water and sustainable - united nations · water and sustainable development ... looking into a...

Water and SustainableDevelopmentReaderUN-Water Decade Programme on Advocacy andCommunication (UNW-DPAC)

www.un.org/waterforlifedecade

Produced by the UN-Water Decade Programme on Advocacy and Communication (UNW-DPAC),this reader is intended for all those interested in getting familiar with issues related to water andsanitation in cities. The reader provides basic references for easy reading and some of the latestand most relevant United Nations publications on urban water and sanitation management. It alsocontains references for specific audiences such as water operators, educators and children. Link isprovided when the publication is available online.

United Nations Office to Supportthe International Decade for Action‘Water for Life’ 2005-2015

Water and sustainable developmen:Maquetación 1 22/12/14 11:24 Página 1

An overview

Global Sustainable Development Report.Prototype edition

United Nations (UN). July 2014

http://bit.ly/1mpMUFmExecutive summary: http://bit.ly/101ylCD

This report is intended as a technical,analytical and descriptive contribution to theglobal debate on sustainable developmentthat digests, synthesizes and draws outpolicy implications of relevant scientific andsocial scientific research. It brings togetherfindings of scientific assessments as inputfor policy deliberations at the high-levelpolitical forum and beyond. It is designed toserve as a “prototype” of a GlobalSustainable Development Report.Additionally, it focuses on global sustainabledevelopment in terms of issues, impacts,institutions and technology. The report’starget group comprises governmentofficials, policy makers and other decision-makers at all levels. The report looks threegenerations into the past (1950-2013) andtwo generations into the future (until 2050).

World Economic and Social Survey 2013Sustainable Development Challenges

United Nations Department of Economicand Social Affairs (UNDESA). July 2013

http://bit.ly/1wCkqyQ

This edition of the World Economic andSocial Survey focuses on sustainabledevelopment issues, especially in threeimportant cross-sectoral issues:sustainable cities, food security and energytransformation.

The Future We Want

United Nations General Assembly.September 2012

http://bit.ly/1wEN3u7

Outcome document of the Rio+20conference on sustainable development,

1

which took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil,throughout June 2012.

Inclusive Wealth Report 2012. Measuringprogress toward sustainability

United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP), United Nations University-International Human DimensionsProgramme (IHDP). June 2012

http://bit.ly/1pXIEP3

This report presents a framework thatoffers a long-term perspective on humanwell-being and sustainability, based on acomprehensive analysis of nations’productive base and their link to economicdevelopment. The Inclusive Wealth Report(IWR) 2012 was developed on the notionthat current economic productionindicators, such as Gross DomesticProduct (GDP) and the HumanDevelopment Index (HDI), are insufficientas they fail to reflect the state of naturalresources or ecological conditions, andfocus exclusively on the short-term,without indicating whether national policiesare sustainable. The IWR 2012 features anindex measuring the wealth of nations bylooking into a country's capital assets,including manufactured, human andnatural capital, and its correspondingvalues: the Inclusive Wealth Index (IWI).

21 Issues for the 21st Century. Resultsof the UNEP Foresight Process onEmerging Environmental Issues

United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP). February 2012

http://bit.ly/1xDN6qh

The purpose of the UNEP ForesightProcess is to produce, every two years, acareful and authoritative ranking of themost important emerging issues related tothe global environment. The output of theUNEP Foresight Process is a ranked listof 21 emerging issues described in a waythat reflects their linkages to the variousdimensions of sustainable development.


2

The issues relate to the major themes ofthe global environment, as well asimportant cross-cutting issues. Thechapter on Freshwaters and MarineIssues addresses two main water-relatedissues: New Insights on Water-LandInteractions: Shift in the ManagementParadigm; and Shortcutting theDegradation of Inland Waters inDeveloping Countries.

The Transition to a Green Economy:Benefits, Challenges and Risks from aSustainable Development Perspective.Report by a Panel of Experts to 2nd

Preparatory Committee Meeting for UNConference on SustainableDevelopment

United Nations Department of Economicand Social Affairs (UNDESA) Division forSustainable Development, United NationsEnvironment Programme (UNEP), UnitedNations Conference on Trade andDevelopment (UNCTAD). 2011

http://bit.ly/1zIALGM

This document contains three differentpapers. The first paper examines themacroeconomic policy implications of thetransition to the green economy; thesecond focuses on the interlinked issuesof trade, investment and technology; andthe third considers the risks that thisconcept generates for developingcountries and the domestic andinternational policies necessary topromote the green economy in thesecountries, according to the principles ofsustainable development. This summarypresents the major policy conclusionsderived from these contributions. Theissues of financing and technologydevelopment, transfer and cooperation areparticularly highlighted by this report. Thechapter on ‘Challenges of the greeneconomy concept and policies in thecontext of sustainable development,poverty and equity’ describes the risks of

misusing the green economy concept aswell as policies and measures forpromoting sustainable development and agreen economy. The critical role of wateris emphasized through different examples.

Water in the Transition to a GreenEconomy. A UNEP Brief

United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP). 2010

http://goo.gl/LUMu8e

The aim of this brief is to introduce theobjective of UNEP’s Green Economyapproach to sustainable development. Thisapproach is based on a recognized needfor interventions; specifically, interventionsthat mobilize and refocus the globaleconomy towards investments andexpenditures in economic sectors that cancatalyze the creation of decent jobs andlivelihoods, sustained economicdevelopment, poverty reduction, and theregeneration of life-sustaining naturalresources. The issue of water is introducedin the context of the green economy,describing the main challenges andenabling conditions.

Water, Sanitation and theMillennium Development Goals

(The) Millennium Development GoalsReport 2014

United Nations (UN). July 2014

http://bit.ly/1toVA3C

This annual report, coordinated by theStatistics Division of the United NationsDepartment of Economic and Social Affairs(UNDESA), provides a periodic assessmentof progress towards the MillenniumDevelopment Goals (MDGs) based on dataprovided by a large number of internationalorganizations within and outside the UnitedNations system. The aggregate figures in


3

the report are an overview of regionalprogress under the eight goals. Water andsanitation are included in the chapter,dedicated to Goal 7.

Progress on sanitation and drinking-water: 2014 update

WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programmefor Water Supply and Sanitation (JMP).May 2014

http://bit.ly/1ohiqrN

This Progress on Drinking Water andSanitation report evaluates access todrinking-water and sanitation worldwideand progress towards related targets underMillennium Development Goal 7 "to halve,by 2015, the proportion of the populationwithout sustainable access to safe drinkingwater and basic sanitation". Section 1gives the status of and trends in access toimproved drinking water sources andsanitation. Section 2 provides a snapshotof inequalities in access to improveddrinking-water sources and sanitation.Section 3 presents efforts to strengthenmonitoring of access to safe drinking waterand sanitation services under a post-2015development agenda, and the challengesassociated with these efforts.

Global Monitoring Report 2013. Rural-Urban Dynamics and the MillenniumDevelopment Goals

International Monetary Fund (IMF), WorldBank. April 2013

http://bit.ly/1azhjKC

The Global Monitoring Report (GMR) is anannual report card on the world’s progresstoward the Millennium Development Goals(MDGs). Each annual report has a thematicfocus, which is an aspect of thedevelopment agenda on which the GMRprovides a more in-depth assessment. Thetheme of GMR 2013 is rural-urbandisparities in development and waysurbanization can better help achieve theMDGs. The report highlights the need to

accelerate efforts to improve the lives ofthe poor in both rural and urban areas.Also, the report states that if the forces ofurbanization are not managed speedily andefficiently, slum growth can overwhelm citygrowth, exacerbate urban poverty, andderail MDG achievements. Water andsanitation-related issues are addressedthroughout the report.

WASH in the Post-2015 agenda

WASH Post-2015 proposed targets andindicators for drinking-water, sanitationand hygiene

World Bank Water and Sanitation Program(WSP). March 2014

http://bit.ly/1g2FN8h

This document summarizes the latestproposals for post-2015 targets developedby global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene(WASH) stakeholders. In May 2011,anticipating the debate that wouldinevitably arise regarding what shouldsucceed the Millennium DevelopmentGoals (MDGs), the World HealthOrganization (WHO) and UNICEF conveneda global stakeholder meeting to considerthe targets and indicators that would beappropriate for drinking-water, sanitationand hygiene (WASH) post-2015.

A Post-2015 Global Goal for Water:Synthesis of key findings andrecommendations from UN-Water

UN-Water. January 2014

http://bit.ly/1fOx1Yo

This paper summarizes key findings andrecommendations for a post-2015 globalgoal for water. The paper is the result of abroad technical consultation process among31 UN-Water members and 36 partners, aswell as a range of other stakeholders, whichaims to inform, and provide advice and


4

recommendations in support to MemberStates in their decision-making process onthe post-2015 development agenda. Itproposes a set of potential targets andindicators to support a dedicated global goalfor water, and contributes towards theSustainable Development Goals (SDG)consultation process.

