Identify unused potential of improved coordination
Analyse shared risks of lack of coordination
Consultative Meetings: ASEAN, MRC, GMS
Creation of regional policy projects
Organisational Structure & Constitutional Frame
Assess benefits of regional coordination 0.5 Million
Organisational structure and constitutional frame 0.1 Million
Consultative meetings 75,000
Elections 200,000
Mekong Council media campaign 50,000
3
Green Technology Poor links between research and practical application
Poor farming techniques and unsustainable water and energy consumption
Pilot, application and technology transfer
Supporting policies for green technology to attract investment
Development of natural and built infrastructure
Regional Nexus Green technology platform
Review current technologies 4 Million
Identify problems/gaps 4 Million
Assess technology needs 4 Million
Awareness raising campaign 10 Million
Policy recommendations 4.Million
4
National Regional
Nexus Platform
Working in silos
Inter-sectoral competition for resources
Inefficient allocation of resources
Lack of coordination between sectors
Identify sectoral focal points and champions
Establish platform steering committee and secretariat
Identify neutral institution to host the secretariat
Rapid appraisal on national nexus problems
Establish formal links with regional initiatives
In-kind contributions from the secretariat appointed
CSR, social business
National and international donors
5
Data Democratisation
Distorted allocation of resources
Interdisciplinary Planning and Design
Improved public participation and resource allocation
Removing subsidies for non-local food stocks
Creating market based pricing
Seed money for pilot project (hardware/software/training) 2 Million
ASAMH costs (website, staff, housing) 1 Million
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Appendix Six: Workshop Evaluations
Workshop participants were asked to consider and score (Figure 6) the following questions from a
rating of1 (Strongly Agree) to 5 (Strongly Disagree):
1. The presentation on the Nexus was clear and provided a good basis for understanding the water,
energy and food nexus concept
2. The content on Asia was informative (if not what could be improved)?
3. Information on the outputs of the previous workshops were informative and improved my
understanding of the purpose of this workshop
4. The regional and country presentations gave me a clear picture of what the nexus means in the
Asia region
5. The process of developing targets to shape a nexus vision for 2030 was useful and helped me
think about water-energy-food links and how these would look like in the future
6. The process of identifying problems, solutions and mobilisation approaches was clear and
straightforward to follow
7. The process of developing an ‘investment-grade’ project proposal that includes timeline and steps
was useful
8. Are you likely to circulate information from this workshop and Nexus Dialogue on Water
Infrastructure Solutions?
9. Will you and your colleagues be motivated to contribute case studies and tools to the Nexus
toolkit?
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0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Strongly Agree
Agree
Neither Agree nor Disagree
Disagree
Strongly Disagree
42%
37%
17%
4%
Question Number
Figure 11: Workshop participant evaluations