III.4. Updating of Knowledge and Skills in Water Resources
Management
In order to develop high quality manpower for water
resource management, training of young scientists and
researchers and upgrading knowledge of policy makers,
planners, managers, and upgrading the skills of technical
staff in the field of water resources was aimed by ISESCO
under its water management programme. A number of training
courses, workshops, training sessions were, therefore,
organized in various regions of the Islamic world to
enhance their human resource capacities in successfully
implementing their policies and programmes. The benefits
of these courses were also extended to rural people
through enhancing their technical knowledge and practical
skills on various useful water management technologies in
rural areas. Workshop on “Underground Mappings” and other
regional training programmes on “Management of Water
Resources” in July 2000 in Egypt, and on “Mircocomputer
Application in Groundwater Modelling” in Oman in
September, 2001, held in cooperation with UNESCO and
ALECSO also supported the capacity building of the Member
States in water resources management.
In view of water scarcity special training courses in
adopting and improving water conservation practices were
drafted. Recently, ISESCO organized regional Training
Course on “Grey-water Recovery and Reuse in Irrigation of
Home Gardens of Low Income Households” in Syria, in March,
2002. This Course provided hand-on training necessary
technologies to reuse grey-water and contributed towards
this direction. ISESCO is targeting on promotion of the
new devises/technologies, methods especially for water
purification, waste-water recycling and desalination,
water availability especially in vulnerable environment
under its current Three-Year Action Plan 2001-2003.
III.5. Consolidation of Efforts in Water Resources
Management
In order to enhance cooperation and collaboration among
researchers and scientists, ISESCO’s programmes like
“Travel Grants” to attend international events and
presentation of papers, “Promotion of Mutual Contact Among
Scientists and Researcher” to benefit from each other
experiences also supported the development and management
of water resources in the Member States. Collaboration
with other international and regional organizations has
also remained very effective in implementing various
programmes in water resource management especially with
International Energy Foundation, ACCT, UNESCO, other UN
agencies etc. as well as with regional centers and
institutes.
ISESCO is also planning to establish network among the
scientists and researchers involved in water management
institutions to develop effective international and
regional cooperation for initiation of joint initiatives
to address vital issues through sharing of knowledge,
experiences and best practices and devising fruitful
strategies and programmes in the Member States.
IV. Challenges being faced by the Islamic Countries in
Water Sector
The water problems have always remained an issue of
concern to the governments in the Islamic countries.
However, due to population growth, increased demands,
climatic factors, its relation with other critical factors
like poverty, food and nutrition, health and its impact in
improving the socio-economic conditions has necessitated
to draw the attention of the highest authorities to take
these issue more seriously. The Scientific Committee on
Problems of the Environment of the International Council
for Science conducted a special survey for “GEO-2000” on
environmental issues that may require attention in the
21st century. In this survey Fresh Water Scarcity, after
Climatic Change, was the second most cited issue whereas
water pollution 4th out of the total 36 cited concerns.
Islamic countries are developing countries, therefore,
global grave situation in water area also emanates from
the data of Islamic countries. Water scarcity and
deterioration of water quality in most of the Islamic
countries is not only hampering their socio-economic
development process but also threatening their very
existence. The following are some of the main challenges
being faced by the Islamic countries:
• Serious depletion of freshwater resources, due to
natural shortage, population growth, increased consumption
of available water resources. This water deficit in
Islamic countries is expected to enhance many times in the
next decade.
• Water tables have already dropped dramatically and
readily available water resources will be exhausted within
the next 20 years unless consumption of fresh water is
economised. Availability of water than land will be main
constraint to agricultural development of arid and
semi-arid countries of the Eastern Mediterranean.
• Facilities, data and expertise available with the
Islamic countries is not adequate and mis-use and mis-management
of water resources is escalating in absence of appropriate
programmes for provision of qualified human resource,
research and training facilities.
• Increase in water pollution is causing a lethal threat
to human as well as aquatic life and a major cause of
other grave problems especially for the Islamic countries
in the African region.
• Tension on sharing of international rivers and aquifers
is mounting up and it is possible that due to scarce water
resources these tensions may cause regional conflicts and
even future wars among the Islamic countries.
The preamble to Agenda 21 says “No nation can achieve this
on its own,”- “Together we can — in a global partnership
for sustainable development.”. We can improve the living
standards of those who are in need. We can better manage
and protect the ecosystem and bring about a more
prosperous future for us. At present, no collective
mechanism is available to address effectively water
management issues at Islamic Ummah level. It is necessary
to draft a strategy for management of water resources at
Islamic Ummah level, to tackle all issues existing at
national, regional and international levels. The strategy
should address the present situation and as well as
expected future problems, keeping environmental,
economical, political, technological and social
requirements in view.
