Two Nations, One Goal: Tackling Water Pollution

Water pollution and water scarcity are pressing global issues that affect health, economic growth, agriculture, and energy production. The World Bank, as the world's largest multilateral source of financing for water in developing countries, has committed to a new water strategy with three key objectives: accelerating universal access to water, enhancing food production, and sustainably managing water. In line with this, the World Bank Group has supported Brazil in its efforts to move from a reactive to a proactive approach to drought risk management, creating the Brazil Drought Monitor. Additionally, the Government of Canada is providing funding for a project in Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Pakistan, which aims to improve access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, particularly focusing on the needs of women and girls.

Canada's support for Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Pakistan

Canada is committed to helping developing countries address water pollution and improve access to clean water and sanitation. As part of its Feminist International Assistance Policy, Canada supports sustainable water resources management and governance in developing countries, with a focus on women and girls.

Canada is providing $6 million to WaterAid Canada from 2019 to 2023 for a project in Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Pakistan. The project aims to improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of women and adolescent girls by addressing their menstrual health and hygiene needs through access to improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools and health facilities. Project activities include constructing gender-sensitive WASH facilities, working with local businesses and women entrepreneurs to supply menstrual hygiene products, and lobbying governments to develop plans and policies for menstrual health management.

In Burkina Faso, Canada's Food Security Innovation and Mobilization initiative, which ran from 2015 to 2020, provided $17 million to enhance access to groundwater resources through innovative technologies such as hand pumps and hydroponic greenhouse technology. This improved food security and reduced water usage during the dry season.

In Liberia, WaterAid Canada is helping to improve access to clean water and sanitation, which was severely impacted by two devastating civil wars. By bringing running water to health centres, WaterAid Canada is making life easier and safer for the community, reducing the spread of diseases like Ebola.

Canada has also provided support to Pakistan in response to flooding emergencies, including through its Emergency Disaster Assistance Fund and contributions to the UN and World Health Organization's emergency funds. Canadian funding has helped deliver emergency food, water, sanitation, and health services to those affected by flooding.

Sierra Leone, with the support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), has begun to address water pollution by developing a water monitoring system and testing sections of the Rokel River. This has provided evidence of the impact of pollution on water quality, allowing officials to begin tackling the issue and maintain a healthy relationship between water, nature, and people.

India's dam rehabilitation

India has one of the largest dam rehabilitation programs in the world, working to upgrade and modernize over 500 of its large dams. The country is one of the first to undertake a large-scale rehabilitation program of this kind, with support from the World Bank.

The World Bank has provided financial assistance to the Indian government for the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP). The project began in April 2012, with the objective of improving the safety and performance of selected existing dams, as well as strengthening dam safety institutions. The scheme had rehabilitation plans for 223 dams located in seven states, with 10 implementing agencies on board. The Central Water Commission (CWC) was responsible for the overall coordination and supervision of the project.

The project has seen the development of two important technical documents: the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and the Operation and Maintenance (O&M) manual. These documents will ensure the safety and performance of the selected dams, as well as mitigate the risks associated with dam failure. The EAP has been developed in consultation with various stakeholders, including the local community, and is publicly available.

In addition to the physical upgrades, the project has also focused on capacity building for staff and officials involved in the regular operation of these dams. Under DRIP, 10 implementing agencies, eight academic institutions, and two central agencies were involved in training activities. Around 5500 officials benefited from 191 customized national and international training programs.

The project has also seen the development of a web-based tool called the Dam Health and Rehabilitation Monitoring Application (DHARMA), which captures important data for all dams and aids in monitoring and developing rehabilitation protocols. This tool has been implemented in 18 states. India has also introduced one of the world's first postgraduate courses in dam safety, creating a new pool of dam professionals.

Brazil's drought monitoring

Brazil has been working on improving its drought monitoring and forecasting capabilities since the multiyear drought that affected the country from 2010 to 2019. Recognized as one of the worst droughts ever recorded, this dry period served as a catalyst for Brazil to transition from a reactive to a proactive approach to drought risk management.

The Brazil Drought Monitor, financed by the World Bank Group, was established over a decade ago as a significant achievement in the country's drought management and monitoring efforts. Initially covering nine northeastern states, the monitoring system has since expanded to cover all 27 states and the federal district. The Brazil Drought Monitor involves collaboration between 60 state and five federal institutions, with 23 authors and over 120 "map contributors" who collaborate to create monthly drought maps.

The Northeast Drought Monitor, designed in 2013, is a joint initiative of the World Bank, the Ministry of National Integration, and regional governments. It aims to increase maps validation by local actors, represented by state institutions responsible for weather, climate, water resources, agricultural extension services, sanitation, and Civil Defense. This network of partner institutions, currently with around 25 members, requires continuous engagement, resource allocation, and training for those involved in the production, validation, and utilization of the Drought Monitor products.

The Drought Monitor provides a process of regular and periodic monitoring of drought status, with consolidated results disseminated through the Drought Monitor Map. This map employs indicators reflecting short-term (3, 4, and 6 months) and long-term (12, 18, and 24 months) impacts, as well as severity levels ranging from weak (S0) to exceptional (S4). This systematic approach enables a better understanding of drought evolution and its effects, facilitating the adoption of more resilient measures related to water infrastructure and production models.

Additionally, the Brazilian government finances Operation "Carro-Pipa" (water truck) to deliver water for human consumption in drought-stricken areas. In 2017, this operation provided water to over 3 million people in ten states, primarily serving the rural population. The Drought Monitor maps are crucial for immediate recognition of areas experiencing moderate to severe droughts, streamlining the process and reducing bureaucracy.

The Water Convention

The Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes, or the Water Convention, is a unique international legally binding instrument and intergovernmental platform. It was negotiated and signed in Helsinki in 1992 and entered into force in 1996. The convention has 39 parties, including the European Union (EU) and 38 countries from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) region.

Since its global opening in 2016, the Water Convention has seen a significant increase in membership. Nine new countries from three continents joined between 2016 and 2021, and five more joined in 2023, bringing the total number of parties to 52. Over 20 countries are currently in the process of accession. The convention's global reach strengthens its role as a framework for transboundary water cooperation and peace.

The UN's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Water pollution is a significant challenge addressed in the 2030 Agenda under Goal 6: Ensure Availability and Sustainable Management of Water and Sanitation for All. This goal sets specific targets to be achieved by 2030, including universal access to safe and affordable drinking water, improved sanitation and hygiene, and reduced water pollution by minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and increasing the recycling and safe reuse of water.

The Agenda recognizes the interlinkages between water and other SDGs, such as health, education, and climate action. For example, improving water and sanitation access can reduce water-borne diseases, save lives, and improve health outcomes, particularly in children, as highlighted by the World Health Organization (WHO).

To address water pollution and achieve Goal 6, the Agenda emphasizes the importance of cross-sectoral coordination and cooperation among all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, the private sector, and international institutions. It also underscores the need for integrated water resources management, including transboundary cooperation, to ensure sustainable water withdrawals and supply.

The UN supports the implementation of the 2030 Agenda through various mechanisms, such as the annual SDG Progress Report and the Global Sustainable Development Report produced once every four years. Additionally, the UN convenes conferences and observances, such as the UN Water Conference and World Water Day, to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and inspire action on water-related issues.

Frequently asked questions