Post-2015 Agenda and RelatedSustainable Development Goals IssueFocus: Water & Sanitation and the Roleof Business

United Nations Global Compact. January2014

http://bit.ly/101DAlE

The purpose of this issue paper is toinform governments and policy makers ofthe responsible business community’swillingness to contribute to the formationof any water and sanitation goals withinthe post-2015 agenda as well as futureimplementation efforts involving the privatesector.

Report to the United Nations Secretary-General. Corporate Sustainability andthe United Nations Post-2015Development Agenda

United Nations Global Compact. June 2013

http://bit.ly/1tCT6k3

This report contains business perspectivesand recommendations in three areas. First,to determine the core of a post-2015agenda, including suggested sustainabledevelopment goals and targets,categorized around the following issues:The Poverty Apex; Human Needs andCapacities; The Resource Triad of waterand sanitation, energy and climate, andagriculture and Food; EnablingEnvironment. Second, to outline how toengage businesses and investors towardssustainable development goals. Third, to

recommend ways that Governments canadvance inclusive and sustainablemarkets, including through multilateralcooperation and trade, pricing incentives,procurement and transparency, financingfor inclusive markets, state-ownedenterprises, and encouraging andsupporting responsible business practices.

(The) Post 2015 Water ThematicConsultation Report

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF),United Nations Department of Economicand Social Affairs (UNDESA), UN-Water.August 2013

http://bit.ly/18o74KP

This report results from sifting through anddistilling the hundreds of stakeholdercontributions made in response to dozensof practical questions raised during the 6-month "World We Want" stakeholderconsultation. The questions wereorganized around the interdependenciesregarding access to drinking water,sanitation and hygiene. Recommendationsemerged for a new developmentframework that calls for reducinginequalities around water through rights-based approaches to service provision andgovernance.

Water Resources Management

United Nations World Water DevelopmentReport 4 ‘Managing water underuncertainty and risk’. Volumes 1, 2, 3

United Nations Educational, Scientific andCultural Organization (UNESCO), UnitedNations World Water AssessmentProgramme (WWAP), UN-Water. March 2012

http://bit.ly/1zfdJ9q

The World Water Development Reportgives an overall picture of the state of theworld's freshwater resources and analyses


5

pressures from decisions that drivedemand for water and affect its availability.It offers tools and response options to helpleaders in government, the private sectorand civil society address current and futurechallenges, and suggests potentialinstitutional reforms. This 4th editionintroduces a new thematic approach(Managing Water under Uncertainty andRisk), and directly reports from the regions,highlighting hotspots. It reports on variouschallenge areas, and aims to encourage allstakeholders both in and out of the 'waterbox' to fully engage in the decision makingprocesses. Volume 1 ,'Managing Waterunder Uncertainty and Risk,' focuses onstatus, trends, challenges and the issue ofmanaging water under uncertainty andrisk. Volume 2, ‘Knowledge Base,’ iscomposed of fourteen challenge areareports, five regional reports and threespecial reports to ensure a comprehensivecoverage. Volume 3, 'Facing theChallenges,' is dedicated to case studiesfrom the different regions.

Status Report on the application ofintegrated approaches to waterresources management 2012

United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP), UN-Water. June 2012

http://bit.ly/HVnK3X

Based on a global survey assessing theprogress and outcomes of the applicationof integrated approaches to thedevelopment, management and use ofwater resources, this UN-Water reportincludes lessons learned,recommendations and areas for action.The report also provides guidance forestablishing a regular internationalmonitoring and reporting framework topromote sustainable development andmanagement of water resources.

Water quality

Natural Capital Accounting and WaterQuality: Commitments, Benefits, Needsand Progress

The Economics of Ecosystems andBiodiversity (TEEB). December 2013

http://bit.ly/1od2wAx

This briefing note outlines existing guidanceand examples on water quality accounting.Inspired by the growing global focus onnatural capital accounting, it identifies theongoing challenges related to thedevelopment of natural capital accountingand water quality accounting in order toencourage debate and commitment towardseffective water and biodiversity policy.

Policy brief on water quality

UN-Water. March 2011

http://bit.ly/1Dv3TxI

This policy brief is a collaborative output ofUN-Water members and partners directedat practitioners, policymakers and decision-makers in water resource management andother relevant sectors. It outlines thechallenges and trends, drivers and impactsrelated to water quality. It also presents fourstrategies that form the basis of policysolutions, and concludes by detailing aseries of specific recommendations bywhich these solutions are achievable.

Sick Water? The central role ofwastewater management in sustainabledevelopment. A Rapid ResponseAssessment

United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP), United Nations HumanSettlements Programme (UN-Habitat),GRID-Arendal. 2010

http://bit.ly/x0QRL6

This report identifies the main threats tohuman and ecological health, and theconsequences of poor wastewater


6

management and degrading sewagesystems. It also presents opportunitieswhere appropriate policy and managementresponses over the short and long termscan trigger employment, supportlivelihoods, boost public and ecosystemhealth and contribute to more intelligentwater management.

Risks

Health and environment: communicatingthe risks

World Health Organization (WHO). 2013

http://bit.ly/1dXTwvH

The WHO Regional Office for Europeorganized a workshop in Trento, Italy, toenable participants to share experience inthe management and communication ofenvironmental risks, such as those relatedto the lack of water and sanitation. Thisreport builds on the presentations anddiscussions from the workshop andpresents a series of key messages usefulto regional and local authorities, as well asto risk managers in general.

Climate Change, Disaster Risk and theUrban Poor. Cities Building Resiliencefor a Changing World

International Bank for Reconstruction andDevelopment (IBRD), World Bank. April 2012

http://bit.ly/1sDTh9m

This study analyses the key challengesfacing the urban poor given the risksassociated with climate change anddisasters, particularly with regard to thedelivery of basic services, and identifiesstrategies and financing opportunities foraddressing these risks. The main audiencefor this study includes mayors and other citymanagers, national governments, donorsand practitioners in the fields of climatechange, disaster-risk management andurban development. The study is organized

in four chapters covering: (1) a broad look atclimate change and disaster-risk in cities ofthe developing world, with particularimplications for the urban poor; (2) analysisof the vulnerability of the urban poor; (3)discussion of recommended approaches forbuilding resilience for the urban poor; and (4)review of the financing opportunities forcovering investments in basic services andother needs associated with climate anddisaster-risk. Flood management and urbanplanning, water supply and sanitation, andwastewater management are among theissues covered by the report.

Integrated Flood Management (IFM)Concept Paper

World Meteorological Organization(WMO)/Global Water Partnership (GWP)Associated Programme on FloodManagement (APFM). 2009

http://bit.ly/1rzmcvh

This paper encourages the use of theresources of a river basin as a whole,employing strategies to maintain oraugment the productivity of floodplains,while at the same time providing protectivemeasures against losses due to flooding.Also, this paper includes a number ofemerging issues, such as risk management,urban floods, climate variability and changeand adaptive management.

By sector

Adaptation to climate change

National Drought Management PolicyGuidelines – A Template for Action

World Meteorological Organization(WMO)/Global Water Partnership (GWP)Integrated Drought ManagementProgramme (IDMP). 2014

http://bit.ly/1rSsTtf

This production is a template for actionthat countries may implement to develop


7

a national drought management policy anddrought preparedness/mitigation plans. Itprovides a 10-step process, adaptable bycountries to reflect their institutional,infrastructure, legal, socio-economic andenvironmental contexts. Case studies fromBrazil, Mexico, Morocco and the USA arewithin, and will be continuously updatedbased on the experiences gained in theguidelines’ application. The guidelinesrespond to a need for action orienteddrought policies, which Governmentsarticulated at the High-Level Meeting onNational Drought Policies.

Food wastage footprint. Impacts onnatural resources

Food and Agriculture Organization of theUnited Nations (FAO). September 2013

http://bit.ly/1bZQqF3

This report provides a global account ofthe environmental footprint of foodwastage along the food supply chain,focusing on impacts on climate, water,land and biodiversity. The impact of foodwastage was assessed in the context ofthe complete supply chain, from the fieldto the end-of-life of food. A specificchapter dedicated to water quantifies theamount of water wasted due to foodwaste.