V. Strategy for Management of Water Resources
In order to boost scientific and technological development
process in Islamic countries, ISESCO elaborated a
“Strategy for the Development of Science and Technology in
the Islamic Countries”. The Strategy was examined and
adopted by the 18th Session of the Executive Council of
ISESCO and was also approved by the 8th Session of the
Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Dignity, Dialogue,
Participation) held in December, 1997, in Tehran, Islamic
Republic of Iran. The first draft of the “Implementation
Mechanisms” was prepared by ISESCO and presented to the
Coordination Meeting of the Ministers of Science, Higher
Education and Scientific Research of the ISESCO’s Member
States on 28th June, 1999, which was held in parallel to
the World Conference on Science in Budapest, Hungary. The
revised drafts of the Strategy and the Implementation
Mechanisms were later approved by the 9th Session of the
Islamic Summit Conference (Session of Peace and
Development-Intifada Al-Aqsa), held in November, 2000 at
Doha, State of Qatar (Resolution No. 48/9-E(IS)).
The Implementation Mechanism of the Strategy for the
Development of Science and Technology in Islamic Countries
focuses on protection of environment and Sustainable
development of natural resource as one of the prime areas
for development in the Islamic countries. It stipulates
promotion of useful technologies to reduce pollution and
asks for announcing specialized programmes to address
major issues like control of deforestation and
preservation of biodiversity, fisheries and aquatic
resources, management of water resources, desertification
control, waste disposal for protection of environment and
sustainable management of natural resources.
The First Meeting of the Consultative Council for the
Implementation of the Strategy for Development of Science
and Technology in Islamic Countries, held in September,
2001, at Fes, Kingdom of Morocco considered, along with
other issues, the water issue of the Islamic world and
recommended ISESCO to set up Expert Panels to prepare a
strategy for management of water resources in the Islamic
countries. ISESCO has already contacted the Member States
for their contribution towards process and constituted an
expert panel to draft the Water Resource Management
Strategy.
The following main elements of the proposed Strategy for
Management of Water Resources are submitted herewith for
discussion and contribution by the Member States.
V.1. Mechanism
Management of water resources effectively and in a
sustainable manner, is an intricate process, which
requires comprehensive discussion and contribution from
various sources. In the light of past experiences of
dealing with various water resource management problems,
recommendations and discussion on vital issues and lessons
learned in implementation of various water resources
management projects in the Member States, indicate that
the situation in the Islamic countries is more
complicated, therefore, demands an innovative approach
leading to improved situation and sustainable development
keeping in view the policies adopted at the international
level. No strategy may be successful unless the interests
of all stakeholders are not taken fully into
consideration. The strategy should ensure all Member
States increased benefits taking into account their major
demands for effective water management. Government may be
asked to ensure full cooperation and may set up national
representative bodies to coordinate and review the
implementation mechanisms. Adequate financial resources
may be made available to implement new water management
programme of common concern. The Strategy may be launched
through national policies of each Islamic State, which may
be updated in the policies and programmes drafted at
regional level under the implementation mechanisms of the
Strategy. This will help to address national priorities
which will then constitute regional priorities and
regional cooperation leading to constitute vision at the
Islamic Ummah level. Care for the least developed
countries affected by the water crises may be taken into
consideration.
V.2. Institutional Capacity Building
In Islamic countries institutional weaknesses and
malfunctions are a major cause of ineffective and
unsustainable water services. This requires urgent
attention to building institutional capacity at all levels
to strengthen scientific, technological and legislative
capacities at the Islamic Ummah. It is also necessary to
strengthen the existing national water research and study
centers and establish specialized regional research
centers to deal with vital issues. Inter-linking of the
local and regional centers with centre of repute in the
developed countries may also be helpful.
V.3. Water Resource Education and Training
Training is one of the basic media to raise the
performance efficiency. Due to lack of qualified and
experienced manpower, it is necessary to initiate
appropriate education and training programmes in order to
fulfil the institutional needs of the human resource in
efficient water resource management. Basic training,
upgrading of knowledge and skill of new technologies is
necessary from operator worker to the top management
level. Specific training institutes at regional and
international levels should be established to impart
regular training on new technologies. Public awareness in
water related issues is equally important. Programmes to
promote public understanding of water issues and
introduction of water conservation practices through
publication of simplified book, mass media and internet
programmes will be initiated.
V.4. Research Capacity Building
This will include promotion and support for research
activities through various means and establishment of
regional and international research centers of excellence
common to Islamic countries, to perform research on
specific water problems and developing appropriate
solutions. Recent scientific and technological advancement
will be incorporated under the support programmes for
research. Working groups and experts panel will be
created to determine priorities, jointly address problems
of common concerns and foster cooperation among Islamic
countries to address vital issues. Research findings, best
practices and methodologies will be widely disseminated
through publications of research journals, research data
and directories.
V.5. Implementation Mechanisms of the Water Projects
An Islamic water policy will be prepared which will be
reviewed on biannual basis or as required. This policy
will address major issues of concern in water management
in the Islamic countries. Under the implementation
mechanisms, which will be prepared through mutual
consultation and revised as per needs from time to time, a
wide range of activities will be planned for
implementation. Guideline will also be provided on
capacity building, required training and education
programmes, best practices and methodologies, capacity
building programmes. Pilot project will be implemented on
newer aspects. Expert panels or Islamic steering
committees may be set up to draft, implement, supervise
and follow-up the programmes set up in the implementation
mechanisms. Some of the solutions of water management
problems lie outside the immediate issues of water sector
like poverty alleviation, desertification control, disease
and hunger, conservation of aquatic life biodiversity etc.
