Thematic Session 7: Valuing and Allocating Water for Sustainable Livelihoods

Summary Report

The main task of the working group was to identify specific policy challenges and to recommend concrete implementation measures for the consideration of the Ministers. The overall theme of the session was "Valuing and Allocating Water". In this regard, the working group accorded particular attention to the linkages with sustainable livelihoods requirements.

The provisional programme envisaged discussion in the following areas:

Competing major uses of water; achieving the water and energy targets in terms of the nexus with dams and development; financing action for water management; more water and improved sanitation at affordable prices for the majority of people; equity issues in the allocation of water; lessons learned and challenges ahead; recognising and valuing the many faces of water.

The following presentations as well as statements/remarks were made.

• H.E. Minister Philippe Mvouo, Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Resources, of the Republic of Congo, who chaired the meeting, gave a general orientation, highlighting the expected outcomes of the thematic session;

• Alberto Calcagno (UNEP) referred to the Dams and Development Project, and elaborated on water and energy key issues focusing on the need to improve planning and management of dams and their alternatives;

• Len Abrams (World Bank) on the value of water and the impact of water resources development in the broader economic context;

• Rob Sinclair summarised the key points in the UNEP publication entitled "Water Policy Challenges in Africa";

• Mr. Kane, Head of UN Office to the African Union, provided an overview of the development planning and implementation challenges in the region over the years and the need to take into account the lessons learned;

• Gordon Young (World Water Assessment Programme/World Water Development Report) introduced the key points and perspectives in the World Water Development Report;

• The representatives of UNECA, UNICEF, Uganda, Republic of Congo and other participants contributed to the discussions;

• Madame Akuavi Marie-Elise Christiana Gbedo, representing the Reseau des Femmes Africaines pour le Développement (African Women's Network for Development) highlighted issues of central concern to women.

• Halifa Drammeh (UNEP) provided guidance and orientation for the meeting.

2. Perspectives and overall considerations

Poverty alleviation should be a guiding principle for all policies related to sustainable development.

At the Millennium Summit (2000) and the subsequent World Summit on Sustainable Development (2002), hosted by Africa in Johannesburg, world leaders set major new challenges for ministers responsible for water by adopting specific targets (i.e. development of integrated water management efficiency plans; reducing by a half the proportion of people without reasonable and affordable access to safe water and sanitation by 2015).

To meet these targets will require new and effective policies for valuing and allocating water resources, taking into account the need for equitable approaches. Targets will require fundamental current water policy analyses in order to move towards sustainable use of water for social, economic and environmental benefits of the majority of the populations.

Valuing and allocating water should take into account the following strategic points:

• The underlying value of water to the economy;

• The dependence of the economy and poverty alleviation on the development of water resources;

• The cost of the underdevelopment of water resources to the economy and the constraints which this imposes on growth and development;

• The integration of the economics of water into the overall economy and the engagement of all sectors in the planning and implementation of water resources development.

• Upgrading water issues within the sustainable development imperatives;

• Focusing on the requirements for sustainable livelihoods of the poorest in valuing and allocating water resources;

• Having met the priority needs for sustainable livelihoods, allocation of water for economic use should be to where it has the highest value;

• Creating an integrated policy which involves all of the sectors in valuing and allocating water resources;

• Harmonisation of national policies as a basis for effective sub-regional integration and cooperation in the valuing and allocation of water resources.

4. Recommendations

a) All AMCOW member states should develop comprehensive systems for valuing and allocating water resources, taking into account the economic, social and environmental values in all its uses, giving priority to basic needs of the poor, and considering climate variability and geographic conditions.

b) Sub-regional representatives on the AMCOW Executive should initiate policy dialogue processes on valuing and allocating water resources for sustainable livelihoods and economic growth, involving development cooperation partners and other stakeholders.

c) In view of the multiple uses of water and the need for comprehensive approaches to valuing and allocating water resources, AMCOW should promote cooperation at the sub-regional and international river basin level in areas, such as (a) water and energy, including dams and development; (b) water and agriculture for sustainable livelihoods; (c) water and health for poverty eradication; and (d) water for balanced economic development and job creation. These approaches should be supported by multi-stakeholder dialogue to ensure the improvement of decision-making frameworks.

d) Policies for valuing and allocating water resources should accord special attention to the needs of women and children, in line with the spirit of the Millennium Declaration, the Millennium Development Goals, and the outcomes of the World Summit on Sustainable Development. AMCOW should promote policy dialogue at the sub-regional and regional levels for the development of water management policies, which take fully into account these strategic considerations.