The State of Food and Agriculture 2012.Investing in agriculture for a better future

Food and Agriculture Organization of theUnited Nations (FAO). December 2012

http://bit.ly/1nPxaBr

This edition of The State of Food andAgriculture, "Investing in agriculture for abetter future," makes the case thatincreasing the levels and the quality ofinvestment in agriculture is central toachieving the hunger eradication goal. Italso argues that we need to change theway we invest in agriculture; further,

arguing that insecure tenure for land, waterand other resources can constitute aserious disincentive to invest in agricultureand that negative environmental impacts,inter alia, depletion of natural resourcessuch as soil, water, forests andbiodiversity, may also be significant threatsto investment in agriculture. As such,water-related issues are addressed allalong the report.

Coping with water scarcity. An actionframework for agriculture and foodsecurity

Food and Agriculture Organization of theUnited Nations (FAO). August 2012

http://bit.ly/1wLtnbH

This report aims to provide a conceptualframework to address food security underconditions of water scarcity in agriculture.The purpose of this report is twofold. First,to define a water accounting frameworkthat allows water scarcity to be interpretedobjectively. Second, to indicate where andhow agricultural water management canplay a more proactive and effective role inresponse to increasing concerns overglobal freshwater scarcity. The documentoffers views on the conceptual frameworkfrom which FAO's water scarcityprogramme should be based, proposes aset of definitions associated with theconcept of water scarcity and indicates themain principles on which FAO should baseits action in support to its membercountries.

The State of the World's Land and WaterResources for Food and Agriculture.Managing systems at risk

Food and Agriculture Organization of theUnited Nations (FAO). 2011

http://bit.ly/1nPxkc5

This report examines the kinds ofproduction responses needed to meet


8

demand. It also assesses the potential ofthe world's land and water resources tosupport these desired increases in outputand productivity. Risks and tradeoffs areexamined, and options reviewed formanaging these without harm to theresource base. Chapter 1 analyses thecurrent status of land and waterresources together with trends. Itassesses the biophysical and technicalaspects of the resources and their use,and presents projections for the year2050. Chapter 2 reviews currentinstitutional arrangements, and assessessocio-economic and environmentalimpacts of current land and watermanagement. Chapter 3 reviews currentand future threats to land and water, andtheir implications for a series of majorsystems at risk. Chapter 5 assesses theinstitutional responses at local, nationaland international levels, with an analysisof lessons for the future. Finally, Chapter6 draws conclusions and advances policyrecommendations.

Industry

Inclusive and Sustainable IndustrialDevelopment. Creating sharedprosperity | Safeguarding theenvironment

United Nations Industrial DevelopmentOrganization (UNIDO). February 2014

http://bit.ly/1E0RYtJ

UNIDO is promoting inclusive andsustainable industrial development (ISID)to harness the full potential of industry’scontribution to the achievement ofsustainable development, and lastingprosperity for all. This brochureintroduces some of the key elements andissues related to this new vision. It willshape the future operations, spirit anddirection of UNIDO for many years tocome.

UNIDO Green Industry. Policies forsupporting Green Industry

United Nations Industrial DevelopmentOrganization (UNIDO). May 2011

http://bit.ly/qhlEsY

This report identifies the broad range ofpolicy measures required by national orfederal governments to promote andfacilitate the greening of industries. Thereport focuses on Small to MediumEnterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturingsector. However, the issues raised areequally relevant for other industry sub-sectors, (e.g. services and extraction).Emphasis is placed on policies whichimpact sustainable production rather thanconsumption. The water issue isaddressed in various chapters.

Cities

Planning, Connecting and FinancingCities-Now. Priorities for City leaders

World Bank. January 2013

http://bit.ly/1yHuc36

This report provides a framework to help cityleaders make informed decisions forsustainable development in their cities. Whatmust be done to improve living conditions,especially in slums and hazard-prone areas?Should a city expand the coverage andquality of basic infrastructure services (water,sanitation)? How should a citymanage itsphysical form? These are some of thequestions this report tries to answer.

State of the World's Cities 2012/2013.Prosperity of Cities

United Nations Human SettlementsProgramme (UN-Habitat). October 2012

http://bit.ly/Tm0X0i

The State of the World's Cities Report 2012presents some of the underlying factorsbehind the financial, economic,environmental, social and political crises that


9

have strongly impacted cities. Chapter 2.2,'Urban Infrastructure: Bedrock of Prosperity,'addresses the issue of 'Water Supply: WhenGood Governance Changes the Equation'.

Urban Flood Management in a ChangingClimate

World Meteorological Organization(WMO)/Global Water Partnership (GWP)Associated Programme on FloodManagement (APFM). February 2012

http://bit.ly/1tLrF8O

The main purpose of this piece is toexamine major aspects of urban floodmanagement through the context ofclimate change. This document deals withthe “management” process more than thetechnical, structural, and capital-intensivestrategies usually pursued in coping withurban floods. It also explores the vitalinteraction and overlap of urban floodmanagement with land use management,urban planning, socio-economicdevelopment and public awareness andparticipation. It includes the concepts from“Flood management in a changing climate”and “Urban flood risk management.”Simultaneously, it describes specific issuesand practices related to climate change inan urban environment and to increasingresilience of the population.

Integrated Urban Flood Management

World Meteorological Organization(WMO)/Global Water Partnership (GWP)Associated Programme on FloodManagement (APFM) in cooperation withCap-Net. September 2011.

http://bit.ly/1wEPxsv

This training manual addresses a broadspectrum of issues in the emerging field ofintegrated urban flood management. Itintends to provide best practice conceptsand applications to further inform andengage stakeholders in promotingintegrated and cooperative approaches in

water management in general. The manualintegrates expertise from disciplines suchas hydrology, sociology, economics,architecture, urban design, constructionand water resources engineering andmanagement. The subject is approachedfrom an international perspective and casestudies, exercises, expert advice andliterature recommendations are included tosupport the theory and illustrations.

Urban Flood Management

World Meteorological Organization(WMO)/Global Water Partnership (GWP)Associated Programme on FloodManagement (APFM) in cooperation withCap-Net. May 2007.

http://bit.ly/1E0SMPe

The document was prepared as a basis fora course aimed at decision-makers, andprofessionals of various fields of knowledgethat work in the field of urban environmentsuch as administrators, legislators,engineers, architects, geologists andbiologists. The course sought to present acomprehensive view of the management ofurban rainwater, which also involves urbandrainage and river flooding in cities. Thecourse did not address project-specificaspects, instead it discussed the strategicaspects of management and interfaces thevarious aspects of urban water and otherelements of city planning and management.

Ecosystems

System of Environmental EconomicAccounting 2012 Central Framework

United Nations, European Union, Food andAgriculture Organization of the UnitedNations (FAO), International Monetary Fund(IMF), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD),World Bank. March 2014

http://bit.ly/1iSeGh3

This document is a multipurposeconceptual framework for understanding


10

the interaction between the environmentand the economy. It provides a statisticalframework consisting of a comprehensiveset of tables and accounts, which guide thecompilation of consistent and comparablestatistics and indicators for policy making,analysis and research. By providinginternationally agreed upon concepts anddefinitions on environmental-economicaccounting, it is an invaluable tool forcompiling integrated statistics, derivingcoherent and comparable indicators andmeasuring progress towards sustainabledevelopment goals. Category 3, titled'Physical flow accounts,' has a section onphysical flow accounts for water, includingscope of water flows, physical supply anduse table for water and water aggregates.In Category 5, 'Assets,' there is a sectionon asset accounts for water resources.

Applying Environmental Assessment forFlood Management

World Meteorological Organization(WMO)/Global Water Partnership (GWP)Associated Programme on FloodManagement (APFM). June 2013.

http://bit.ly/1Dv5IuL

This tool provides flood managementpractitioners a generic approach forintegrating environmental considerationsinto the decision making processes in basinflood management. As such, it providesgeneric approaches for conductingStrategic Environmental Assessments (SEA)at the basin flood management planningstage and Environmental ImpactAssessments (EIA) at the project designand implementation stage.

TEEB for water and wetlands

Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, TheEconomics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity(TEEB). February 2013

http://bit.ly/1sDUHkf

This report underlines the fundamentalimportance of wetlands in the water cycle

and in addressing water objectives reflectedin the Rio+20 agreement, the MillenniumDevelopment Goals and forthcoming post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals. Inorder to encourage additional policymomentum, business commitment, andinvestment in the conservation, restorationand wise use of wetlands, the reportpresents insights on critical water-relatedecosystem services and also on the widerecosystem services from wetlands,

Green Accounting and DataImprovement for Water Resources

United Nations World Water AssessmentProgramme (WWAP). August 2012

http://bit.ly/1tCTVcp

This paper outlines key initiatives ofdifferent agencies, including the initiativesof the United Nations (UN) System ofEnvironmental-Economic Accounts forWater (SEEAW) and Eurostat, the recentefforts of the Organisation for EconomicCo-operation and Development (OECD)andthat of the European EnvironmentAgency (EEA), to incorporate water-relatedindicators into wider systems ofenvironmental accounting, to movetowards raising water's role in economicand environmental policy-making.

