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Water for Life Decade >> UN Publications >>September-August 2011 UN PUBLICATIONSSeptember 2011 Climate variability and change: a basin scale indicator approach to understanding the risk to water resources development and management This study evaluates the effects of climate change on six hydrological indicators across 8,413 basins in World Bank client countries. These indicators include annual runoff (MAR), basin yield, annual high flow, annual low flow, groundwater (base flow), and reference crop water deficit. This study is intended to help bridge the gap between high-level climate change predictions and the needs of decision-makers whose programs and investments will be affected by basin- and regional-level impacts of climate change on water resources and related infrastructures. The purpose of this document is to explain in-depth the methods used to develop these climate risk outputs, the reasons for the selected methodology, and the limitations of this research.
 Introductory Guide to Sanitation Marketing This document seeks to contribute to the field of sanitation marketing by sharing practical guidance on the design, implementation, and monitoring of rural sanitation marketing programs at scale in India, Indonesia, and Tanzania, plus additional projects implemented in Cambodia and Peru. The goal of the guide is to (1) Define sanitation marketing and the key components of a sanitation marketing initiative; (2) Provide an overall framework for scaling up rural sanitation programs and the justification for using a sanitation marketing approach; (3) Explain the steps needed to design, implement, and monitor sanitation marketing programs at scale; (4) Provide practical guidance on implementation; (5) Share concrete examples and lessons learned based on WSP's experiences to date; and (6) Highlight key challenges and recommend solutions.
 Reader on Water and the Green Economy This reader is intended for all those interested in getting familiar with issues related to water and the green economy. The reader provides basic references for easy reading and some of the latest and most relevant United Nations publications on the issue. Links are provided when the publication is available online.
Water and the Green Economy: Information BriefsUN-Water Decade Programme on Advocacy and Communication (UNW-DPAC). September 2011 For the purposes of the International UN-Water Conference "Water in the Green Economy in Practice: Towards Rio+20", 3-5 October 2011, Zaragoza, Spain, the UN-Water Decade Programme on Advocacy and Communication (UNW-DPAC) produced a series of information briefs on different issues and tools addressed by the conference. Issues information briefs  Transitioning to a green economy requires a shift from current practice. The UN-Water conference has identified four priority water-related issues where this change needs to take place: for cities, watersheds, agriculture and industries. The issues information briefs introduce the main challenges, opportunities and key facts related to each of the issues identified. The briefs also outline a set of practices and approaches for transitioning to the green economy as highlighted by the organisations participating in the conference. These approaches are illustrated with case studies featured in the conference. The following issues are covered by these information briefs:
- Water and Agriculture in the Green Economy [ Tools information briefs  The conference highlighted different tools which can be used to promote change and support the transition towards a green economy. These tools are essential for overcoming the current barriers that obstruct the transition to a green economy; to harness opportunities; and to address important issues such as inequalities. They enable us to do more with less, to realise potentials and to change behaviours in order to create a green economy. The tools information briefs introduce the main challenges, opportunities and key facts related to each of the tools identified. The briefs also outline a set of practices and approaches for transitioning to the green economy as highlighted by the organisations participating in the conference. These approaches are illustrated with case studies featured in the conference. The following tools are covered by these information briefs:
August 2011 Abiotic disturbances and their influence on forest health. A review [ Abiotic disturbances, disturbances caused by non living factors, are a natural and integral part of forest ecosystems that have major impacts, positive and negative. This paper reviews the current knowledge on the impacts of abiotic disturbances. Events are discussed within five categories:
 An Ecosystem Services Approach to Water and Food Security. Synthesis Report [ This publication looks at how an ecosystem services approach to the management of water and other natural resources, and the policies that affect that management, can create more stable and sustainable food production and enhanced food security. It brings together the best thinking available from a number of fields to tease out the interconnections between ecosystems, water and food; suggests a way forward; and identifies specific ecosystem-based opportunities to increase food production in ways that make optimal use of water resources, protect the resource base, and improve the incomes and food security of poor people. The main body of this publication focuses on three main areas that require change: environmental protection, water resources management and food production (agriculture, aquaculture and livestock). This publication offers the basis for a multisector agenda on food security, while also providing sector-specific recommendations to guide policymakers and practitioners in ministries and departments responsible for the environment, water, agriculture, fisheries, forestry and livestock as well as donors, international agencies and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) investing and working in these sectors.
