News
YES | 1 | YES
Three Micronesian Countries to Hold National Water Summits on World Water Day, March 22, 2011.
18 March, 2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011. Next Tuesday, March 22nd, three Micronesian countries, Palau, FSM and RMI, will celebrate World Water Day by taking steps to improve the way their water resources are managed. Each country will hold National Water Summits to discuss the pressing water issues they face, steps to improve these issues, and as a first step towards developing comprehensive National Water and Sanitation Policies.
Contact:
WHAT : National Water Summits to celebrate World Water Day 2011 WHERE: Palau, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) WHEN : March 22, 2011 |
Wednesday, March 16, 2011. Next Tuesday, March 22nd, three Micronesian countries, Palau, FSM and RMI, will celebrate World Water Day by taking steps to improve the way their water resources are managed. Each country will hold National Water Summits to discuss the pressing water issues they face, steps to improve these issues, and as a first step towards developing comprehensive National Water and Sanitation Policies.
These countries have uniquely fragile water resources due to their small size, limited natural storage, competing land use and vulnerability to natural hazards. Urbanisation, rural development, growing populations, and increased demand from industry and agriculture is putting further pressure on their freshwater resources, in some cases threatening the long term viability of communities and islands. Added to all of these issues are the increasing adverse impacts of climate change.
Summit participants will include traditional leaders, community representatives, civil society, and representatives from all levels of government. The agendas include discussions on issues like:
Summit participants will include traditional leaders, community representatives, civil society, and representatives from all levels of government. The agendas include discussions on issues like:
- Water quality, sanitation and health
- Water supply and distribution
- Governance and water management
- Water and climate change
- Steps toward national policy development
It is anticipated that the National Water Summits will also provide important input at the regional and international level through a solid policy platform and investment plans for water. Summit outcomes are expected to inform the regional initiative to revise the Pacific Regional Action Plan on Sustainable Water Management.
More information on the summits and work in Micronesia can be found here: www.pacific-iwrm.org and http://www.pacificwater.org/pages.cfm/water-governance/micronesias-national-water-summits/
Contact:
For media wanting more information or to set up interviews before Friday, March 18th please contact: Tiy Chung, Communications Specialist, SPC-SOPAC Water and Sanitation Programme, in Fiji, on: (mobile) +679 9987586 (Phone) +679 338 1377 (ext 290), email: tiy@sopac.org
From Monday, March 21 please contact the following people in each of the countries:
- Palau: David Hebblethwaite on: (mobile) +680 779 2731, (email): dave@sopac.org
- FSM: Christopher Paterson on: (mobile) +691 923 6633, (email): christopher@sopac.org
- RMI: Tiy Chung on: (mobile) +692 456 3124, (email): tiy@sopac.org
© 2024 SPC Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. All rights reserved.