GEO-5 Global Environment Outlook 5.Chapter 4 on Water

United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP). June 2012

http://bit.ly/1zIHdh1

The GEO Reports analyze environmentalstates and trends at the global andregional scales, describe plausibleoutlooks for various time frames andformulate policy options. The GEO-5’sWater Chapter assesses progress towardsachieving water-related goals in majormultilateral environmental agreementsidentified by the GEO-5 High-Level


11

Intergovernmental Advisory Panel andregional consultations, and highlights aseries of messages. The chapter focuseson the state, trends and impacts of thewater environment, with references todrivers (Part 1) and responses (Parts 2 and3), and other environmental sectors (Parts2, 3, 5 and 6) where appropriate.

Measuring Water Use in a Green Economy

United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP). May 2012

http://bit.ly/1zfeejQ

This report analyses the different ways forquantifying and accounting for water flowsand productivity within the economy(including environmental needs). The reportprovides the current state of knowledge ofthe different indicators and tools forquantifying water productivity, and highlightswhy this is important for developing robustallocation and management systems thatpreserve the natural capital. Also, it focuseson two main elements: (1) the conceptualbackground and knowledge on how wateruse puts pressure on the environment; and(2) methodologies to quantify wateravailability and use and how this influencesecosystems.

Conservation and Restoration of Riversand Floodplains

World Meteorological Organization(WMO)/Global Water Partnership (GWP)Associated Programme on FloodManagement (APFM). May 2012.

http://bit.ly/1pXODTZ

This tool seeks to assist practitioners mainlythrough review and description of optionsfor conservation and restoration of riversand floodplains that can assist floodmanagement practitioners in addressingvarious flood management objectives. Also,this tool provides an overview of currentpractices that could help flood management

practitioners to identify and establish thevalues of ecosystem services generatedunder different conservation, restoration andflood management scenarios.

Releasing the Pressure: Water ResourceEfficiencies and Gains for EcosystemServices

United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP). March 2012

http://bit.ly/1p0tcH9

This document discusses the need tobalance short-term water productivity gains- particularly in agriculture - with the long-term role that water flows provide formaintaining sustainable landscapeecosystem services, and serving multiplebenefits to human well-being. Thedocument provides a summary of conceptsaround the nexus of water productivity,water flows in landscapes and ecosystemservices. It gives examples (through casestudies) on the trade-offs and opportunitiesbetween water productivity improvementsand the water-related services provided byother ecosystems.

An Ecosystem Services Approach toWater and Food Security. SynthesisReport

International Water Management Institute(IWMI), United Nations EnvironmentProgramme (UNEP). August 2011

http://bit.ly/1rzntCl

This publication looks at how anecosystem services approach to themanagement of water and other naturalresources, and the policies that affect thatmanagement, can create more stable andsustainable food production andenhanced food security. It brings togetherthe best thinking available from variousfields to tease out the interconnectionsbetween ecosystems, water and food;suggests a way forward; and identifies


12

specific ecosystem-based opportunitiesto increase food production in ways thatmake optimal use of water resources,protect the resource base, and improvethe income and food security of poorpeople. The main body of this publicationfocuses on three main areas that requirechange: (1) environmental protection; (2)water resources management; (3) andfood production (agriculture, aquacultureand livestock). This publication offers thebasis for a multisector agenda on foodsecurity, while also providing sector-specific recommendations to guidepolicymakers and practitioners inministries and departments responsiblefor the environment, water, agriculture,fisheries, forestry and livestock as well asdonors, international agencies andnongovernmental organizations (NGOs)investing and working in these sectors.

Towards a Green Economy: Pathways toSustainable Development and PovertyEradication. Chapter on 'Water.Investing in natural capital'


http://bit.ly/19AkbdX

This report aims to provide practicalguidance to policy makers on whatreforms are needed to unlock theproductive and employment potential of agreen economy. Chapter 3, "Water:investing in natural capital," has threebroad topics. First, it highlights theimportance of providing all householdswith sufficient and affordable access toclean water supplies and adequatesanitation. Second, it makes a case forearly investment in water managementand infrastructure, including ecologicalinfrastructure. The potential to makegreater use of biodiversity and ecosystemservices in reducing water treatmentcosts and increasing productivity is

emphasised. Third, the chapter providesguidance on the suite of governancearrangements and policy reforms, which ifimplemented, can sustain and increasethe benefits associated with making sucha transition.

Ecosystems for Water and FoodSecurity. Background document

International Water Management Institute(IWMI), United Nations EnvironmentProgramme (UNEP). 2011

http://bit.ly/1wCsaRs

The purpose of this document is to showhow sustainable ecosystems, explicitlyagroecosystems, are essential for watermanagement and food production. Thisdocument provides background evidenceillustrating the 3-way interdependencebetween ecosystems, water and foodsecurity to demonstrate how ecosystemmanagement can be improved to ensurewater availability and to avoid future foodcrises. It focuses primarily on how toachieve sustainable food production froma biophysical perspective, withoutspecifically addressing the key social andinstitutional issues related with foodsecurity. Several of those are howeverhighlighted throughout the text to remindthe reader that these remain a criticalcomponent to ensure food security forthe poor and socially-disadvantagedgroups.

Environmental Aspects of IntegratedFlood Management

World Meteorological Organization(WMO)/Global Water Partnership (GWP)Associated Programme on FloodManagement (APFM). August 2006.

http://bit.ly/ZZnBEW

This paper contains five main sectionstitled: (1) Setting the Scene: Environmentand Sustainable Development; (2)


13

Understanding the Basic Concepts of theMorphology and Ecology or Rivers andtheir Flood Plans; (3) Flood Processes andEcosystem Services: Interrelationships; (4)Flood Management Interventions andEcosystems; and finally, (5) FactoringEnvironmental Considerations in Decision-making Processes.

Means of implementation

An overview

IFM as an Adaptation Tool for ClimateChange: Case Studies


http://bit.ly/1xDV8zF

This Tool introduces strategies for climatechange adaption and implementation ofthese strategies in the context of floodmanagement. In total, nine case studiesfrom the US, UK, France, Germany,Netherlands, Japan, China, South Korea,and EU are presented. The adaptationstrategies are described especially from thepoint of flood risk assessment. Further,each country formulates their own adaptionmeasures and designates responsibleagencies for their implementation.

Towards a Green Economy: Pathways toSustainable Development and PovertyEradication. Chapter on ‘Enablingconditions’

United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP). August 2011

http://bit.ly/1thx7xI

This chapter focuses on the changes thatcould be introduced in the short to mediumterm to support the transition to a greeneconomy. It includes measures that can betaken by governments at all levels, from the

executive power to ministries (such asthose responsible for environment, financeand the general economy), and provincialand local authorities. It begins with adiscussion of five key areas of policy-making: (1) how public investment andspending can be used to leverage privateinvestment, including public infrastructureprojects, green subsidies and sustainablepublic procurement; (2) how market-basedinstruments, such as taxes and tradablepermits, can level the playing field andprovide market incentives in order topromote the greening of key sectors; (3)how subsidy reform should beimplemented in areas that deplete naturalcapital; (4) how a country’s regulatoryframework of legislation, institutions andenforcement can be designed to channeleconomic energy into environmentally andsocially valuable activity; and (5) howinternational frameworks that regulateeconomic activity can play a role in drivinga green economy. In conclusion, thechapter discusses additional supportingmeasures that may be required, namelycapacity building and investment in trainingand education.

Conference book from the InternationalUN-Water Conference 'Water in theGreen Economy in Practice: TowardsRio+20'. A water toolbox or bestpractice guide of actions

UN-Water Decade Programme on Advocacyand Communication (UNW-DPAC).November 2011

http://bit.ly/1vfldTc

This conference book presents the mainoutcomes of the International UN-WaterConference "Water in the Green Economy inPractice: Towards Rio+20", which tookplace in Zaragoza, Spain, from 3 to 5October 2011. The objective of thisdocument is to provide proposals based onthe analysis of existing practice, reflecting


14

specifically on lessons from implementation,scaling up and the relevance for developingand transition countries. It proposes sixtools which can be used to promote changeand support the transition towards a greeneconomy: (1) economic instruments; (2)sustainable financing; (3) investments innatural capital; (4) technology; (5) greenjobs; and (6) water planning.