 (The) Bioenergy and Water Nexus [ This report, building on the work of various new initiatives including UNEP's International Resource Panel, provides recommendations and outlines options in respect to bioenergy in support of a Green Economy. The report primarily addresses the following two questions: 1) how are the production and use of bioenergy products likely to influence the future state of water resources? 2) how can society mitigate impacts and guide development towards sustainable use of these resources, including groundwater, rivers, and riparian and wetland systems? In considering the ways in which bioenergy can impact water resources, the report identifies appropriate tools for assessing effects at different spatial and temporal scales. A number of indicators and assessment tools have been developed to include the water perspective in analyses and to assist strategy development and land use planning.
 Climate Change and Freshwater Resources. A synthesis of adaptation actions undertaken by Nairobi work programme partner organizations This document provides a synthesis of actions undertaken by 21 Nairobi Work Programme (NWP) partner organizations, and highlights the results obtained and lessons learned on freshwater issues in particular. The contributions of partner organizations showcase a rich mix of actions on freshwater resources, which have generated results on the ground, particularly in developing countries, and produced useful lessons demonstrating improved understanding and assessment of impacts, vulnerability and adaptation to climate change. The publication consists of two parts: Part I consists of three chapters. Chapter 2 presents a synthesis of the actions taken by NWP partner organizations under four thematic areas: Part II presents a selection of case studies of actions reported by partner organizations under the four thematic areas identified.
 Ecosystems for Water and Food Security. Background document [ The purpose of this document is to show how sustainable ecosystems, explicitly agroecosystems, are essential for water management and food production. This document provides background evidence illustrating the 3-way interdependence between ecosystems, water and food security, demonstrating how ecosystem management can be improved to ensure water availability and to avoid future food crises. It focuses primarily on how to achieve sustainable food production from a biophysical perspective and does not address per se the key social and institutional issues related with food security. Several of those are however highlighted throughout the text in order to remind the reader that these remain a critical component to ensure food security for the poor and socially-disadvantaged groups. The document is structured to show the relationships between ecosystems, water, and food. It starts with chapters on food security (2), ecosystems (3) and water (4) that each provides more insight into the reasons why an integrated ecosystem approach is required and what this should entail. The synthesis chapter (5) then explains how agroecosystems provide water and other services for food security. The target group of this publication consists of high and mid-level professional staff in Ministries of Environment and other relevant government and inter-governmental bodies, as well as other professionals in other institutions e.g. NGOs, bilateral organizations, and UN Agencies.
 Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland Ogoniland has been the site of oil industry operations since the late 1950s. Ogoniland has a tragic history of pollution from oil spills and oil well fires, although no systematic scientific information has been available about the ensuing contamination. The Environmental Assessment of Ogoniland covers contaminated land, groundwater, surface water, sediment, vegetation, air pollution, public health, industry practices and institutional issues. This report represents the best available understanding of what has happened to the environment of Ogoniland – and the corresponding implications for affected populations – and provides clear operational guidance as to how that legacy can be addressed.
 Final Report of World Water Day 2011. Water and Urbanization, Water for Cities: Responding to the urban challenge World Water Day 2011 focused international attention on the impact of rapid urban population growth, industrialization and uncertainties caused by climate change, conflicts and natural disasters on urban water systems. It also encouraged action by governments, organizations, communities, and individuals around the world to engage actively in addressing urban water management challenges. This report presents main results and conclusions of activities organized by UN-Habitat and its partners for the official UN commemoration of World Water Day in Cape Town, South Africa.
