Water, Climate and Development: Towards COP 17

To meet the commitments related to water resources in the Convention and the Cancun Agreements, concrete actions by the Parties are urgently required. The projected impacts of water related hazards due to climate change include: sea level rise; melting of snow and ice; changes in the frequency and/or intensity of extreme weather events such as floods and droughts; and changes to ecosystems and biodiversity patterns.

 This side event will discuss the way forward to work with Parties in operationalising the references to water resources in the Convention and the Cancun Agreement. Perspectives to be explored will include opportunities to work with Parties in ‘on the ground concrete adaptation activities’ through participation in the Water, Climate and Development programme at regional, national and local level.

 Article 4, paragraph 1(e) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change commits Parties to develop appropriate and integrated plans for coastal zone management and water resources management for the protection and rehabilitation of areas affected by drought, desertification and floods.

 Paragraph 14a of the Cancun Agreement agreed at COP 16 makes specific reference to water resources, freshwater, marine ecosystems and coastal zones when it refers to “Planning, prioritizing and implementing adaptation actions, including projects and programmes.”

 The side event will generate recommendations on how Parties can be effectively supported to meet their commitments on water towards COP 17 and beyond.

 Speakers and Panelists include:

• Cristóbal Punina Lozano, Vice-Minister of Water , Ecuador
• Dr. Ania Grobicki, Executive Secretary, Global Water Partnership
• Mr. Bai Mass Taal, Executive Secretary, African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW) and former Minister of Water, Gambia
• Rob Bradley, Directorate of Energy & Climate Change, United Arab Emirates
• Karin Lexén, Director, Water and Climate Coalition
• Other government officials to be confirmed

 Contacts: 

Alex Simalabwi, alex.simalabwi@gwpforum.org, +46-73-088-0053

Karin Lexén, karin.lexen@siwi.org, +46-73-914-3993