Technology

Options for facilitating thedevelopment, transfer anddissemination of clean andenvironmentally sound technologies

United Nations General Assembly. Reportof the Secretary-General. August 2013

http://bit.ly/1wcwkQR

The present report, prepared pursuant toGeneral Assembly resolution 67/203,complements the analysis, findings andrecommendations contained in the reportof the Secretary-General on options for atechnology facilitation mechanism(A/67/348). It proposes additionalbackground information and details onoptions for the way forward to facilitate thedevelopment, transfer and dissemination ofclean and environmentally soundtechnologies. In particular, it reports on thedeliberations at the workshops on thedevelopment, transfer and dissemination ofclean and environmentally soundtechnologies in developing countries thatwere convened by the President of theAssembly in April and May 2013, as wellas on recent written inputs received fromMember States and the United Nationssystem.

Addressing the Technology Divides:Critical Issues in Technology and SDGs

Women’s Major Group. December 2013

http://bit.ly/1FV5X6q

This Briefing Paper on Science, Technologyand Innovation (STI) for the 6th Session of

the Open Working Group on SustainableDevelopment Goals (SDGs) addressescritical issues in technology and the SDGswith a focus on the “Technology Divides.”

Options for a facilitation mechanismthat promotes the development, transferand dissemination of clean andenvironmentally sound technologies

United Nations General Assembly. Reportof the Secretary-General. September 2012

http://bit.ly/1tLuPto

The present report has been preparedpursuant to General Assembly resolution66/288, in which the Assembly endorsedthe outcome document of the UnitedNations Conference on SustainableDevelopment, entitled “The future wewant.” Paragraph 273 of the annex to theresolution contains two requests. First,that relevant United Nations agenciesidentify options for a facilitationmechanism that promotes thedevelopment, transfer and dissemination ofclean and environmentally soundtechnologies. Second, a request that theSecretary-General make recommendationsregarding the facilitation mechanism to theAssembly at its sixty-seventh session. Thereport summarizes recent trends, providesan overview of the proposals received andoutlines recommendations on thefunctions, format and working methods ofa technology facilitation mechanism, aswell as on a potential way forward toachieve improved technology facilitation.

World Economic and Social Survey2011. The Great Green TechnologicalTransformation

United Nations Department of Economicand Social Affairs (UNDESA). 2011

http://bit.ly/pJMvrK

The World Economic and Social Survey isthe annual flagship publication on major


15

development issues prepared by the UnitedNations Department of Economic andSocial Affairs (UNDESA). The 2011 Surveyintroduces collective efforts to achieve amuch-needed technological transformationto a greener, cleaner global economy. TheSurvey illustrates the feasibility of such atransformation with data, analysis andprojections. Chapter II, ‘The Great GreenTechnological Transformation,’ focuses onthe clean energy technologicaltransformation; solar water heatertechnology and micro-hydroelectricity arehighlighted as some of the best examplesof green energy technologies. Chapter III,‘Towards a truly green revolution for foodsecurity,’ introduces watersheddevelopment with the case study of India.The water and sanitation issue is alsodescribed in Chapter IV, ‘Reducing humanharm from natural hazards.’

Water and the Green Economy:Information Briefs. Water and Technologyin the Transition to the Green Economy

UN-Water Decade Programme onAdvocacy and Communication (UNW-DPAC). September 2011

http://bit.ly/1wEQdxY

For the purposes of the International UN-Water Conference "Water in the GreenEconomy in Practice: Towards Rio+20", 3-5October 2011, Zaragoza, Spain, the UN-Water Decade Programme on Advocacyand Communication (UNW-DPAC)produced a series of information briefs ondifferent issues and tools addressed by theconference. The information briefs introducethe main challenges, opportunities and keyfacts related to each of the tools identified.These briefs also outline a set of practicesand approaches for transitioning to thegreen economy as highlighted by theorganisations participating in theconference. These approaches areillustrated with case studies featured in theconference. It focuses on the potential

contributions of technology to the transitiontowards a green economy, and theopportunities as well as challenges fortechnology in a green economy.

Financing

Follow-up to and implementation of theMonterrey Consensus and DohaDeclaration on Financing for Development

United Nations General Assembly. Reportof the Secretary-General. September 2013.

http://bit.ly/1wEQhOf

Pursuant to General Assembly resolution67/199, the present report provides anannual assessment of the state ofimplementation of the MonterreyConsensus and the Doha Declaration onFinancing for Development. Six thematicareas present the recent developments: (1)mobilizing domestic financial resources fordevelopment; (2) mobilizing internationalresources for development: foreign directinvestment and other private flows; (3)international trade as an engine fordevelopment; (4) increasing internationalfinancial and technical cooperation fordevelopment; (5) external debt; and (6)addressing systemic issues: enhancing thecoherence and consistency of theinternational monetary, financial andtrading systems in support ofdevelopment. Other developments relatedto strengthening the financing fordevelopment of an intergovernmentalfollow-up process are presented in asection entitled “staying engaged”.

Risk Sharing in Flood Management

World Meteorological Organization(WMO)/Global Water Partnership (GWP)Associated Programme on FloodManagement (APFM). July 2013.

http://bit.ly/1thxR5P

This tool introduces risk reduction, riskretention and risk transfer through astrategic mix of structural and


16

non-structural measures for floodpreparedness, response and recovery. Riskreduction options also include how the costof risk reduction measures can be equitablyshared in society. It intends to provide aconceptual “bridge” between the classicallyengineering focused flood managementprofessionals and the sectors specialized inrisk management. In its second edition, theTool was enhanced with recent practicesand examples of risk sharing methodsincluding crop insurance, catastrophe riskinsurance facility and index basedinsurance, which were added to providemore options in flood risk sharing as aninstrument in managing floods.

Promoting Water Cooperation.Information brief on Financing

UN-Water Decade Programme onAdvocacy and Communication (UNW-DPAC). January 2013

http://bit.ly/1nPziJm

For the purposes of the International Yearof Water Cooperation and the InternationalAnnual UN-Water Zaragoza Conference2012/2013 "Preparing for the 2013International Year. Water Cooperation:Making it Happen!," which took place inZaragoza, Spain, from 8 to 10 January2013, UNW-DPAC produced a series ofinformation briefs on different issues andtools on water cooperation. This particularbrief provides information on financingwater cooperation discussing: What arethe main challenges in financing watercooperation processes? Which tools areavailable for financing water cooperation?What are the main sources?

Investing in Water Infrastructure:Capital, Operations and Maintenance

World Bank. November 2012

http://bit.ly/1E0V2pI

This paper outlines the major challengesrelated to financing the gap in global water

infrastructure, including those systems thatprovide urban and rural water supply, andsanitation and irrigation services. The papersynthesizes the extensive body of literatureon this subject, while providing someexamples of historical trends and proposinga reform agenda to assist countries inweathering the current financial climate.Section 1 introduces the linkages betweenwater infrastructure and growing globalchallenges, including food and energysecurity as well as climate change. Section2 describes investment needs in the sectorand details various traditional fundingsources. Section 3 proposes a 5 stepreform cycle for making better use oflimited funding in the sector. Tools formaking these improvements are outlined inSection 4. The paper concludes withSection 5, a summary of the challengesand recommendations moving forward.

International Guidebook ofEnvironmental Finance Tools. A SectoralApproach: Protected Areas, SustainableForests, Sustainable Agriculture andPro-Poor Energy

United Nations Development Programme(UNDP). August 2012

http://bit.ly/1FV6lSa

The International Guidebook ofEnvironmental Finance Tools providesguidance on developing and implementingthe most commonly used, widelyapplicable, and potentially high-impactenvironmental finance tools. It aims todefine and analyse the primary tools thatare already in use and that can be appliedglobally to advance sustainabledevelopment. The tools explored in theGuidebook have been successfully appliedto protect the environment and promotepro-poor and predominantly ruraldevelopment. They were identified througha review of over 100 environmental financecase studies from over 30 developing


17

countries across four sectors: pro-poorenergy, protected areas, sustainableagriculture and sustainable forestry.

Identifying the Potential forResults-Based Financing for Sanitation

World Bank Water and Sanitation Program(WSP). November 2011

http://bit.ly/1wLtEv7

This working paper intends to identifypractical ideas for advancing the use ofinnovative financing mechanisms focused onresults and performance, seeking to supportthe delivery of sustainable sanitationservices. To this end, the document reviews:(1) the rationale for examining Results-BasedFinancing (RBF) instruments for sanitation;(2) current issues with sanitation, where“misaligned incentives” mean thatinadequate services are being provided ordemanded; (3) how public funding, ifallocated based on results, could help withrealigning incentives; and (4) common issuesand challenges with the design of RBFinstruments.

