Water was in the forefront of this year’s Forum. By 2030, almost half of the world's population will experience high water stress. Bearing such bleak projections in mind, improved management of water resources is essential for assuring water security. The improved water management should integrate all three pillars of sustainable development in finding balance between different aspects of water management, including political, social, technical, economic and environmental. These issues and dilemmas were addressed by the thematic panel focused on ‘the Water Challenge’.

As recognised by Andreas Kraemer, Director of Ecologic Institute in Berlin, water is a cross-cutting issue at the heart of today’s global challenges.  It links the challenges of human health and food security, economic development and the elimination of poverty, emphasised environmental protection, as well as international peace and security.

Janez Potočnik, European Commissioner for the Environment presented the EU’s efforts towards integrated water management for ensuring high quality of water, efficient use of water in line with the EU Water Framework Directive. He reaffirmed the importance of cross-sectoral approach in river basins management and many good practices in Europe (Rhine, Danube, etc.). Jorge Borges, State Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cape Verde, Jorge Borges reaffirmed that water cannot be taken for granted by states. He outlined the specific features Cape Verde as a salient case study with very limited water resources; and where re-using wastewater and improving desalinization are key technological challenges. However, water is also a moral issue. Addressing water challenge requires global response and global responsibility, particularly as countries already water scarcity will be the ones most affected by climate change.

This aspect of ethics was recognized by Kerri-Ann Jones, US Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, who underlined that water issue is frequently part of foreign policy activities already at present, and that water diplomacy should be further strengthened. In order to face water challenges, she believes that it is necessary to integrate water into different policies and shape partnerships around the world.

Management considerations

Another essential aspect to consider is the social dimension of management. Insufficient water supply is not only the result of resource scarcity, but also limited access to water, very often due to social and political reasons. The dilemma needs to be addressed, whether water is considered a commodity or an amenity and the question of water price. In the international framework, water is often regarded as a strategic asset. However, water is more often a catalyst of cooperation, as water management is in principle a win-win situation.

Water is climate change in a nutshell. The impact of climate change is most visible in the changes of natural water cycle. However increased water stress is just as much the result of poor water management and political decision-making. With specific reference to developing countries affected with water scarcity, virtual water is not incorporated in the food and other products for international markets, thus aggravating the water stress. Consequently underlined the importance of strengthening meteorological services, promoting research and education for water needs to be highlighted. As John Matthews, lead scientist on freshwater climate adaptation at World Wildlife Fund stressed, the link between water and adaptation to climate change. River basin management must invariably consider climate change and its impact on river flows and the water ecosystems. He mentioned that water management as a part of adaptation to climate change is often overlooked in existing climate negotiations.

In summary, Bled Strategic Forum concluded that water as a global challenge is   multidimensional and inextricably linked to other emerging issues. There is an urgent need to highlight water as the nexus among human security, economic development and environmental sustainability.  Water should be considered as a natural resource, as a social asset and as an economic commodity. Water governance therefore depends on cooperation between key stakeholders, including international organizations and agencies, national governments and local authorities, science, business, and civil society.

Although water has its place on the global agenda, its complexity often makes it invisible. Water diplomacy should aim to promote global responsibility and to find the language to communicate the urgency of water challenge.