Sustainable water security in developing countries
In an era where climate change poses unprecedented challenges, developing countries face mounting pressures on their water resources. The impacts manifest through disrupted water cycles and increasingly severe weather events, with water-related disasters accounting for 70% of all natural disaster deaths over the past five decades. This crisis particularly affects vulnerable communities in Africa and Asia, regions expected to represent half of the global population by 2100.
UNESCO's project ''Sustainable water security in developing countries through climate change adaptation'' emerges as a crucial initiative to address these challenges. The project aims to enhance water security in developing nations by providing robust water management tools and strengthening human resource capacity. Through innovative approaches like Climate Risk Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA) and Early Warning Systems (EWS), the project supports countries in developing climate-resilient water management strategies.
UNESCO's action for water security
The World Resources Institute's Aqueduct Water Risk Atlas reveals a critical global situation: 25 countries face extreme water stress, with these nations consuming almost their entire available water supply each year. This crisis affects one-quarter of the world's population. Moreover, 750 million people lack access to safe water, with Sub-Saharan Africa being particularly vulnerable, accounting for more than one-third of those affected. These stark statistics underscore the urgent need for immediate action.
Through a structured approach to addressing water security challenges, this UNESCO project combines capacity building with scientific assessment to create lasting impact in developing countries. It aligns with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), working to ensure sustainable water management in a changing climate while building long-term resilience in vulnerable regions.
Phase 1: Building foundations of water security for human settlements
The initial phase of the project focuses on strengthening Member States' capacity to address water security challenges for human settlements in the face of climate change. This phase began with a situation analysis to identify the needs from the local governments and stakeholders in selected developing countries, particularly in Africa and Asia. The project implements practical, and engineering approaches adapted from developed countries' best practices, culminating in the development of water security guidelines and roadmaps tailored to each Member State's specific needs.
Phase 2: Building stronger water systems for a changing climate
Building on the first phase, the second phase introduces a more focused approach to climate change adaptation and science-based assessment. This phase is structured around four key areas, including: Climate-informed decision-making, early warning systems, water data management and scientific assessment. These thematics constitute a comprehensive approach to strengthening institutional capacity and technical capabilities in water resource management within the context of a changing climate. By implementing these methodologies, participating countries will develop robust water management strategies aligned with international best practices and scientific standards.
Today, one in two people around the world suffers from water scarcity for several months of the year. And in some parts of the world, this water scarcity has become the rule, rather than the exception. We know the consequences of such a situation: water shortages not only fan the flames of geopolitical tensions, but also pose a threat to fundamental rights as a whole.
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The “Sustainable water security in developing countries through climate change adaptation” project is funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea.