Towards a Green Economy: Pathways toSustainable Development and PovertyEradication. Chapter on ‘Finance’


http://bit.ly/10yq9uI

This report is aimed at providing practicalguidance to policy makers on what reformsare needed to unlock the productive andemployment potential of a green economy.The chapter ‘Finance: supporting thetransition to a global green economy’examines how the green economy iscurrently financed, and explores thepriorities and potential methods forincreasing this investment. The chapterseeks to make the case for scaling upfinancing and amplifying the financialsector’s role as an agent of change. The

analysis emphasises investing, lending bybanks, and insurance, focused primarily onprivate sector sources of finance.Reference is also made to the enablingand complementary role of governments,development finance institutions and othernon-private sector actors.

Water and the Green Economy:Information Briefs. Water Financing inthe Transition to the Green Economy


http://bit.ly/1tLw4Zw

This information brief focuses on the wayswater financing can contribute to thetransition towards a green economy. Italsopresents the challenges and opportunitiesfor water financing in a green economy andhighlights some practical experiences.

Driving a Green Economy through PublicFinance and Fiscal Policy Reform

United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP). 2010

http://bit.ly/n82NBu

This working paper explores the linkagesand options available to policy-makersconsidering ways to drive and acceleratethe transition to greener, more resource-efficient and socially-inclusive economicgrowth. It explores economic policy issuesrelated to transitioning to a green economy,with particular focus on fiscal instrumentsand public finance. Section II discusses thekey economic issues and principles relatedto the green economy. Section III providesan overview of policy reform issues,including those related to the coordinationof different measures. Section IV discussesthe critical role of green taxes in influencingthe prices of goods and services affectingenvironmental conditions and naturalresource use, focusing on lessons from


18

previous environmental fiscal reforms, keypolicy design and implementation issues,and reform priorities. Section V discussesthe role of expenditure policies inpromoting the transition to a greeneconomy, including green subsidies, directgovernment expenditure (for example oninfrastructure) and the reform ofenvironmentally harmful subsidies.

Economic Aspects of Integrated FloodManagement

World Meteorological Organization(WMO)/Global Water Partnership (GWP)Associated Programme on FloodManagement (APFM). June 2007

http://bit.ly/1vfmARE

This document discusses four topicsrelated to implementing integrated floodmanagement. The beginning topic is‘Making Choice: Decision-making &economic analysis’ followed by ‘Cost-benefit analysis.’ Next is ‘EconomicEvaluation Techniques,’ and finally thetopic ‘Sources of Financing’ is presented.

Capacity-development

Bridging Knowledge and CapacityGaps for Sustainability Transition: AFramework for Action

United Nations Office for SustainableDevelopment (UNOSD). March 2013

http://bit.ly/1sDWYvV

This document summarizes the “ExpertConsultation on Knowledge and CapacityNeeds for Sustainable Development in PostRio+20 Era” to country representatives andexperts, the United Nations system,advocacy networks, civil society andacademic and policy institutions organizedby the United Nations Office for SustainableDevelopment (UNOSD) together with itspartners in Incheon, Republic of Korea, from6 to 8 March 2013. It takes stock of existingknowledge and capacity building models,

platforms and initiatives contributingtowards the transition to sustainability;examines how Member States and otherstakeholders could make the best use ofavailable resources and platforms to meettheir knowledge and capacity needs; andassesses success stories, trends, needsand gaps in knowledge and capacity foradvancing sustainable development in apost-Rio+20 context.

Water and the Green Economy. CapacityDevelopment Aspects

UN-Water Decade Programme on CapacityDevelopment (UNW-DPC). May 2012

http://bit.ly/1pXQgRA

This publication gives special attention tothe needs related to capacity developmentfor water resources management in thecontext of the green economy, includingwater supply and sanitation, by showcasingsuccessful theoretical and practicalapproaches. The 11 case studies in thisbook cover the entire range from innovativedesign and delivery of capacity developmentprogrammes related to water in the greeneconomy, market mechanisms and qualitycontrol procedures supporting capacitydevelopment success towards the practicalimplementation of programmes to enhanceindividual and institutional capacity.

Water and Capacity Development in theTransition to the Green EconomyInformation Brief


http://bit.ly/1vfmTft

This information brief focuses on howcapacity development can contribute tothe transition towards a green economy,introduces the main challenges andoutlines various practical approaches fortransitioning to a green economy.


19

Organizing Community Participation forFlood Management

World Meteorological Organization(WMO)/Global Water Partnership (GWP)Associated Programme on FloodManagement (APFM). March 2008

http://bit.ly/1tCURh2

This tool provides general guidelines foreffectively organizing community activitiesto ensure participation at various levels ofdecision making and capacity buildingduring flood management. To buildnecessary institutional frameworks toenhance community participation, severalissues related to the engagement of floodmanagers, NGOs and policy makers toharmonize community activities with otherdevelopment policies and natural disasterare also addressed.

Social Aspects and StakeholderInvolvement in Integrated FloodManagement

World Meteorological Organization(WMO)/Global Water Partnership (GWP)Associated Programme on FloodManagement (APFM). August 2006

http://bit.ly/1Dv9iVN

This document addresses the topics of‘People and Floods,’ ‘Social Aspects ofFlood Risk Reduction,’ StakeholderInvolvement in Integrated FloodManagement,’ and ‘Enhancing StakeholderInvolvement.’

Governance frameworks

User's Guide on Assessing WaterGovernance

UNDP Water Governance Facility. August2013

http://bit.ly/19SrDg6

This guide is a resource for stakeholders toconduct water governance assessmentsmore effectively within their local or nationalcontext. It provides practical advice on

what to consider when designing andimplementing an assessment. It also offersguidance on a number of concrete topics,such as the governance aspects that areimportant to look at, the choice ofindicators, data collection, how to managemulti-stakeholder processes and how touse the findings to influence policy.Specifically, this guide enables users to:understand how assessments can informpolicy-making; select, adapt and developappropriate assessment frameworks andindicators for governance assessments inthe water sector; design multi-stakeholdersapproaches that further dialogue andconsensus-building around water sectorreform, and strengthen accountability byoffering an official track record ofgovernment performance and a platformfor public scrutiny by a wide range ofactors; and implement water governanceassessments to drive reform. The guide isstructured around three overarchingquestions: why, what and how to assesswater governance. It is divided into sixmain chapters and also includes a SourceGuide. The Source Guide presents anoverview of selected tools and cases ofwater governance assessments in differentregions.

Transboundary Flood Management

World Meteorological Organization(WMO)/Global Water Partnership (GWP)Associated Programme on FloodManagement (APFM). May 2013

http://bit.ly/1u6QywB

This document discusses transboundaryflood risk management in regard to sharedriver basins, involving multipleGovernments and their people. Specifictasks of joint monitoring, forecasting andearly warning, coordinated risk assessmentand joint planning of measures, andappropriate legal and institutionalframeworks are all necessary. The tool ontransboundary aspects of flood


20

management focuses on commonproblems, objectives and approaches offlood management in transboundarybasins, outlines major steps in arrangingtransboundary cooperation for floodmanagement and presents approaches insharing knowledge for the management oftransboundary flood risks.

Trends in local groundwatermanagement institutions

Food and Agriculture Organization of theUnited Nations (FAO), GlobalEnvironmental Facility (GEF), InternationalAssociation of Hydrogeologists (IAH),UNESCO-International HydrologicalProgramme (IHP), World Bank. 2012

http://bit.ly/Yt5L69

This brief account of groundwaterinstitutions attempts to point to discernibletrends in the evolution of localgroundwater management institutions andtheir effectiveness in sustaining thepractice of groundwater use. It looks at thescope for securing benefits throughimproved governance within institutionalarrangements and examines the prospectsfor implementing such improvement. ThisTechnical Paper is organized in three parts.Part 1 (Baseline) presents a broadoverview of the types of local groundwaterinstitutions and identifies a set of keydrivers for such local organization aroundgroundwater. Part 2 (Diagnostic) provides areview of the most relevant constraints toand opportunities for improvinggovernance at local scales and addressesa few specific issues. Lastly, Part 3(Prospects) attempts to identify wherepositive responses are likely to bedeployed with most effect.

Urban-rural tensions and opportunitiesfor co-management

Food and Agriculture Organization of theUnited Nations (FAO), GlobalEnvironmental Facility (GEF), International

Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH),UNESCO-International HydrologicalProgramme (IHP), World Bank. 2012

http://bit.ly/14dUVbt

This thematic paper examines urban-ruraltensions and opportunities for co-management. It provides a macro viewof how urban-rural tensions develop invarious domains and how thedevelopment of appropriate structures ofgovernance can reduce conflicts andeliminate, or at least ameliorate, theproblem.

Flood Emergency Planning


http://bit.ly/1wLtOCA

This tool provides basic information onpreparation and implementation of floodemergency management, which breaksdown into three stages: preparedness,response and recovery. By reducingexposure to flooding at each stage, floodemergency management contributes toflood risk reduction, which is an importantobjective of Integrated Flood Management.To this end, flood hazard maps help usersunderstand hazard information through theprocess of planning, preparing andresponding to flood. Practice emergencyexercises also strengthen stakeholders’capacity to smoothly conduct emergencyoperation.

