Islamabad, a diverse group of experts convened to provide community-based advice on climate-resilient water management models in Pakistan. Organized by the International Rescue Committee and the National Foundation for Disaster Risk Management, the consultation aims to gather expert opinions on strengthening sustainable water management systems and policy reforms to address the challenges posed by extreme weather events such as floods and droughts. ventilation.
Among the dignitaries were representatives of Sindh Agricultural University, Tandojam, Water Resources Research Council, Planning Group Members, Sustainable Development Policy Institute, ZIZak, IDUSAID’s Enhancing Higher Education Network, Natural Resources Department (NRD), Pakistan Agricultural Research Council. . (PARC), representatives of civil society and other prominent experts in the water sector. Their participation highlighted the importance of joint efforts to solve the challenges of water management in Pakistan as a result of climate change.
International Rescue Committee (IRC) Country Director Shabnam Buluch and Natural Disaster Risk Management Fund (NDRMF) CEO They emphasized the need for active participation, awareness of water rights, and the use of local wisdom and local knowledge for project design. In addition, specific guidelines for the involvement of the urban / semi-urban segment in the water management system, issues of scale and gaps in community initiative planning are discussed.
Developing cost-effective solutions to address headwaters and urban flooding was one of the key drivers, with participants emphasizing the need for watershed management to focus on evidence-based decisions for water security, research and development, planning and improvement.
Professionals highlight the lack of skills and technical personnel to develop market-oriented water management and the need for accurate information to inform decisions. They emphasized the importance of documenting lessons from past experiences to inform future strategies and policies, as well as to promote private support to add value to the agricultural sector in mountain resources.
In addition, experts emphasized the importance of community participation at all levels of policy-making and implementation, and advocated the revival of ancient traditions and local knowledge. They call for a shift to sustainable climate policies, including climate change management.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous agreement that policies and programs should focus on developing cost-effective and market-oriented water management solutions, emphasizing cost integration, competitive practices, service delivery standards and balance with demand.
