In Asia and the Pacific region, water resources form the basis of food security and support economic development. However, increasing water demand due to population growth, rapid industrialisation and urbanisation, and climate change threaten those water resources. Many countries in Asia and the Pacific face increasing water scarcity, with various causes, dynamics, and trends. How countries in the region respond to and manage water scarcity will define sustainable development across the region.
The publication "Managing Water Scarcity in Asia and the Pacific - A Summary" provides policymakers with a summary outlining the dynamics and management of water scarcity across Asia and the Pacific. Water scarcity management practices across ten countries – including several in ASEAN – were analysed, identifying what has worked and what needs improvement to mitigate water scarcity risks.
The report supports the Water Scarcity Program led by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in partnership with the Australian Water Partnership. The Water Scarcity Program works with national governments in developing ‘Water Scarcity Action Plans’ and ‘National Water Accounting and Allocation Roadmaps’, which will guide future water accounting and allocation practices in the Asia-Pacific region.
AMPERES led this publication in collaboration with Aalto University, eWater, Nepal Water Conservation Foundation, Institute of Water Resources Planning, National University of Laos, Cambodia Development Research Institute, Thai Water Partnership, Gadjah Mada University, Global Water Partnership – Indonesia, RMCG, Eco-Pasifika Consulting and Alluvium Group.
Visit the publication page on the Australian Water Partnership website here.