Formulating a Basin Flood ManagementPlan


http://bit.ly/1p0wNFc

This tool guides the contents and basicprocedure of basin flood management


21

planning, such as national developmentvision/policy and enabling mechanism ofplanning. The objectives of basin floodmanagement plans are to protect life andproperty from flood risks and enhance thecapability of socio-economic developmentin the flood plains to realize thedevelopment vision in a basin throughIntegrated Flood Management (IFM).

The Role of Land-Use Planning in FloodManagement


http://bit.ly/1zfeQ99

This tool identifies the processes andpolicy principles that necessitate a linkageof land use planning in integrated floodmanagement. It provides an overview ofland use planning instruments consideredapplicable in the flood managementcontext, to identify the challenges andopportunities to establish a closer linkagebetween the various sectors concerned,and to provide guidance as to how thosesectors can work together.

Legal and Institutional Aspects ofIntegrated Flood Management CaseStudies

World Meteorological Organization(WMO)/Global Water Partnership (GWP)Associated Programme on FloodManagement (APFM). July 2006

http://bit.ly/1E0Wzw7

The case studies in this document include:‘Legal and Regulatory Framework forFlood Management in India,’ followed by‘Legislative Arrangements of FloodManagement in Japan. Then, ‘Protectionagainst the Detrimental Effects of Waters:the Legal System of Serbia’ is provided.The concluding case study is ‘From Flood

Defence to Flood Management: Legal andInstitutional Aspects of Swiss FloodManagement.’

Legal and Institutional Aspects ofIntegrated Flood Management

World Meteorological Organization(WMO)/Global Water Partnership (GWP)Associated Programme on FloodManagement (APFM). January 2006

http://bit.ly/1tgZn52

This document is comprised of three parts.Part A is entitled ‘Legal and InstitutionalRequirements of Integrated FloodManagement at the National Level.’ Part Bis ‘Special Requirements for InternationalWatercourses.’ Further, Part C is ‘Analysisof Existing National Legal Regime for FloodManagement.’

By region

Water and Sustainability. A Review ofTargets, Tools and Regional Cases

United Nations World Water AssessmentProgramme (WWAP). August 2012

http://bit.ly/1sDYiyV

This report reviews selected currentsustainability targets for the water sectorand provides an overview of selected toolsand approaches to assist decision-makersin improving performance and achievingresults and ultimately, meeting developmenttargets. The report reviews three widelyknown systems of water sustainabilitytargets: (1) the water targets set under theumbrella of the Millennium DevelopmentGoals; (2) the comprehensive water targetsestablished as part of the European UnionWater Framework Directive; and (3) thetarget-setting process for the 6th WorldWater Forum. The report presents fivecases to highlight some of the practicesfollowed to set water sustainability targets.


22

These cases include four river basins ofdifferent size, (Danube, Mekong, Zambeziand Nile), and a large aquifer, (Guarani).

Africa

Assessing Progress in Africatoward the Millennium DevelopmentGoals. MDG Report 2013. Food securityin Africa: Issues, challenges and lessons

African Development Bank (AfDB), AfricanUnion Commission (AUC), United NationsDevelopment Programme (UNDP), UnitedNations Economic Commission for Africa(UNECA). May 2013

http://bit.ly/1tLyA1R

This 2013 Millennium Development Goals(MDG) report reveals a mixed patternsuccesses and failures, improvements andchallenges, innovations and obstaclestowards Africa’s progress. The reportsummarizes Africa's MDG performanceand identifies the best performingcountries by indicator. Information aboutTarget 7C: Halve, by 2015, the proportionof the population without sustainableaccess to safe drinking water and basicsanitation, as well as on factors hinderingprogress in access to safe drinking waterand sanitation is provided. Section IIIfocuses on the issue of food security inAfrica, presents the situation and successstories and emerging lessons at countrylevel, including issues related to watersupply and irrigation.

Africa Environment Outlook-3. OurEnvironment, Our Health. Summary forpolicy makers


http://bit.ly/YlKVW0

The Africa Environment Outlook (AEO) is atool of the African Ministerial Conferenceon the Environment (AMCEN) formonitoring environmental management in

Africa. This issue (AEO-3) focuses on thelinkages between environment and health.The AEO-3 report begins by highlightingthe major drivers of environmental changein Africa and their implications for humanhealth. It also assesses environment andhealth linkages in the region by focusingon seven priority themes: air quality;biodiversity; chemicals and waste; climatechange and variability; coastal and marineresources; freshwater and sanitation; andland. In addition, the report contains ascenario analysis and teases out a seriesof policy directions. Based on the findingsof the thematic assessments and scenarioanalysis, the report concludes by settingforth transformative policy directions toensure a sustainable future.

Water sector governance in Africa.Volume 1 'Theory and Practice'

African Development Bank (AfDB).November 2010

http://bit.ly/1u6RvVR

This report provides an overview andassessment of the state of water sectorgovernance in Africa - looking at a verybroad range of governance-relatedelements, including legislation andregulation, decentralization and devolution,sector-wide approaches, financialmanagement, monitoring and evaluation,accountability and corruption as well ascivil society participation, gender,alternative service provision, public-privatepartnerships and equitable service delivery.The study highlights current thinking andresearch on all these key elements andissues affecting their quality. It drawsattention to the importance of financingoverarching water management andgovernance functions, from strategy,planning and policymaking andengagement with sector stakeholders towater resource development, allocationand management.


23

Africa Water Atlas

United Nations Environment Programme(UNEP). November 2010

http://bit.ly/1E0X2hI

This Atlas is a visual account of Africa'sendowment and use of water resources. Itgathers information about water in Africaand its role in the economy anddevelopment, health, food security,transboundary cooperation, capacitybuilding and environmental change. TheAtlas starts with a special feature thatfocuses on the often two-sided nature ofwater issues in Africa: surplus and scarcity,under-developed and overexploited andchallenges and opportunities. Chapter oneprovides the geographical foundations ofwater quantity, quality and distributionacross Africa's diverse regions. Chaptertwo focuses on water at the scale of majorwatersheds and groundwater basins thatcross national boundaries. Chapter threeexamines nine challenges andopportunities facing Africa as it strives toimprove the quantity, quality and use of itswater resources. Each of the nine issues ispresented by discussing the challenge, thesituation, the constraints and theopportunities. The final chapter is acountry-by-country look at wateravailability and withdrawals, irrigation andwater use by sector. The country profilesalso summarize progress toward the MDGwater targets.

Arab countries

Water Governance in the Arab Region.Managing Scarcity and Securing theFuture

United Nations Development Programme(UNDP). November 2013

http://bit.ly/1eGG1dC

This report addresses the issue of watergovernance in the Arab Region in acontext of water scarcity. Chapter 1

reviews the state of water resources in theArab region, the threats to these resourcesand the impact of diminishing watersustainability. Chapter 2 addresses majorwater governance challenges in the Arabregion. It emphasizes policy choices andrelevant interests. Chapter 3 discussesthree main issues: water security, theultimate goal in efforts to achievesustainable development; effective watergovernance, the way forward in achievingwater security; and cost-effectiveness, anappropriate tool for guiding effective watergovernance. Chapter 4 explains howwater's real value should guide watergovernance and management to the mosteconomically, socially and environmentallyefficient options. Chapter 5 provides an in-depth description of the major buildingblocks of effective water governance,such as reorienting water policy, enforcinglegislations and regulations, financing thewater sector, developing organizationalcapacities, monitoring and evaluating,managing data and information,coordinating regional and internationalcooperation, educating and raisingawareness, promoting stakeholderparticipation and empowerment, ensuringwater rights and social equity, increasingwater use efficiency and improving linksbetween research and management.Finally, Chapter 6 outlines the wayforward.

ESCWA Water Development Report 5:Issues in Sustainable Water ResourcesManagement and Water Services

United Nations Economic and SocialCommission for Western Asia (UNESCWA).December 2013

http://bit.ly/1j37HkH

This report aims to highlight the currentregional developments in the area of watersupply and sanitation with a focus on thenew inter-governmental mechanism for


24

monitoring water supply and sanitationservices in the Arab region. The publicationalso seeks to review the processes andprogress related to regional follow-up onthe Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)and regional preparations for the post-2015 development agenda within the watersector and address global and regionalperspectives on securing access todrinking water and sanitation as afundamental human right.

