Boosting watershed investments for water security
In a bid to address the pressing challenges of global water security, a new partnership on climate resilient watershed investments has been launched at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali. The Nature Conservancy, Nature for Water and the Dutch NWB Fonds, WaterWorX and Blue Deal have teamed up to harness nature-based solutions to combat the degradation of drinking water sources.
The water sector is challenged by too much, too little and too dirty water. Nearly half drinking water sources globally are significantly degraded, threatening the quality and quantity of water for communities, cities, farmers and businesses. By combining their expertise and resources, The Nature Conservancy, Nature for Water, NWB Fonds, WaterWorX and Blue Deal aim to develop, implement, and finance projects concerning nature-based solutions, ensuring sustainable water resources.
Mainstreaming nature-based solutions
Nature is the foundation for water security. Nature-based solutions are a promising avenue to address the water and climate crises. Watershed investment programmes result in climate resilient infrastructure and operations of water catchment authorities and water utilities. Yet, they are complex and require cooperation and substantial expertise to organise.
The new partnership offers these key factors and more. The cooperation between The Nature Conservancy, Nature for Water, NWB Fonds, Blue Deal and WaterWorX intends to mainstream nature-based solutions and anchor these projects in water institutions to ensure sustainability of the impact. Together they provide the necessary expertise and resources to support water service providers to develop, finance and implement nature-based solution projects worldwide.
Following a proof of concept, the partnership aims to establish a ‘climate-resilient watershed investment programme for water security’ through a dedicated financing facility that develops, finances and sustains the nature-based solutions investments of water utilities and water authorities.
Dutch partners
NWB Fonds was established in 2006 with the aim of contributing to improving water management worldwide. To achieve this goal as best as possible, the NWB Fund co-finances international cooperation projects of the Dutch water boards. All activities are aimed at ensuring sufficient and clean water in an environment that is protected against flooding.
The Blue Deal programme was launched in 2018 by the Dutch Water Authorities and the Dutch Ministries of Foreign Affairs and of Infrastructure and Water Management to help solve global water challenges through exchanging water management knowledge with other countries. In total, there are 17 Blue Deal partnerships in 15 countries. The goal of the Blue Deal is to provide 20 million people around the world with access to clean, sufficient and safe water.
The WaterWorX Programme, launched in 2017, is a partnership of public water operators that work together towards increasing access to sustainable water services for 10 million people between 2017-2030. WaterWorX is co-funded and jointly implemented by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the 10 Dutch water operators and local water operators in Africa, Asia and South America. By working together in Water Operator Partnerships (WOPs), water utilities can improve operational, maintenance, financial and administrative processes.
