Lack of infrastructural development and a water quality monitoring system pose a security threat to the region. Outbreaks of water-borne disease in rural areas could potentially devastate the two countries.

The Environment Security Initiative (ENVSEC), in partnership with the NATO Science for Peace and Security Program (SPS), has implemented a project to establish a water quality management system for both countries.

In an interview with WaterWideWeb, Dilorom Fayzieva, a partner with ENVSEC and SPS, discussed the purpose and progress of the microbiological monitoring project in Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. Please read the complete interview below.

EAB: How was quality of drinking water in the Kyrgyz Republic and Uzbekistan identified as a security issue that ENVSEC Initiative in partnership with NATO Science for Peace and Security Program could address?

DF: Microbiological quality of water is an important issue for the entire Central Asian Region, including Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Republic. There are high risks of the spread of water-borne infections such as typhoid fever, bacterial dysentery and other types of diarrheal diseases in rural areas. These risks exist because access to the piped centralized drinking water sources in rural areas is approximately 50 to 60 percent on average for the whole region. Prevention of water-borne infection outbreaks amongst the population is attributed to the security issue. It is impossible to prevent any outbreaks of water-borne diseases without the creation of an adequate monitoring system, including organization of routine analysis of bacteriological parameters of water indicating water quality from the microbiological perspective.

EAB: What were some of the contaminants in the water supply prior to the project and what effects did they have on the local community?

DF: An increasing number of coli-form bacteria and fecal streptococci in different water sources used by the population create high risks of water-borne diseases in the local communities. These facts were revealed by the recent studies carried out in the Central Asian region by the various researchers like Semenza in Karakalpakstan in 1998 (USA), Herbst in Khorezm in 2002-2004 (Germany), D. Fayzieva and I.Usmanov in the western regions of Uzbekistan in the period of 2000-2010, and others. The high concerns of water-borne diseases are reflected in the regular national reports of the Ministries of Health Care of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic. Improving the monitoring system on microbiological quality of water and ensuring that it was on par with international standards were identified as one of the key priorities of the Environmental Health Action Plans of those countries.

EAB: Are you working with any government or other entity to negotiate technology transfer and capacity building between Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Republic?

DF: We are collaborating in order of negotiation, of technology transfer, and capacity building for improving of the quality of water analysis on bacteriological indicators between France, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Republic. Main partners in this issue are the Institute of Water Problems of Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences and the Scientific Production Center of Preventive Medicine of the Health Ministry of the Kyrgyz Republic. End users of this project are the Republican Center for Sanitary-Epidemiological Surveillance of the Health Ministry of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Bishkek City Center for Sanitary-Epidemiological Surveillance of the Health Ministry of the Kyrgyz Republic. Water bacteriology laboratories of these organizations are equipped by modern type of basic equipment and first stage of the trainings took place at IPL, France within this project.

EAB: Please describe how drinking standards were brought up to international standards?

DF: The main purpose of the project is to improve of quality of water analysis through an international quality assurance system and to establish the same system in the national laboratories of those countries. For achieving of this purpose we are planning to create advanced reference laboratories on water bacteriology by equipping them and training of their personnel.

EAB: If you project did not take place, what would the negative outcome on the Uzbekistan and Kyrgyz Republic would there be?

DF: In the absence of quality assurance system, it is impossible to get accurate and reliable data on prevention of outbreaks cannot occur. Finally, it creates high risk of these infections among population and worsening of sanitary-epidemiological conditions by increasing the mortality rates from water-borne diseases.

EAB: Please discuss the short and long term positive outcome of your project.

DF: A short-term outcome is the creation of the reference laboratories on water bacteriology by equipping them and training national personnel on the international water quality standards. Long term outcomes include sharing the project experience throughout other countries of Central Asian region.

EAB: Thank you for interviewing with WaterWideWeb.

DF: You’re welcome.

In a country like Uzbekistan, where a majority of revenue is generated by agricultural production, ensuring a safe water supply serves to secure the economic system as well. Decreasing rates of poverty and decreasing rates of mortality from water-borne diseases allow these countries to develop beyond a stunted period of economic growth and development.

Threats of the spread of water-borne disease and high mortality rates from them are often associated with countries in Africa and Southeast Asia. In fact, similar problems exist in Central Asia. The struggle to update the international standards on water supply is an endeavor that the entire world faces.

