Summary: Governments, UN agencies, international NGOs and civil society advocates gathered at a Water Day in Barcelona yesterday, to urge climate negotiators to consider the critical role that water plays in climate change adaptation. The day was convened by the Global Public Policy Network on Water (GPPN) – a partnership of Stakeholder Forum and Stockholm International Water Institute – in collaboration with UN Water.
Participants called for recognition that water is not a sector but is the primary medium through which climate changes will impact on human populations, society and ecosystems, due to predicted changes in its quality and quantity. The way that water is managed in and between countries will be a critical component for the success of any efforts to adapt to the impacts of climate change according to the group. It will also be a vital consideration for many mitigation activities, including hydropower, agriculture and forestry projects.
The meeting included the following sessions:
- Opening Session: Audio recording of introductory session
- Water and Livelihoods: Implications for water and sanitation service delivery and poverty alleviation – Audio recording of panel discussion 1, view Guy Howards Powerpoint here
- Water and Ecosystems: Ecosystem-based adaptation, and sustainable development — Audio recording of panel discussion 2, view Mark Smiths from IUCN Powerpoint here and Peter Holmgren from FAOs here
- Water and Regional/Transboundary Cooperation: Regional cooperation and transboundary water management — Audio recording of panel discussion 3
- Water and Land: Building on the Nairobi Principles — Audio recording of panel discussion 4
- Water and Gender — Audio recording of panel discussion 5
- Water and Energy: Water implications from mitigation actions; non-water energy sources as an adaptation action — Audio recording of panel discussion 6
- Closing Session: Audio recording of closing session
More Information:
- A Water Day Policy Pack is at http://gppn.stakeholderforum.org/fileadmin/files/GPPN_2008-9/Water_Day/Water_Day_Policy_Pack_021109.pdf
- A media kit on the event is at http://www.siwi.org/documents/Press_Releases/General/WaterDay09_Media_Pack.doc
Contact: Hannah Stoddart, Stakeholder Forum and GPPN Secretariat: hstoddart@stakeholderforum.org
Prepared by: This message was distributed by Kellen Mahoney, who may be reached at e-mail: kmahoney@eetnews.com
