Background
The South Asia Water Governance Programme (SAWGP) delivers better management of the three primary Himalayan rivers (the Ganges, Indus and Brahmaputra) shared by seven countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan). The programme brings these countries together to tackle trans-boundary challenges, such as flooding, water for irrigation and maximising hydropower potential, which are common to all countries sharing these rivers. Insufficient co-operation between these countries has led to both under investment and highly nationalistic approaches to water infrastructure and river development. This means that the significant benefits that these rivers could offer to resilient economic growth (e.g. hydropower development) and poverty reduction (e.g. efficient water supply for food and agriculture, flood and drought management) are not being fully realised. Similarly, the risks associated with the rivers (i.e. flooding and other natural hazards) are not being effectively managed now, and countries are simply not prepared for the flood extremes that are likely to be brought on by future climate change. More than a billion people rely on these rivers for their water and energy needs. Therefore, delivering river basin development that builds resilient economies and minimises risks is critically important. SAWGP plays an important role in improving relations between countries over use of their shared rivers, and, therefore, in managing tensions over scarce water resources.
Theme
International rivers and water resources management