Presenter
Ms. Chenxi LI, Nanjing Research Institute of Hydrology and Water Conservation Automation, Ministry of Water Resources
Co-author(s)
Ms. Hong PANG, Nanjing Research Institute of Hydrology and Water Conservation Automation, Ministry of Water Resources
Ms. Yujia QIAN, Nanjing Research Institute of Hydrology and Water Conservation Automation, Ministry of Water Resources
Sub-theme
6. Innovation for Water Governance and Management
Topic
6-3. Adaptive water management
Body
According to UN Transboundary Waters Assessment Programme, there are 276 transboundary river basins worldwide that provide essential water resources for approximately 40 percent of the global population and support various economic activities. However, managing and sharing transboundary water resources pose several challenges. They include differences in water management regulations, competing water demands, conflicting interests and priorities among riparian countries, and limited financial and technical capacity. To promote effective collaboration between countries, water diplomacy has emerged as a crucial tool. It refers to the use of diplomatic methods, tools, and skills to resolve water-related disagreements and promote cooperation between countries with the involvement of different stakeholders. In this context, the Ministry of Water Resources of China launched the "Pilot Project of Hydrological Data Observation and Transmission Technology Demonstration" with Lancang-Mekong Cooperation Special Fund in 2020. The project aims to automate hydrological monitoring in pilot areas of Lao PDR and Cambodia within the Mekong Region to improve the disaster-preparedness of local people with more timely and accurate hydrological information. However, the Covid-19 pandemic posed enormous challenges to project implementation—field studies, on-site construction, personnel exchanges were impossible. The developer, Nanjing Research Institute of Hydrology and Water Conservation Automation (NIHWA) adopted an adaptive approach of "teaching one to fish rather than giving him fish," which proved exceptionally successful. With the support of Ministry of Water Resources and Lancang-Mekong Water Center, they engaged closely with government agencies in Lao PDR and Cambodia and entrusted main work to them. Following Technical Regulations (WMO-No.49), Volume I: General Meteorological Standards and Recommended Practices and Volume III: Hydrology, NIHWA carried out tailored training courses and workshops for officials, technicians and operators on installation, testing, operation and maintenance of hydrological observation equipment, which were developed independently by China. They also collaborated with academic institutions, media and universities in China, Lao PDR and Cambodia on forecasting models development and data management, to ensure maximized benefits and sustainability. This project demonstrates how practices of water diplomacy can promote transboundary river cooperation through adaptive approaches and the importance of engaging with all stakeholders to achieve sustainable results.