These problems will be tackled through addressing both
inside and outside factors under the water management
implementation mechanism. Water pollution, waste disposal,
salinization and other such problems of prime concern will
also be dealt from outside angles, as well.
V.6. Assessment of Existing Water Resources
Status and Priorities
Quantification of the available water as well as its
various uses are poorly documented in most of the Islamic
countries. National survey will be conducted to establish
data basis on renewable water resources. Major issues,
challenges and driving forces will be determined and
constraint will be assessed. Designing, formulation and
implementation of the projects will be based on the
information of these data centers.
V.7. Water Technologies
Technology capability building in water resources
management will be promoted through specialized programme
and will be provided as complete package including
training, and adaptation of technologies. Water
conservation technologies help to increase efficiency,
allocation and distribution of water. Such conservation
technologies and management approaches will make it easier
to conserve water, to increase the efficiency of water use
and conveyance and to reuse waste-water. Efficient
implementation of technologies will help to safeguard
water to meet basic needs for different uses and will
minimize water losses.
V.8. Integration of Information Technology in Water
Management
Integration of information technology in water resource
management is playing a great role in gathering,
assimilating, analyzing and disseminating multi-sectoral
information needed for policy formulation, planning and
investment decision making and management and monitoring
actions. Member States should also promote vital
information exchange and dissemination through greater use
of internet and other modern means of communications.
V.9. Solving Conflicts over Shared Water.
Special attention should be given to the problem of
international waters in the Islamic countries. Water is
expected to become a major cause of conflicts but this may
be converted as a catalyst for more cooperation in Islamic
countries in the light of the teaching of Islam.
Coordinated efforts and joint action among the Islamic
countries may help to find remedy of difficult problems
existing in various regions. The development of necessary
rules, laws, legislation, code of conduct which set out
guidelines for the equitable sharing of water resources on
Islamic principles may be a part of the Strategy.
Institutional frameworks may be established on the shores
of the rivers outside or within the Islamic countries to
create a ground for joint cooperation between them and
other States on the shore of the same rivers and exchange
of knowledge, and protection of the resources in a manner
leading to its just and fair distribution.
VI. AGENDA 21 and Declaration of the World Summit
The United Nations Conference on Environment and
Development, which was held from 3 to 14 June 1992 in Rio
de Janeiro, Brazil, also known as the Earth Summit,
adopted -Agenda 21- a comprehensive programme of action to
be implemented. Sustainable development and management of
freshwater resources is articulated in Section II, chapter
18 of the Agenda 21, which stipulates “Freshwater
resources should be assessed and protected and national
goals be set for freshwater use, quality, protection and
improvement. Research, data storage, modeling and wide
dissemination of information connected to freshwater
issues is needed. Adequate supplies of good quality water
must be maintained for the entire world population, while
preserving ecosystems. Human activities must adapt to the
limits of nature's capacity to absorb their impact.
Water-related diseases, which cause a third of all deaths
in developing countries, must be fought. Innovative
technologies are needed to fully utilize water resources
and protect them against pollution”. Agenda 21 also
articulated integrated planning and management of all
types of water resources needed to address the widespread
scarcity and gradual destruction of these resources in
many regions. It further articulates that rational
development plans must encompass multiple uses, including:
water supply and sanitation, agriculture, industry, urban
development, hydropower generation, inland fisheries,
transport and recreation, while conserving water and
minimizing wastage. Control of floods and sedimentation
was also a priority.
Further recommendations to support the implementation of
chapter 18 were taken by the Commission on Sustainable
Development at its second (1994) and sixth (1998) sessions
and by the United Nations General Assembly at its 19th
Special Session to review the implementation of Agenda 21
(1997).
The World Summit on Sustainable Development, which will be
held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 26 August to 4
September, 2002, under its various preparatory meetings as
well as global parallel activities has accorded due
priority to water issues directly under water management
fields and indirectly under programmes like poverty
alleviation, health, food and nutrition. In fact, actions
to implement Agenda 21 are expected to become an important
element of the outcomes from the Johannesburg Summit. The
Millennium Declaration that Heads of States and
Governments are expected to adopt in Johannesburg, is
linked to Agenda 21 for its further implementation,
containing key actions to protect the world’s ecosystems
and address the needs of people living in poverty. These
actions will determine governments commitments and will
launch partnership initiative that will determine who is
prepared to carry out achievable sustainable development
projects. The Summit should deliver a programme of action
for the achievements of the Millennium Declaration target
on access to freshwater resources. Addressing the social
issues of extreme poverty, underdevelopment, unsustainable
production and consumption pattern, environmental
degradation are also expected to contribute towards
ameliorating the condition of water resources.
