Introduction: Addressing Water Scarcity and Governance Challenges in Pakistan
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) recently organized a hands-on training workshop on Water Accounting and Resource Assessment in Peshawar. This event aimed to tackle Pakistan’s critical water scarcity and governance challenges, equipping stakeholders with advanced tools and knowledge for effective water management.
Workshop Overview: Part of the WRAP Programme
The workshop was part of the Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) Programme, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Below is a summary of the key details of the workshop:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Program Name | Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan (WRAP) |
| Funding Agency | UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) |
| Target Region | Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) |
| Focus Area | Water Accounting and Resource Assessment |
| Key Objective | To equip stakeholders with advanced tools for sustainable water governance |
Empowering Stakeholders with Water Accounting Tools
The workshop introduced key tools like the Water Accounting Plus (WA+) framework. This framework is essential for transforming water management in Pakistan by promoting equitable water distribution and informed governance. The WA+ framework aligns with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Water Act 2020, ensuring compliance with regional regulations.
| Tool Introduced | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Water Accounting Plus (WA+) | To ensure equitable water distribution and support informed governance, aligned with KPK Water Act 2020. |
Training Sessions: Learning from Global Best Practices
Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, Science Policy Advisor at IWMI Pakistan, highlighted the importance of practical skills for effective water governance. The workshop also shared insights into proactive disaster mitigation and global best practices in water accounting.
| Speaker | Key Message |
|---|---|
| Dr. Muhammad Ashraf | Emphasized the need for practical skills in water governance. |
| Dr. Mohsin Hafeez | Discussed proactive disaster mitigation and cost-effective water solutions. |
Proactive Disaster Mitigation: A Key Focus
Dr. Mohsin Hafeez, Director of Water, Food, and Ecosystems at IWMI, shared that investing in disaster mitigation before the event can lead to significant savings in recovery costs. This concept was tied to water accounting’s role in enhancing disaster resilience and promoting sustainable solutions.
| Investment Strategy | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| Pre-Disaster Investment | 1 dollar invested can save up to 7 dollars in post-disaster recovery. |
Real-World Examples: Water Accounting Success in Punjab
Engr. Habib Ullah Bodla, Science Policy Advisor at IWMI Pakistan, shared practical examples from Punjab province that demonstrated how water accounting can lead to more efficient decision-making for water management. This highlighted the transformative potential of water accounting tools in real-world applications.
Practical Training: Hands-On Sessions on Water Accounting Tools
The workshop featured practical training on the WA+ Framework software and tools. Dr. Umar Waqas Liaqat, Senior Regional Researcher at IWMI, explained how these tools can be applied to water scarcity challenges, empowering participants with actionable knowledge.
| Topic | Presenter | Description |
|---|---|---|
| WA+ Framework | Dr. Umar Waqas Liaqat | Introduced the WA+ software and its application in addressing water scarcity challenges. |
GIS and Remote Sensing in Water Resource Management
Experts like Dr. Waleed Khan, Ms. Mehwish Khan, and Mr. Naqash Abbasi led hands-on sessions on GIS and remote sensing techniques. These sessions helped participants extract valuable data on water-related components, such as evapotranspiration, using open-access tools.
| Expert | Specialization | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| Dr. Waleed Khan | Remote Sensing and GIS | Introduced GIS techniques for water management. |
| Ms. Mehwish Khan | Senior Research Officer in GIS | Focused on using remote sensing data for water resource management. |
| Mr. Naqash Abbasi | Senior Research Officer in Geoinformatics | Conducted exercises in extracting water indicators from open-access data. |
Commitment to Climate-Resilient Water Governance
This training workshop showcased the IWMI’s and the UK government’s commitment to advancing climate-resilient water governance. The collaborative efforts aim to achieve sustainable water management by empowering stakeholders with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions.
Conclusion: Enthusiasm for Sustainable Water Management in Pakistan
The workshop concluded with participants expressing their eagerness to apply their new skills in their respective roles. This marks an important step toward achieving sustainable water management across Pakistan.
