Balancing the multiple demands and uses of water and social inclusion: Lessons from Asia

Transcription

1 Photo :Nico Sepe / IWMI Balancing the multiple demands and uses of water and social inclusion: Lessons from Asia Sonali Senaratna Sellamuttu 4 th April 2016 Associate Event on SDG 6 at Asia- Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development Bangkok, Thailand

2 Introduction Availability of water is central to the future security of food, energy, domestic and industrial water supply and the environment. Nexus between a set of competing demands for water. Reflecting multiple dimensions, cross-sectoral and across scales. Providing everyone with access to water is vital to achieving the SDGs on health, livelihoods and economic growth.

3 Governments/policy makers need to design water schemes for multiple uses and ensure that trade-offs do not further marginalize particular social groups The Mekong River Basin faces massive development investment with regard to hydropower. Little attention given to how dams can be constructed and operated in ways that optimize benefits for all water users, including riparian communities. Involuntary displacements mean local people are often unable to engage in their original livelihood activities.

4 Laos PDR Shift from Rice-Fallow to Rice-Fish system - Pilots use the access to water for integrated rice-fish culture Creating artificial wetlands associated with the reservoir for livelihoods. Gender studies: Companies focus on material aspects in livelihood packages. But other factors including underlying gendered values, norms and practices, should be given consideration. 4 S Senaratna Sellamuttu et al

5 Multiple Use Water Services (MUS) integrated management for domestic & productive use MUS consider people (women/men) and their multiple water needs as the starting point for design/implementation. Nepal over 280 MUS systems. More sustainable than single use systems. Benefits (women): Time saved, enhanced diet (vegetable production), knowledge and control income (petty cash) from vegetable sale. MUS in itself does not guarantee social inclusion (e.g., location, social norms) Nepal F Clement et al

6 Waste water irrigated agriculture in cities India Waste water used for agriculture in urban and periurban settings. Users often urban poor, migrants and women. Wastewater irrigated agriculture not formally recognized. Unregulated use of waste water give economic benefits but may have health risks. City of Hyderabad Irrigated agriculture along the Musi river Periurban zone 1562 HH (6808) Rural zone 1109 HH (5081) P. Amarasinghe et al

7 Key Messages Governments and policy makers need to design water schemes for multiple uses and ensure that trade-offs do not further marginalize particular social groups. Move beyond stereotype that women s water needs are limited to domestic uses, especially if contributing to achieving the SDGs. Design and implement gender inclusive policies to boost productivity. Target the individuals and their needs in water management systems. Assess the needs, constraints and values of men and women farmers from different socio-economic groups prior to designing or recommending water management interventions.

8 Thank You Amerasinghe, P.; Bhardwaj, R.M.; Scott, C.; Jella, K.; Marshall, F Urban wastewater and agricultural reuse challenges in India. Colombo, Sri Lanka: International Water Management Institute (IWMI). 36p. (IWMI Research Report 147). Clement, Floriane; Pokhrel, Paras; Sherpa, Tashi Yang Chung Sustainability and replicability of multiple-use water systems (MUS). Prepared for USAID nability_musreport.pdf Senaratna Sellamuttu, S., Joffre, O., Nguyen Duy P., Pant, J., Bouahom, B. and A Keophoxay (2014). Hydropower development and livelihoods: A quest for a balanced approach through research and partnerships. Proceedings of the Fifth International Conference on Water Resources and Hydropower Development in Asia, Colombo, Sri Lanka. March 2014.