Dr. M Abul Kashem Mozumder and Dr. Md. Shairul Mashreque
Water of sufficient quality and quantity is critical to all life. Increasing human population and growth of technology require human society to devote more and more attention to protection of adequate supplies of water.
Goal 3 of provisional targets of 2030 is sustainable water security. Even sustainable development goals advocated ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all (goal 6).
From the recent published articles and scholarly reports we are aware of the fact that there is a strong association between water security and food security, in the ‘global resource nexus model’. These issues are shown to be important in the context of climate change and in view of the vulnerability of the small farmers and the landless..
We cannot ignore the experts’ opinions considering the strategic significance water issue. We should stress the ‘importance of investment in water infrastructure in the rural areas to achieve the water security required for a sustainable agri-food and rural development.
Moreover, we highlight directions of integrated water management in view of a green economy. As a main recommendation is the need to implement programs and policies promoting water security, as well as water resource efficiency in the agriculture and rural development programs’
Water resources management controls water resources systems that are combinations of constructed water control facilities and natural, or environmental elements that work together to achieve water management.
WBC gives knowledge about water resource management. Established in 1944, the WBG is think tank one trying to provide ” sources of funding and knowledge for development solutions.
In fiscal year 2014, the WBG committed $65.6 billion in loans, grants, equity investments and guarantees to its members and private businesses, of which $22.2 billion was concessional finance to its poorest members.
It is governed by 188 member countries and delivers services out of 120 offices with nearly 15,000 staff located globally.” According to recent information:
The WBG consists of five specialized institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), the International Development Association (IDA), the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), and the International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID). IBRD and IDA are commonly known as the World Bank, which is organized into six client-facing Regional Vice-Presidencies, several corporate functions, and – as of July 1, 2014 – has introduced fourteen Global Practices (GPs) as well as five Cross-Cutting Solution Areas (CCSAs) to bring best-in-class knowledge and solutions to regional and country clients.
The 14 GPs are: Agriculture; Education; Energy and Extractives; Environment and Natural Resources; Finance and Markets; Governance; Health, Nutrition and Population; Macroeconomics and Fiscal Management; Poverty; Social Protection and Labor; Social, Urban, Rural and Resilience; Trade and Competitiveness; Transport and ICT; and Water. The 5 CCSAs are: Climate Change; Fragility, Conflict and Violence; Gender; Jobs; and Public-Private Partnerships.
The new operating model is part of a broader internal reform aimed at delivering the best of the World Bank Group to our clients, so that together we can achieve the twin goals of: (1) ending extreme poverty by 2030, and (2) promoting shared prosperity for the bottom 40% of the population in every developing country.
The Global Practices specifically will: Define Strategic Direction: (i) define strategic priorities to deliver solutions and achieve results based on country and regional demands and interactions and global priorities; (ii) define/implement integrated resource strategies, (iii) engage in selected, high priority partnerships, and (iv) establish robust monitoring and reporting systems.
Develop and Deploy Expertise Globally: (i) lead the development and delivery of solutions to clients by deploying the right technical staff where and when needed; and (ii) invest in developing technical talent. Deliver Integrated Solutions: (i) deliver operations, while Regions ensure fit for purpose; (ii) develop public-private integrated solutions that draw on GPs, CCSAs, MIGA and IFC; and (iii) hold the “Concurrence” role in all project/AAA approval steps, ensuring that all technical quality, safeguard and fiduciary requirements (if applicable) are met.Capture and Leverage Knowledge Effectively: (i) ensure knowledge is used effectively to deliver solutions to clients; (ii) assign staff roles and accountabilities in creating, capturing, sharing and using knowledge’ (iii) reward knowledge sharing and learning, in performance management and career development; and (iv) develop knowledge base around key development challenges and solutions sets.
Water management is facing major challenges due to increasing uncertainties caused by climate and global change and by fast changing socio-economic boundary conditions. More attention has to be devoted to understanding and managing sustainable Water Security Resource Planning and Development is responsible for providing an integrated water supply and demand forecast that would meet the needs of member agencies and reflects their long range planning efforts for local water supplies.
A systems, holistic, or ecosystem approach is often advocated for water management, and has led to the emergence of integrated water resource management.
Water management being a recent policy issue has become an area of scholarly concern.
The scholars bring out publications in various form to project cross cultural dimensions of the problematic including the need for agricultural irrigation, river water management and management of drainage and sewrage.
‘Water Resources Management is an international, multidisciplinary forum for the publication of original contributions and the exchange of knowledge and experience on the management of water resources. In particular, the journal publishes contributions on water resources assessment, development, conservation and control, emphasizing policies and strategies. Contributions examine planning and design of water resource systems.
(Dr. M Abul Kashem Mozumder, Pro-VC, BUP and Dr. Md. Shairul Mashreque, Retired Professor, Chittagong University).
