Water Justice and its Dynamic Links to Water Resource Management, Water Security and Conflict in Nigeria

There are three chasms that block the route to water security: the impact of population growth (and the associated urbanization); widespread malnutrition and poverty; conflict between agricultural demand and other human uses of water. To cross these chasms requires firstly education (primary education for girls is crucial) and the introduction of integrated water resource management. It requires the application of community energies and dedication, and the harnessing of private sector energies resources, but it will also need the development of innovative financial mechanisms. Above all it requires a major shift in the way we manage water, discarding prejudices and preconceptions, to address our water needs with imagination and commitment.

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Water security and related issues in Sri Lanka: the need for integrated water resource management (IWRM)

Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka ◽

10.4038/jnsfsr.v36i0.8045 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 36 (0) ◽

pp. 3 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ananda Gunatilaka

Keyword(s):

Resource Management ◽

Sri Lanka ◽

Water Resource ◽

Water Resource Management ◽

Water Security ◽

Integrated Water Resource Management

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Integrated Water Resource Management, Public Participation and the ‘Rainbow Nation’

African Journal of Legal Studies ◽

10.1163/17087384-12342026 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6 (2-3) ◽

pp. 213-247 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Jona Razzaque ◽

Eloise S. Kleingeld

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Resource Management ◽

Public Participation ◽

Water Resource ◽

Water Resource Management ◽

Water Security ◽

The State ◽

Decision Makers ◽

Integrated Water Resource Management ◽

Multi Stakeholder

Abstract This article provides varied examples of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and public participation interaction in South Africa. It critically examines the inadequate application of IWRM, and shows how the unbalanced interpretations of IWRM as well as a lack of good development practice and participatory rights manifest in negative outcomes for the poorest and most vulnerable. This paper, first, highlights that if decision-makers are primarily fixed on economic concerns, they induce inefficient IWRM framework that fails to balance water as a social, economic and ecological concern. Second: when the state fails to consult people and violate human and environmental rights, court battles ensue between the state and the people. These court cases are generally expensive for both sides and marred with delay. Third: positive outcomes can be attained through multi-stakeholder dialogue platforms which can operate as a sort of conflict resolution mechanism encompassing divergent views, but still offering beneficial outcomes. The frameworks and practical examples set by the Water Dialogues South Africa can facilitate public participation and capacity building if applied at local levels by decision-makers. IWRM with public participation at its heart engenders an ultimate objective for better water sustainability and water security in South Africa.

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UNESCO’s Contribution to Face Global Water Challenges

Water ◽

10.3390/w11020388 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. 388 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Alexandros Makarigakis ◽

Blanca Jimenez-Cisneros

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Resource Management ◽

United Nations ◽

Water Resource ◽

Urban Areas ◽

Water Resource Management ◽

Water Security ◽

Human Consumption ◽

World Population ◽

The United Nations

The current world population of 7.6 billion is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion in 210, with roughly 83 million people being added every year. The upward trend in population size along with an improved quality of life are expected to continue, and with them the demand for water. Available water for human consumption and development remains virtually the same. Additional to the different pressures of the demand side on the available resources (offer side), climate variability and change apply further pressures to the management of the resource. Additional to the increase in evaporation due to temperature rise, climate change is responsible for more frequent and intense water related extreme events, such as floods and droughts. Anthropogenic activities often result in the contamination of the few pristine water resources and exacerbate the effects of climate change. Furthermore, they are responsible for altering the state of the environment and minimizing the ecosystem services provided. Thus, the water security of countries is compromised posing harder challenges to poor countries to address it. This compromise is taking place in a complex context of scarce and shared resources. Across the world, 153 countries share rivers, lakes and aquifers, home to 40% of the world’s current population. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is the scientific arm of the United Nations and its International Hydrological Programme (IHP) is the main vehicle for work in water sciences at an intergovernmental level. IHP VIII, IHP’s medium term strategy, aims to assist UNESCO’s Member States (MS) in achieving water security by mobilizing international cooperation to improve knowledge and innovation, strengthening the science-policy interface, and facilitating education and capacity development in order to enhance water resource management and governance. Furthermore, the organization has established an Urban Water Management Programme (UWMP) aiming at promoting sustainable water resource management in urban areas.

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