From Bhanu Neupane, UNESCO, New Delhi
Water and energy are vital inputs for a wide range of human needs and national goals, and range in scope from the regional to global. Although both rank high on the development agenda, they are usually treated separately and connections between them are frequently overlooked. Ideally, any water resource management policy must address both water and energy jointly. This requires informed decision-making and a careful analysis of how water resources can be optimally tapped for development.
In the future, the question of access to these two resources may transcend national decision-making. In this globalised world, water and energy security will require governance that is sensitive to environmental, social, political and economic dimensions. In many cases where water and energy availability, and the environmental and social consequences of using both, are inter-related, a strong case can be made for policies and regulations which address them simultaneously. In most countries, a lot of energy is used to pump and treat water. In this, it is seen water savings lead to energy savings. But without reliable energy, it is unlikely the Millennium Development Goals of reducing hunger, providing safe drinking water, sanitation and improving health will be met. At the same time, energy competes with budgetary resources for education, public transportation and health care.
Two common mechanisms to address the worsening water security situation and climate change adaptation are desalination and groundwater pumping. Both are energy-intensive where technology advances and effective co-management of energy and water are important. Understanding the water/energy nexus in any given country, and particularly the role played by hydropower, depends on the relative availability of water and energy. Hydrological science and its practitioners can play a major role in addressing the complexity of the water-energy nexus.
Within ‘delivering as one’ framework of the United Nations, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is trying to identify a few issues confronting both sectors in developing countries, and provide solutions that can be implemented or inform policy. Several issues still remain fuzzy and discussions are needed, especially on (A) The normative, strategic and operative contexts of water and energy nexus and (B) The role of hydrological science in addressing these complexities?
Against this backdrop, I request members to comment on the issues below:
- What research is needed to strengthen the normative, strategic and operative dimensions of the Water and Energy Nexus?
- What are the outreach needs, and how can a programme like International Hydrological Programme (IHP) of UNESCO or other water-related programmes of the UN system facilitate this? Who are the champions that these entities should partner with?
- What capacity-building is needed to bridge the knowledge gap? What strategic partnerships are possible, and how can realistic goals and achievable milestones be established?
- How best can the knowledge created be managed? What are the knowledge requirements at various levels of interventions? What tools are needed and who should be the custodian for the knowledge?
We are organising an international workshop in Kathmandu, Nepal and your comments will help inform the agenda and proceedings. We may also be able to sponsor one member from among the respondents for the workshop.
Download the below attachment for response