The Arab Millennium DevelopmentGoals Report. Facing challenges andlooking beyond 2015

League of Arab States, United Nations(UN). August 2013

http://bit.ly/1wFvUma

The 4th Arab Report on the MillenniumDevelopment Goals (MDGs) highlights theprogress made by Arab countries inachieving the MDGs since 1990 andunderlines ongoing developmentchallenges which should be addressed inany post-2015 development framework.The report points out lack of access towater, water scarcity and lack of improvedsanitation in rural areas as three limitingfactors in the region.

Asia and the Pacific

Thinking about Water Differently:Managing the Water–Food–EnergyNexus

Asian Development Bank (ADB).September 2013

http://bit.ly/19AjSzQ

This publication is the result of a scopingstudy initiated by the Asian DevelopmentBank to better understand the issuesassociated with the water-food-energynexus in Asia and the Pacific. It provideshigh-level guidance on the choicesavailable to address the region's watersecurity issues.

Asian Water Development Outlook 2013.Measuring Water Security in Asia andthe Pacific

Asian Development Bank (ADB). March 2013

http://bit.ly/161ZvYq

This 2nd edition of the Asian WaterDevelopment Outlook (AWDO) provides aquantitative and comprehensive view ofwater security in the countries of Asia andthe Pacific. By focusing on critical waterissues, the report provides finance andplanning leaders with recommendations onpolicy actions to improve watergovernance and guidance on investmentsto increase their country's water security.AWDO 2013 is presented in three parts.Part I introduces the five key dimensions ofwater security and presents thecombination of indicators for assessmentof national water security. Theassessments for individual countries areaggregated to provide regional snapshots,with overviews of what the findings mean,identifying regional issues and hot spotswhere urgent action is required to improvewater security. Part II applies the indicatorsto demonstrate how countries in Asia andthe Pacific measure up against the AWDOvision of water security, discusses what isat stake and introduces policy levers thatmay be used to increase security in eachkey dimension. Part III presents a summaryof policy and strategic actions to increasewater security, synthesized as keymessages to assist political, water sectorand civil society leaders guide actions onwater security nationally, in river basinsand in communities.

Green growth, resources and resilience.Environmental sustainability in Asia andthe Pacific

Asian Development Bank (ADB), UnitedNations Economic and Social Commissionfor Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP),


25


http://bit.ly/18KB1X0

This report provides new insights intoAsian and Pacific resource use trends andoutlines key actions, including reformingeconomic incentives and promoting moreinclusive and adaptive governanceapproaches, which governments canpursue to help bring economic growthstrategies in closer alignment with theobjective of sustainable development. Italso provides examples of strategies forimproving resilience to help deal with theincreasing levels of risk faced by societiesand economies.

Europe and North America

Integrated Water ResourcesManagement in Eastern Europe, theCaucasus and Central Asia. EuropeanUnion Water Initiative National PolicyDialogues progress report 2013

United Nations Economic Commission forEurope (UNECE), Organisation forEconomic Co-operation and Development(OECD). May 2014

http://bit.ly/1vfpFRS

The purpose of this report is to provide anoverview of the implementation ofIntegrated Water Resources Management(IWRM) principles and water sector reformsin Eastern Europe, the Caucasus andCentral Asia, with a focus on thedevelopment of institutional and legalframeworks.

The European Union Water InitiativeNational Policy Dialogues.Achievements and lessons learned

United Nations Economic Commission forEurope (UNECE). 2013

http://bit.ly/1yHvuv0

The European Union Water Initiative takesa partnership approach with nationalGovernments, donors, the water industry,

nongovernmental organizations and otherstakeholders. Through National PolicyDialogues (NPDs) in the countries ofEastern Europe, the Caucasus and CentralAsia, the Initiative aims to strengthencoordination and cooperation betweensectors to improve water management andfacilitate more effective developmentassistance in the water sector. The UnitedNations Economic Commission for Europe,through the secretariat of the Conventionon the Protection and Use ofTransboundary Watercourses andInternational Lakes, is the strategic partnerof the European Union to support NPDs onIntegrated Water Resources Management.This publication describes the activitiesand achievements of the NPDs, as well asplans for their future development. It aimsto inspire further progress in developingeffective partnerships and enhancing multi-stakeholder cooperation for theimprovement of water policies.

Latin America and the Caribbean

Sustainable development: 20years from the Earth Summit. Progress,gaps and strategic guidelines for LatinAmerica and the Caribbean

Economic Commission for Latin America andthe Caribbean (UNECLAC). February 2012

http://bit.ly/1DvbtbU

This publication describes the progressmade and the gaps that remain inimplementing global commitments onsustainable development since 1992.Based on the deficiencies that persist andthe challenges that continue to arise, itproposes guidelines for moving towardssustainable development. The water issueis addressed throughout the report,especially in Chapter II where the issue ofwater resource management is considered,and in Chapter IV which addresses theissue of freshwater resources and watermanagement in the context of sustainabledevelopment.


26

Importance of biodiversity andecosystems in economic growth andequity in Latin America and theCaribbean: an economic valuation ofecosystems. Latin America and theCaribbean: A Biodiversity Superpower

United Nations Development Programme(UNDP). December 2010

http://bit.ly/1thB3yv

This report aims at generating a dialoguewithin the Latin America and the Caribbean(LAC) region on the need and competitiveadvantages of incorporating theconservation and sustainable managementof biodiversity and the ecosystem servicesinto development plans, emphasising therole both play in the development andequity. The Report's approach is to analyzesectoral outputs at a micro-economic level,comparing costs and benefits betweendifferent types of natural resourceproduction practices, those that takeaccount of ecosystem services and thosethat do not. The Report has undertaken thisanalysis for several sectors such asagriculture, fisheries, forestry, tourism as wellas the cross-cutting protected areas andwater services. Chapter 11, "Sustainablemanagement and water: the benefits ofhydrological services," synthesizes availableinformation conceptual and empirical on therelations between land management,hydrological services and human welfare,with emphasis in LAC countries.

Revisiting privatization, foreign investment,international arbitration, and water

United Nations Economic Commission forLatin America and the Caribbean(UNECLAC). November 2007

http://bit.ly/1wFw5hj

A subject relevant to the governance ofwater resources and public services is theeffect that international trade andinvestment agreements may have onnational capacities to manage naturalresources and to regulate public services.

As a consequence of globalization, manypublic services are provided and waterrights held by companies within foreigninvestment protection systems or specialconflict resolution regimes, which meansthat external jurisdictions can intervene inlocal matters. These agreements, whichoverride national laws, restrict the power ofgovernments to act in the public interestand in that of local communities. The LatinAmerica and Caribbean region has yet toassess the consequences that internationalinvestment agreements may have on theeconomic, social and environmentalsustainability and efficiency of naturalresources utilization and provision of publicservices. This paper serves as a first stepin this direction.

Water governance for development andsustainability

United Nations Economic Commission forLatin America and the Caribbean(UNECLAC). June 2006

http://bit.ly/1yHvzi4

This document aims to identifycharacteristics of water institutions whichpromote the sustainable integration ofwater, both as a resource and as a service,into socioeconomic development. The fourspecific objectives of this paper are: (1) tocontribute to focusing the regional debateon those aspects of water institutions andmacroeconomic policies that areparticularly critical for Latin American andCaribbean countries; (2) to promote theformulation of a regional position thatgenuinely reflects its situation, visions,aspirations and problems; (3) to promote acritical and balanced analysis of legislation,regulatory frameworks and public policiesfor water resources management andprovision of related public services; and (4)to make available a summary of the water-related research carried out by the Divisionof Natural Resources and Infrastructure ofthe Economic Commission for LatinAmerica and the Caribbean (ECLAC).


The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations Secretariat orthe United Nations Office to Support the International Decade for Action (UNO-IDfA) ‘Water for Life’ 2005-2015.

The designations employed in this publication and the presentation of the material do not imply the expressionof any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations or the UNO-IDfA ‘Water for Life’2005-2015 concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerningthe delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

UN-Water Decade Programmeon Advocacy and Communication(UNW-DPAC)

Casa SolansAvenida Cataluña, 6050014 Zaragoza, Spain

Tel. + 34 976 478 346Tel. + 34 976 478 347Fax + 34 976 478 349

[email protected]/waterforlifedecade

International Decade for Action ‘Water for Life’ 2005-2015

A Decade for Water, a Decade for Life

Towards the primary goal of the Water for Life Decade, Spain has agreed to provideresources to the United Nations to establish an Office to support the InternationalDecade for Action. Located in Zaragoza, Spain, and led by the United NationsDepartment of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the Office implements theUN-Water Decade Programme on Advocacy and Communication (UNW-DPAC)aiming at sustaining the global attention and political momentum in favour of thewater and sanitation agenda at all levels during the Decade.


water and sustainable - united nations · water and sustainable development ... looking into a...

Documents