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Water Security for Africa and Asia: IHP launched a new Korean Funds-in-Trust Project
In the next 50 years, the world鈥檚 population is expected to further increase by approximately 30% with most of the population expansion concentrated in urban areas. More than 60% of the world鈥檚 population growth between 2008 and 2100 will be in sub-Saharan Africa (32%) and South Asia (30%). Together, these regions are expected to account for half of the world鈥檚 population in 2100. The Republic of Korea and the International Hydrological Programme (IHP) work together to help laying the basis for present and future water security in these regions.
Freshwater is a key resource for human health, prosperity and security. It is essential for poverty eradication, gender equality, food security, and the preservation of ecosystems. Yet, billions of people worldwide are confronted with serious freshwater challenges, from water scarcity, poor quality, lack of sanitation facilities, to water-related disasters such as floods and droughts. Some 80% of the world鈥檚 population lives in areas with high water security threats.
鈥淪ustainable Water Security for Human Settlements in Developing Countries under Climate Change鈥 is a project seeking to have water secure human settlements in developing countries of Africa and Asia. The project, officially launched in November 2017, is funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea (Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport). Additional to the project, a high-level secondment is expected to join UNESCO鈥檚 Division of Water Science and provide guidance to the project.
The project鈥檚 deliverables comprise: water security guidelines, a roadmap to follow to achieve water security based on the priorities expressed by Member States, training for staff from the participating Ministries and sensitizing decision makers and funding agencies.
The outcome of UNESCO鈥檚 work will be shared with Official Development Assistance (ODA) agencies and development banks expecting to encourage further investment in the water sector with an outlook of securing the beneficiary countries water-wise.
The project duration is 10 years and the approximate budget is 3 million euros.
