Water Scarce Ecosystems

A UNCCD Policy Framework

Contents of PresentationIntroductory Background:

Anthropogenic activity Water ScarcityImpacts of Water ScarcityWater Cycle and the 3 Conventions: CCC, CBD, CCD

Making the Case:No universal instrument to target water scarcityExamples of current activitiesDrivers behind UNCCD’s motivation

Calling for Action:UNCCD and its leadership

Developing a Policy FrameworkThe Water Scarcity Policy Framework ProcessThe right to WaterWeaknesses in the analysis

Introductory Background:Anthropogenic actions put additional pressure to Water ScarcityWater is an inextricable part of lifeDespite its natural abundance, the amount of water

available for actual use is limited by its distribution and quality:

Water Scarcity is, ‘…the long-term imbalance resulting from increased demand for water exceeding the available supply…’

Anthropogenic pressures have reduced water supply!

Intro II: Water Scarcity results in Environmental and Social Impacts

Environmental Impacts: Land degradation Epidemics

Social Impacts: Forced migration Armed conflicts Poverty

Intro III: Water Cycle as central element of feedback reinforcing cycles

Water Scarcity is closely linked to Climate Change phenomena, Land Degradation and Biodiversity Loss.

Water Cycle is at the heart of the 3 Conventions

UNFCCCCBDUNCCD

Making the Case:

There is No universal instrument of Targets / Plans to address Water Scarcity

To date, there is NOT a universal instrument to address Water Scarcity

The responsibility to manage water efficiently and equitably STILL DEPENDS on individual countries + respected basin agreements

Making the Case II:

Examples of Current Activities indirectly addressing Water Scarcity

UNFCCC – Current discussions on Post-Kyoto 2012 could be an opportunity

UNHCR currently does not favor a refugee status of ‘climate displaced people’ – however this type of migration represents a cost resulting from water scarcity

…etc

Making the Case III:

Drivers behind UNCCD’s action plan Article 2 of the UNCCD Article 4 of the UNCCD The 10 YSP does not formally refer to water. All documents elaborated during IYDD (2006) quoted

the relationship between UNCCDD and Water as also said in COP8

Populations are fully dependant on rain-fed agriculture

Caring to mitigate the effects of drought

Calling for Action:UNCCD Leadership Intervention and Policy CoherenceWater Scarcity is a Universal ProblemUNCCD cannot be the unique player in solving

the issue of global water scarcityBut …Land Degradation and Water Scarcity

cannot have full success without UNCCDUNCCD is well positioned to take leadership

role in bringing negotiations to forefront

Developing a Policy Framework

Addressing Water Scarcity requires:International Policy CoordinationInternational Policy Coordination

A policy is a line of argument rationalizing the course of action of government intervention

Processes / Developments for Water Scarcity Processes / Developments for Water Scarcity Policies:Policies:

(a)Creating Common Values and Priorities(a)Creating Common Values and Priorities(b)Promoting Cooperation between Nation States(b)Promoting Cooperation between Nation States(c) Coordination process and institutions(c) Coordination process and institutions(d) Knowledge Transfer/Education/Capacity (d) Knowledge Transfer/Education/Capacity

buildingbuilding(e)Funding(e)Funding(f) Public relations and awareness building(f) Public relations and awareness building

The UNCCD Water Scarcity Policy

Framework

AIM : To develop a multi-lateral agreement at global scale creating synergies

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS [A] (a) To Create Common Values and Priorities:Sensitizing individualsBring issues of water scarcity to the attention of

the International CommunityNetwork/Establish and seek formal relations with

CBD, UNFCCC and UN Water.

The UNCCD Water Scarcity Policy Framework II

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS [B]

(b) Promoting Cooperation between Nation States:

Identify and realise an inventory of all relevant existing local/watershed regional initiatives

Survey, analyse information on integrated water scarcity adaptation (e.g. NAPs/NAPAs) in order to establish new synergies from national and international sources

The UNCCD Water Scarcity Policy Framework III

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS [C]: (c) Coordination Process and Institutions:

Promote Dialogue for an internationally agreed definition + indicator of ‘Water Scarcity’ that will enable:

Common UnderstandingAddress Quantifiable and legally binding

targets at global level

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS [D]:(d) Knowledge/Transfer Education and

Capacity Building:

The UNCCD Water Scarcity Policy Framework IV

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS [E]:

(e) Funding:

Concentrate funds in most vulnerable areas

The UNCCD Water Scarcity Policy Framework V

DEVELOPMENT PROCESS [F]

(f) Public relations and awareness building:

Strengthen support from international partnersAt G8 or G20 SummitsEnhance formal relations with UNCCD + UN WaterEnhance formal relations with CBD and UNFCCC‘’ ‘’ ‘’ with NGOs

The right to water Linking water as a food source (right to food) and water as a

common good (right to water) is essential for the sustainable development of all living species.

The universal right to water is already partially recognized as implicit part of universal human rights, by an adjustment to food and health rights, particularly with specific references to women and children.

The United Nations bodies dealing with Human Rights, as well as laws at national and local level, recognized the right to water as an implicit content of some other human rights.

The right to water is taken into account in a large number of international conferences, documents, declarations or in other legal and political instruments. Yet it is recognized by less than 10 national Constitutions under different perspectives, as well as “by law” in a lot of other Countries.

The right to water could be implemented at watershed level.

Shortcomings in the Policy Framework Analysis/Proposals

Global Policy Frameworks, should ideally have strong political wills and enforcement (or self-enforcement) mechanisms to enable a long term sustainable and cooperative policy.(A self-enforcing mechanism is one which promises a reward for countries participating and credibly threatens to punish those who don’t join.)

Possible water scarce indicators such as ‘soil moisture’ or the ‘Water Exploitation Index’ still need to be further considered as good baselines.

The report has not considered the significant impact that women’s roles can have in mitigating water scarcity, especially in most vulnerable regions.

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