GWP - Southern Africa

GWP Regional Water Partnerships

These independent regional groups promote the concept and implementation of integrated water resources management as a vital approach to managing the world's water resources.

Water situation today
Southern Africa faces many challenges in the water sector, especially as most of the national economies in the region depend on agriculture or other water related activities such as fisheries and mariculture. Rainfall is the dominant source of water in the region. To address the water demands in this water scarce region, Southern Africa's water sector is undergoing reforms that are encompassing IWRM. Political will and involvement of all are key success factors.

Programs and action
The work of GWP Southern Africa aims to contribute to poverty reduction through collaboration and coordinated development and sustainable management of water resources in the region. Capacity building in IWRM, coordinated through WaterNet, and information sharing through the Southern Africa Water Information Network (SAWINET)are programs designed to enhance knowledge among water practitioners on IWRM.

A significant effort is being made to involve young water professionals through the Southern Africa Youth Water Action Team (SAYWAT). Action is also taking place to develop the Southern Africa Framework for Action, a set of actions required to achieve the Regional Water Vision.

Stakeholder involvement seminar

GWP SA in partnership with WaterNet and InWent organised a seminar on 10-14 December 2007 on "Stakeholder Involvement in Transboundary Water Resources Management" in Nelspruit, South Africa.

The meeting was aimed at defining the role of country water partnerships as multi stakeholder platform in managing transboudnary water resources.

SADC and a number of River Basin Organisations namely KOBWA, Limpopo and Zambezi were represented at the meeting. The meeting identified and advised GWP SA on the role it can play in supporting Transboundary Water Resource Management.

Youth Water Action Team
Aims to facilitate youth involvement in operationalising IWRM in Southern Africa.
Goals and Objectives:
- To create awareness of IWRM principles among the youth of Southern Africa.
- To promote and advocate for youth participation and involvement in IWRM at country, regional and international levels.
- To assist in building capacity of the youth in IWRM.

Partner countries in GWP Southern Africa
Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Country Water Partnerships in GWP SA
Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

For info and contact details on CWPs in GWP SA click here