 (The) Gambia: National Urban Profile The purpose of this study is to develop urban poverty reduction policies through an assessment of needs and response mechanisms and as a contribution to the wider-ranging implementation of the Millennium Development Goals. The report consists of:
 (The) Gambia: Brikama Urban Profile Brikama, The Gambia, is a cosmopolitan city and many economic activities take place in the town; it also serves as the urban center for surrounding communities. Majority of the poor are women and gender disparities in access to livelihood, skills and economic resources are among the fundamental causes of poverty in Brikama. The urban profiling in Brikama consists of an accelerated, action-oriented assessment of urban conditions, focusing on priority needs, capacity gaps, and existing institutional responses at the local and national level.
 (The) Gambia: Kanifing Urban Profile The Kanifing Municipality is and increasingly continues to be the nerve center of The Gambia's urban sector. In addition to being the most densely populated township in the country, the municipality remains a highly multicultural society. It is the centre of attraction for both internal and external migrants, mainly due to its strategic realms and geographical location within The Gambia's territorial landscape. The urban profiling in Kanifing Municipal Council consists of an accelerated, action-oriented assessment of urban conditions, focusing on priority needs, capacity gaps, and existing institutional responses at local and national levels.
 Glossary of glacier mass balance and related terms [ This glossary, produced by a Working Group of the International Association of Cryospheric Sciences (IACS), is the first comprehensive update of glacier mass-balance terms for more than 40 years. The mass balance of a glacier is a measure of the change in mass of the glacier, or part of it, over a period of time. Mass-balance data help to explain why a particular glacier system may be advancing or retreating and what climate drivers (e.g. decreased snow accumulation; increased surface melt) are responsible for the changes. Mass-balance information is essential for defining the links between past, present and future climate changes and changes to glaciers in assessments such as those made by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Having a systematic, concise and unambiguous mass-balance terminology is a critical part of this. The purpose of the Glossary is to promote clarity and reduce ambiguity in the communication of information about glacier mass balance. The Glossary represents a consensus among a group of practising glaciologists.
 Managing Change in the Marshlands: Iraq's Critical Challenge [ This report focuses on the importance of the Marshlands ecosystem services and the social, economic, and cultural benefits they provide to the Iraqi people. It shows the need to intensify the work being done for Marshlands revitalization and rehabilitation. This report is intended to provide guidance to the Iraqi Marshlands stakeholders as well as the international community, to help build consensus on the desired future for the Marshlands. The purpose of this paper is three-fold. Firstly, it aims to provide a comprehensive overview and analysis of the current situation in the Marshlands region, focusing on both ecosystem and human development analysis. The paper aims to identify specific gaps in the existing data and elaborate on the need for future actions, based on a range of possible development scenarios. Secondly, this paper intends to direct the attention of policy-makers towards governance and management issues in the Marshlands, with view of advocating development of a single national vision for the Marshlands. Finally, the paper will serve as a base reference for the key stakeholders in the Marshlands to launch a specific set of initiatives to re-address the governance, human development and environmental challenges in the Iraqi Marshlands.
 Monitoring Framework for Water Jointly produced by the UN World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) and the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD), this briefing note aims for a better understanding of international methodological standards for water which have been developed by the international statistical community. The note will help water professionals step outside the 'water box' and take into account broader social, political and economic issues affecting the use and allocation of water resources.
 Opportunities in dam planning and management. A Communication Practitioner's Handbook for Large Water Infrastructure [ This handbook aims to help foster a "communication culture" that will accommodate the wide range of stakeholder interests in dam planning and management in ways appropriate to the development context of today and the need to promote solutions to sustainability challenges. It seeks to create awareness among practitioners of the benefits and costs of improving the role of communication in infrastructure development. It also demonstrates how communication helps to improve governments' capacities to address corruption issues in infrastructure. Finally, this handbook is aimed at building the capacity of project teams and government officials to effectively adopt and adapt modern communication principles and tools to cover all stages of the dam project cycle.
