Context
Water sector in Pakistan is facing several
crises. Management capacity of water related disasters were shown
insufficient in the recent monsoon periods. Lack of sanitation is
partly responsible for the high rate of child mortality in the
country. Glaciers in the Himalayas were at the center of a recent
scandal revolving around climate change science this year, and
predictions regarding their melting remain alarming. Finally
hydro-electric power and storage capacity of water are central to
energy production and irrigation in Pakistan; the numerous
challenges in those areas threaten the economic and agricultural
development of the country.
Notwithstanding those worrying factors, a number of opportunities
arise in the field of water governance in Pakistan. Momentum of
climate change issues enables decision makers to give a fresh look
at scarcity issues. Political context at the local, regional and
global level _and in particular peace processes in Afghanistan _
pushes for cooperation between and within countries. Those
opportunities need to be seized and addressed in a holistic and
integrated manner. This conference is offering a platform to
identify the existing and emerging challenging and reflect on the
best way to take advantages of arising opportunities for optimal
water governance at the national and cross-boundary level.
Aim and objectives
In order to address growing water challenges, Pakistan and many countries need adapted tools and platforms. Experts in Pakistan are notably pointing at a lack of capacity, data collections tools, information exchange forums and networking space. Many would also like to see an increased ability of the country to formulate and express its position on water related matters at the international level.
"Many would also like to see an increased ability of the country to formulate and express its position on water related matters at the international level"
Eager to address those needs, the conference organizers aim for this one day event to initiate knowledge sharing mechanisms, networks and provide a solid basis for future work on water governance in Pakistan. The conference will notably focus on introducing water experts from Pakistan, France and Afghanistan to enhance cooperation between those countries. It will identify urgent issues in need of attention both from academics and decision makers. It will formulate core needs and list good practices in place in the country to be shared at international conferences.
This conference will therefore debate increasing scarcity and tensions surrounding water resources, lay down foundations of effective governance mechanism at the national and trans-boundary level and remind water community of the necessity to balance human needs and ecological protection.
Expected Benifits
.
Identification of key stakeholders of the water sector and exploring
creation of water network/group
. Mapping of challenges and issues in the area of water governance
and management
. Idea laboratory for improved water governance and management in
Pakistan and in the region
