International Water Management Institute (IWMI)

🎉 Today, May 29, a special commemorative stamp was issued by the Sri Lanka Post to celebrate IWMI's 40th anniversary, and four decades of partnership with Sri Lanka. The Prime Minister, Dinesh Gunawardena, visited IWMI's global headquarters in Colombo and received the first stamp. 💧 Since 1984, IWMI has contributed to shaping water management practices in Sri Lanka and the world. In the last 40 years, IWMI has grown in scale, impact and areas of research — from an institute focused on water for agriculture to a global leader in integrated water management. Looking forward, IWMI will continue to contribute to Sri Lanka's water security and climate goals. #OneCGIAR #40YearsinSriLanka #WaterSecurity

This week, the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies CIHEAM hosted a high-level debate, "Mediterranean Approach to Food Sovereignty: Concerns and Impacts on Sustainable Food Systems." This event, held in conjunction with the 155th Governing Board meeting, set the stage for the upcoming 12th CIHEAM Ministerial Meeting in Rabat, Morocco, on October 25th. MAHA Al-ZU'BI, Ph.D. represented IWMI at the debate, which emphasized the shared responsibility among Mediterranean countries to ensure fair access to nutritious food, promote climate-smart and resilient local food production, and support small-scale farmers. Here are some key takeaways: 💦 Water scarcity, climate change, and resource management challenge Mediterranean food sovereignty. 🥙 Coordinated efforts, innovation, regional collaboration, and support for small-scale farmers to ensure food security and equitable access to nutritious food. 🤝 Integrated approaches overcome challenges for a secure and sustainable food future through solidarity and cooperation. 🌳 Promoting local food production enhances security, supports farmers, minimizes imports, and supports local economies sustainably. #OneCGIAR

✨ IWMI researchers in a recent study explored how Gender and Social Inclusion (#GESI) are integrated within Ghana’s landscape management policies. This study, part of the CGIAR Initiative on Transforming AgriFood Systems in West and Central Africa (#TAFS_WCA), analyzes national and sectoral policies, unveiling essential recommendations for more inclusive and sustainable landscape management. Learn more of our findings and strategies for equitable resource governance here👉 on.cgiar.org/3WijV0t Funminiyi Oyawole, Charity Osei-Amponsah, Gerald Atampugre & Olufunke Cofie #OneCGIAR

♻️ “India is fast pacing towards a diverse water crisis, switching from water scarcity to urban flooding conditions overnight. These crises not only lead to loss of life and property but also impact the economy, health, and a diverse range of other sectors. As the country continues to urbanize and industrialize, water security can be achieved by switching from linear practices to #circulareconomy based approaches,” said Mansi Tripathi, IWMI Researcher - Resource Recovery and Reuse at the India Circular Economy Forum (#ICEF2024) panel on “Achieving Water Net Zero: Innovations and Strategies for Indian Cities.” Organized by the International Council for Circular Economy, the panel brought together a range of experts to explore diverse circularity-based solutions and circular economy approaches for achieving water security in urban India through collaborative efforts. #OneCGIAR

🌍 IWMI Pakistan x Landell Mills workshop in Pishin, Pakistan A dynamic workshop on "Adaptation of Climate Resilient Crops and Water Management Practices” brought together farmers, researchers, officials from the extension department, policymakers, and community leaders, all sharing one goal: to combat the challenges of climate change in agriculture and water resources. The discussion included: 🌱 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Climate-resilient crops that withstand climate stresses and IWMI’s efforts in introducing and disseminating such innovative crops. 💧 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: Efficient irrigation techniques, rainwater harvesting, and soil moisture conservation. 🗣️ 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: Policy recommendations and community-driven initiatives. 🤝 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞: An actionable plan was developed, focusing on research and development, capacity building, policy advocacy, and community engagement to foster climate resilience in agriculture.

In collaboration with the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and eight Water and Sanitation Community Forums (WSCFs), and supported by the Water Research Commission (WRC), IWMI’s project on ‘Institutionalizing inclusive community-led planning of water supply in Integrated Development Plan (IDP) and Water Services Development Plan (WSDP)’ examined the institutional issues that seem to ignore ordinary community members in South Africa's under-resourced settings. Based on this experience and evidence, the project recommends: 🏛️ Institutionalizing WSCFs in the IDP structure 🔄 Revitalizing the IDP 💧 Promoting active community participation in the water sector. Want to know more? Read this recent article by IWMI’s Barbara Van Koppen, Ngowenani Nohayi, Inga Jacobs-Mata, and Karen Nortje ▶ on.cgiar.org/4bZ6Ait #OneCGIAR

At the MENA Dialogue Platform, IWMI researcher Emmanuel M.N.A.N. Attoh presented critical evidence on anticipatory action (AA) in the MENA region. Key insights from the session included: 🌍 Overwhelming scientific evidence on the impact of climate change and disasters, coupled with socio-economic benefits, underscores the need for AA. 🤝 Many countries in MENA have established frameworks for disaster risk management but face challenges like inadequate technical capacity and insufficient financing. A community-centered and collaborative approach with a particular focus on the fragility and conflict context of the region is essential for the success of AA in the MENA region. 🌐 IWMI’s activities in CGIAR's #FCM and #ClimBeR initiatives offer valuable tools, like the AWARE platform and lessons for AA in the region, while international NGOs and UN organizations are also increasingly involved in AA.

🏆 You guessed it right! Over 70% of the world's population struggles with water security issues.   A combination of factors, such as rising demand from growing populations, insufficient infrastructure, and flawed water governance, are impacting global water security.   IWMI, in its efforts towards a water-secured world, partners with governments and international agencies to improve irrigation systems, enhance water infrastructure, conserve freshwater reserves, promote sustainable water management practices, and help countries out of water insecurity.   Learn more about IWMI’s work here ▶ on.cgiar.org/4czzoPx #WorldPopulationDay #OneCGIAR

Youssef Brouziyne, IWMI's MENA regional representative, spoke at the workshop "Protecting Water Quality and Biodiversity for Improved Water Management" in Beirut on July 9–10. The workshop as part of the Mashreq Waters Knowledge Series by The World Bank and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) focused on identifying challenges and opportunities associated with water pollution and freshwater biodiversity loss in the MENA region. Brouziyne discussed IWMI’s research in MENA, including ReWater MENA, e-ReWater, and WP4 of the #F2R_CWANA initiative. He also highlighted: 🌊 Creating conducive conditions for wastewater reuse to mitigate pollution impacts on freshwater and address water scarcity. 🏛️ Addressing institutional fragmentation for effective water management. 💡 Driving economic incentives and technological advancements through innovative business models for wastewater reuse. 🔄 Adapting reuse standards to local contexts to maximize wastewater reuse potential. #OneCGIAR #e_ReWater

🌍 On #WorldPopulationDay, guess what percentage of the global population struggles with water security issues? Stay tuned for more shocking facts about the impact of population growth on water resources.