GEF International Waters Science Conference 2012 Bangkok, Thailand – 24 to 26 September 2012 Enhancing the Use of Science in Managing and Addressing Complex Issues in Transboundary Rivers Mukand Babel Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Jun 23, 2015
GEF International Waters Science Conference 2012 Bangkok, Thailand – 24 to 26 September 2012
Enhancing the Use of Science in Managing and Addressing Complex Issues in Transboundary Rivers
Mukand BabelAsian Institute of Technology (AIT)
Presentation outlines
• Introduction• IW: Science Project Rivers Group
• Summary of key findings• Recommendations
• Persistent and Emerging Issues/Challenges• Few examples
• Responses (Approaches/Solutions)• Few examples
Introduction
International rivers and some factsContinent Rivers
Africa 61
Asia 54
Europe 71
N America 39
S America 38
Total 263
Percentage within International basins
No. of countries
90-100 39
80-90 11
70-80 14
60-70 11
50-60 17
40-50 10
30-40 10
20-30 13
10-20 9
0.01-10 11
• Home to more than 40% of the world’s population
• Over 90% lives in countries that share basins
• Nearly one half of the earth’s land surface
• 60% of the global freshwater flow; remaining from groundwater
• International river- aquifer interaction
• Top 10 basins contribute 10% of world’s GDP in 2010; 25% of world’s GDP in 2050
• 7 out these 10 basins will face water scarcity by 2050
Stefano et al. (2010). Tracking Cooperation and Conflict in International Basins: Historic and Recent Trends Water Policy. Vol 12 No 6 pp 871–884 Frontier Economics (2012). Exploring the links between water and economic growth; A Report Prepared for HSBC. London, June 2012, 62pp
Introduction
IW: Science Project - River Basin Working Group•15 experts from different geographic areas•Reviewed 38 GEF projects•Lead institution: UNEP-DEWA•Africa: 5•Asia: 4•Americas: 5•Europe: 1
Summary of Key Findings
Role of science in rivers projects• Mainly as foundation/basis for project designs and
implementation of activities• Studies and analyses or assessments of river basin
and other international waters issues• Adoption and application of established science for
management, such as wastewater, pollution, etc.• Development of sound methodologies and monitoring
programs
Summary of Key Findings
Gaps in the use of science• Lack of application of useful technologies (e.g.
remote sensing) in assessment and monitoring• Effects/impacts of climate change not incorporated• On social science side, incorporation of local
management structures and approaches missing• Socio-economic data seemed not effectively
incorporated in project design
Summary of Key Findings
Issues covered • Mainly on water quality such as eutrophication/
nutrients, contaminants, etc.• Many others on hydrology/water balance, bio-
diversity and social/governance issues• Issues related to fisheries, wetlands, invasive
species, etc. also included
Summary of Key Findings
Coverage of the coupling of social and ecological systems
• As integral parts of FS, specialist reports, EIAs, environmental plans, stakeholder analysis, etc.
• Specific tools• Scaling-scoping-screening methods, causal chain analysis,
policy options analysis• Use of simulation models and monitoring and
information system• Participatory approaches or stakeholder involvement
• Meetings, seminars, consultations, workshops, roundtables, conferences, symposia, working groups, etc.)
• Conduct of pilot projects or programs
Summary of Key Findings
Diverse methods applied for engaging local and international scientific entities
• Project inception and design• Preparation of background documents, reports or
assessments or plans; • Workshops, meetings, seminars, forums, regional/
international conventions and conferences, consultations and stakeholder dialogues
• Steering and working groups and roundtables; • Establishment of networks, partnerships or
coordinating groups
Summary of Key Findings
Issues on engagement of local and international scientific entities
• Underrepresentation of social and policy scientists• Lack of involvement of local communities/universities
especially at early stages• Lack of stakeholder analysis and stakeholder
involvement plan• Lack of good deal of involvement of the private
sectors and NGOs• Networks seemed established as ad hoc in nature
Summary of Key Findings
Results/science were communicated through different methods (publications, websites, symposia, etc.)
