The FAO-ESCAP pilot project on national water visions. From vision ...

d. Problems addressed and needs identified
As recommended in the Ministerial Declaration at the Second World Water Forum, the Secretary
General of the United Nations called on governments to make efforts to reach the various targets
identified, particularly the reduction of the number of people who do not have access to safe water
supply and sanitation. <strong>The</strong> forum also enjoined the UN system to re-assess periodically the state
of freshwater resources and related ecosystems, to assist countries, where appropriate, to develop
systems to measure progress towards the realization of targets and to report in the biennial World
Water Development Report as part of the overall monitoring of Agenda 21. In this connection, the
General Assembly at its Nineteenth Special Session in June 1997 called for a strategic approach
for the implementation of all aspects of the sustainable use of fresh water for social and economic
purposes. It is therefore necessary to develop and implement a collaborative regional strategic
action programme on water resources development and management to support efforts of
developing countries to address regional economic and social priorities, in particular poverty
alleviation, food security and environmental protection.
e. Project implementation strategy
In order to achieve a good integrated perspective of water resources management in the region, it
is necessary to involve not only the member countries, but also key United Nations agencies,
NGOs and the private sector. This strategy is expected to build on the achievements of the <strong>pilot</strong>
<strong>project</strong> initiated by <strong>ESCAP</strong> and <strong>FAO</strong> on the formulation of national water visions. <strong>The</strong>se
concerted efforts will be developed and coordinated through the adoption and development of an
integrated conceptual approach by key partners and a detailed programme of implementation.
With such a conceptual approach and detailed programme, the <strong>project</strong> will have sufficient
flexibility in management while facilitating coordination of efforts. Furthermore, the <strong>project</strong> also
aims to develop a common method of strategic planning and management among the sectors
region-wide and promote cooperation among a selected group of water resources planners and
experts in relevant fields to form the core of a regional network to carry on the process beyond the
Third World Water Forum.
f. Output
• Reports on the status and achievements in the various aspects of water resources
management for economic and social development in the region and identification of
related priority needs in the region.
• Consolidated report on integrated regional perspective of water resources development
and management.
• Strategic action programme for collaboration towards ensuring sustainable management
of water resources in the region.
• Consolidated recommendation on the strategy and policies in water resources management
for submission to the Third World Water Forum.
• A core group of officials trained in the latest methodologies and practices in water
resources planning and management.
g. Target beneficiaries: Governments, training institutions, financing institutions and the private
sector in developing countries and international agencies working in water resources. <strong>The</strong> <strong>project</strong>
publications are expected to be of use to the ACC Subcommittee on Water Resources and CSD.
National water visions in Southeast Asia 23