 Output-based contracts in small-town water supply in Uganda: challenges and opportunities This report reviews the role of the domestic private sector in the delivery of urban water in Uganda, focusing on Private Operators (POs) in small towns. The report is organized as follows: Section 2 provides an overview of the methodological framework. Section 3 examines the output-based aid (OBA) project in Kampala, which is managed by the national utility. Section 4 presents an overview of the development of the system of water services delivery in small towns, and provides a background to the introduction of OBA in small towns and Rural Growth Centres (RGCs). Section 5 presents the bulk of the research findings on the OBA project implemented in Uganda's small towns, and reviews the outcomes from the OBA pilot projects in relation to their official targets and objectives. Section 6 considers regulatory issues. Section 7 reviews the policy implications of the findings, and Section 8 concludes.
 Pathways to Progress. Transitioning to Country-Led Service Delivery Pathways to Meet Africa's Water Supply and Sanitation Targets [ This document is the regional synthesis of the 32 country status overviews which collectively account for 95 percent of Sub-Saharan Africa's population and over 90 percent of GDP. The report highlights the most important trends, challenges, and proposed actions for achieving improved water supply and sanitation services across Sub-Saharan Africa. The opportunities for progress are identified based on:
 Policy guidance on water-related disease surveillance [ This document contains guidance on the policy related to water-related disease surveillance developed by the Task Force on Water-related Disease Surveillance established under the Protocol on Water and Health to the 1992 Convention on Protection and Use of Transboundary Waters and International Lakes. It was adopted by the Meeting of the Parties during their second session (in Bucharest, Romania, in November 2010). The guidance explains countries' legal obligations related to disease surveillance under the Protocol and other international frameworks, and gives advice on policy to set up and maintain an effective and efficient disease surveillance system. These explanations are coupled with illustrative examples of good practice in the European Region.
 Small-scale water providers in Kenya: pioneers or predators? [ This study examines the role small-scale water providers play in ensuring affordable, safe and reliable water supply. The paper looks at whether small-scale providers in Kenya are innovative gap fillers, as proponents claim, or predators, as the sceptics argue. The study is organised as follows: Section 2 locates the paper within the conceptual framework of the "poverty penalty" literature. Section 3 outlines the methodology and the data used in the analysis. Section 4 describes the water distribution and supply chain. Section 5 presents the findings on the demand for and consumption of water. Section 6 explores the extent to which the regulatory framework adequately addresses the challenges to ensuring affordable, safe and reliable water supply in informal settlements. Section 7 concludes with some policy recommendations.
 Technical guidance on water-related disease surveillance [ This technical guidance is intended to assist the Parties to the Protocol on Water and Health to the 1992 Convention on the Protection and Use of Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes in establishing and/or strengthening outbreak detection and early warning systems, contingency plans and capacity response in accordance with article 8 of the Protocol. The draft guidance reviews the main threats to health related to water services, recalls basic concepts of epidemiology and disease surveillance and provides guidance on data management and analysis. It will therefore also support national efforts towards national and international health security in line with the International Health Regulations (2005).
 Valuing Water Quality Improvement in China. A Case Study of Lake Puzhehei in Yunnan Province This paper reports an economic valuation study conducted in Yunnan, China, which aims to estimate the total value of a real investment project to improve the water quality of Lake Puzhehei. Located in Qiubei County, which is far from large cities, the lake has been experiencing fast water quality deterioration in the past years. This study also demonstrates that previous knowledge about water quality changes and the project may have a significant positive impact on people's valuation.
 Water history for our times [ This essay presents a summary of the key developments in the history of water and civilization. It delivers a first attempt to systematize how this wealth of knowledge and practices developed across the globe on time, and why certain strands of it spread over time, geographical and cultural space.
 Water and climate dialogue: adapting to climate change: why we need broader and out-of-the-box approaches [ This briefing note, originally produced for the World Water Assessment Programme session during the Dialogs for Water and Climate Change at COP16, Mexico, December 2010, presents a series of key messages and facts on water-related climate change impacts and relevant policy and response options for adaptation.
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