• Few known publications in peer-reviewed journals• Lack of peer-review • Lack of formality and visibility of findings and
recommendations, not contributed to policiesEvidences of use of project outcomes
• Used in other GEF projects• Use of data/information by the river commission• Project findings implemented in national programs
Summary of Key Findings
Application of indicators • More on project management indicators than impact
indicators• Development/selection of impact indicators is not
clearly indicated• Verification of project benefits not integral part of
projects
Summary of Key Findings
Adaptive management (TDA-SAP cycles) is evident in basins with longer history of GEF-funded series of projects
• More on adaptive management related to project management
• On-the-ground adaptive management is less evident
Summary of Key Findings
Lessons learned on linking science and policy implementation
• Significance of wide dissemination of scientific information to influence policy actions
• Role of project ownership (e.g. through active stakeholder involvement) in influencing policy formulation
• Pilot projects and national case studies are helpful in translating scientific interventions into policies
RecommendationsEnhancing the use of science
Improving engagement of scientific communities• Preparation of stakeholder analysis and stakeholder
involvement plan• Strengthening the regional legal basis of
environmental measures• Development of regional capacity• Strengthening of institutions
Optimizing use of indicators • Need to institutionalize monitoring in riparian
countries through the transboundary organization/ commission
• Importance of harmonized and standardized measurements
• Establishment of monitoring system and publicly accessible information database
RecommendationsEnhancing the use of science
Communicating science within GEF and in wider scientific community
• Develop a mechanism for all GEF projects to include and disseminate scientific information
• Establish repository of scientific information• Encourage participation of certain user groups in the
project activities • Especially local academic and research institutions
• Peer-review of documents and publication of scientific papers in refereed journals
• Organize events for sharing of scientific findings and information
RecommendationsEnhancing the use of science
Issues/Challenges
• Increased water scarcity and quality degradation due to urbanization and economic growth
• Land use change dynamics leading to issues of sedimentation, eutrophication, pollution
• Developmental activities in upstream countries affecting downstream riparian
• Climate change introduces additional complexity and uncertainty
• The past is no longer a trustworthy indicator of the future• New paradigms required to support decision making
• Extreme events (floods and droughts) under future climate
Issues/Challenges
• Water, food, and energy nexus requiring careful balance of economic and environmental interests
• Addressing persistent micro-organic pollutants; contamination from pharmaceutical products
• Impacts of tourism-related activities• Issues on invasive species
“Water sector will change more during next 1-2 decades compared to past 100 years. The challenge will be from outside the water sector such as urbanization, tourism, energy policies, change in food habits, climate change etc.” (Biswas, 2012 Personal Communication)
Impact of climate change and developmental activities on sediment yield: A case study of Nam Ou Basin, Lao PDR
Hydrological impact of bio-fuel production: A simulation study in Thailand
• Water footprint analysis: Cassava is more water-efficient than oil palm and sugarcane
• Oil palm expansion • Small change in water balance components• Increased NO3 loading
• Cassava and sugarcane expansion • Alter water balance components • Increased sediment, NO3 and Total P loading
• Conclusion: Land use change for • Biodiesel production would affect water quality• Bio-ethanol production would affect both water balance and
water qualityBabel, M. S., Shrestha, B. and S. R. Perret (2011). Hydrological Impact of Bio-fuel Production: A
Case Study of the Khlong Phlo Watershed in Thailand, Agricultural Water Management, 101, 8-26.
Mekong2Rio Conference: 1-3 May 2012, Phuket, Thailand
• To address “the transboundary dimension of the water, energy and food security nexus, with emphasis on the challenges that rapid human-made developments and environmental change pose to the sustainable management of transboundary river basins”
• The nexus approach, building on IWRM, highlights the need for dialogue and real engagement among sectors on water, energy and food security issues at all levels, from local to transboundary levels
• Nexus thinking needs to be based on scientific evidence of the gains to be made, and hence an added focus on R&D, including in DSS, along with the dissemination of results through a stronger transboundary science-policy dialogue
Responses/Solutions
• Holistic and systems approach to manage river basin considering its linkages with other ecosystems
• lakes, aquifers and others• Economics to play role for cooperation among the
riparian countries• A win-win for parties involved
• Regional development initiatives • Greater Mekong Sub-region by ADB for economic
cooperation among the countries• Community-level initiatives
• Sujala project in Karnataka, India (Innovation in participatory watershed development to improve natural resource productivity and rural livelihoods)
Responses/Solutions
• Green development approach• Fuel-efficient transport• Clean energy sources• Efficient water supply and re-use• Precision agriculture• Less water intensive crops• Improved biotechnology to lower use of chemical fertilizers• Rain harvesting and recycling in urban centers• However, there is a need of appropriate policies and
regulatory incentives for implementation• Food grain management to reduce postharvest losses
• About 10-30% postharvest loss• Effective capacity building and training
SMART Indicators (DPSIR approach)
Management challenge
Resource Stress
Ecological insecurity
Development pressures
Water
Exploitation
Safe drinking water
inaccessibility
Water scarcity
Water variation
Pollution
Ecosystem deterioration
Water use inefficiency
Improved sanitation inaccessibility
Conflict management
capacity
Vulnerability Assessment of Freshwater Resources
Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound
VulnerabilityIndex
Interpretation
Low (0.0 - 0.2)
Healthy basinNo serious policy change is neededCareful examination of the VI structure needed
Moderate (0.2 – 0.4)
Basin is generally in a good condition toward realization of sustainable water resource managementPolicy focus - the identified challenges and constraints of the river basin
High(0.4 – 0.7)
High priority to policy formulation to mitigate the high pressuresA longer term strategic development plan needed
Severe(0.7 – 1.0)
Restoration of the river basin’s water resource management will need high commitment from both government and general public. It will be a long process for the restoration, and an integrated plan should be made at basin level with involvement of international, national and local level agencies
Vulnerability Assessment of Freshwater Resources
Vulnerability Index interpretation guide
Vulnerability Assessment of Freshwater Resources
Post-Doctoral Research Programme on Adaptation to Climate Change (PRoACC)
Special Focus on the Mekong River Basin
PRoACC Phase 1 (April 2010 - May 2012)
Innovative approaches to address research needs in the field of CC adaptation
PRoACC Phase 1: Approach,Study Areas and Linkages
• 8 post-docs from the region, working in the region, hosted by partner institutes
•CC adaptation from different perspective, post-doc with different scientific background
Thank [email protected] & [email protected]
www.iwlearn.net/iwsc2012
Science in the Service of Society