Countries in Central Asia and Eastern Europe struggle from the adverse affects of poor water quality because historically, these countries did not have in place the technology and capacity to develop and manage water quality. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 left a region of independent countries that, while not subject to land borders with neighboring lands, still had to manage issues of ensuring peace and security in the region, beginning with the provision of clean drinking water. sharing this themes.

The photo above is a picture of water in Kyrgyzstan

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Such a significant percentage of irrigated agriculture requires careful maintenance of these systems that are integral to economic development in the region. Seventy percent of foreign trade in Uzbekistan is fueled by agriculture and twenty-two percent of the Gross Domestic Product is produced by agriculture.

In an interview with WaterWideWeb, de Jong detailed the role of WB’s Drainage, Irrigation and Wetlands Improvement Project (DIWIP) in Uzbekistan in reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and securing regional stability in Central Asia. Please read the complete interview below.

EAB: Why is WB so heavily invested in irrigation and drainage maintenance projects in Uzbekistan?

IJ: There are five reasons why irrigation is important in Uzbekistan. Firstly, we know that irrigation water is an input and we need to make sure that irrigation services are provided in a reliable and good quality way. This will increase produce and agricultural productivity. Support for agricultural production is important in Uzbekistan, as you know from our previous interview. Supporting the agricultural agenda is important.

Secondly, we’re looking at this from a public expenditure perspective. Approximately 80 percent of Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture budget is spent on pump irrigation, which is about half of the total irrigated area. These pumps are electric or diesel and they cost a lot of energy. That represents a large percentage of financial investment by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Thirdly, if you would increase use of irrigated water by 1 percent, then you would earn $3 million by reducing pumping costs. You can export electricity that you don’t need to neighboring countries and earn an additional $4 million. These are expenditures for a country like Uzbekistan. More focused irrigation is crucial.

Fourthly, these projects are important for environmental conservation. Irrigation has a big impact on the Aral Sea because of massive irrigation development. Water is no longer reaching the Aral Sea anymore. The whole idea is making irrigation more efficient so you can send more water back into the Aral Sea. And the whole Aral Sea and all downstream users benefit from this efficiency.

Then there is the energy-water story. During the Soviet Union, issues were solved between republics of the Soviet Union but that’s no longer the case. Upstream countries need electricity in winter and downstream countries need water in summer for irrigation. This is a major part of that whole dialogue and discourse about water and energy between upstream and downstream countries in Central Asia.

Lastly, climate change is a huge factor. There has been a mobile increase in temperature and higher variability in precipitation. Irrigation is an important tool to mitigate against these climate change impacts.

EAB: What is the ultimate goal of the DIWIP?

IJ: It points into the same direction. In order to help irrigation serve a better purpose it needs to be reliable, transparent, and with cost-effective delivery. Service provision is important here as well. We need to make sure it’s used efficiently by farmers and provide incentives to make people use irrigation in a more effectively.

EAB: What are the implications of this project?

IJ: That goes back to the five reasons stated earlier. The energy-water issue in Central Asia is a big issue. It’s not just about energy and water.  It’s about regional stability and international security following the break up of the Soviet Union. It’s a potential threat to Eastern stability. The provision for the future is a vibrant agriculture that supports life of people and reduces poverty and poverty is a problem in terms of regional stability. It is in our interest to address to these issues.

EAB: Thank you for interviewing with WaterWideWeb.

IJ: You’re welcome.

Thus far, the DIWIP has yielded positive results in Uzbekistan. Since it began in 2003, the groundwater table has lowered in 90 percent of the project area. As a result, there has been a desalination of irrigated land. Arable land that was unfit to cultivate because of salinity is now ready to be used. Local communities can now generate income and rates of poverty will decrease.

Uzbekistan is centrally located in a hot zone of water politics. Appeasing downstream countries with water and energy needs must be navigated with caution since both upstream and downstream end users draw upon the same water source. Since the Aral Sea is no longer supplying the region with the water needed to benefit all users in the region, entities such as the WB and other international organizations must start using water smarter. Saving water is securing stability, a non-violent way of keeping the peace in the region.

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Water instability is compounded by energy concerns concomitantly in Gujarat. Public policy in Gujarat does not require farmers to pay additional expenses for pumping deeper groundwater which  is delivered to farmers at a fixed price. Co-dependently, water and energy in Gujarat are being consumed at unsustainable rates.

In an exclusive interview with Dan Stellar, Assistant Director of Columbia Water Center (CWC), he informed WaterWideWeb that the CWC project in Gujarat will enlist local farmers in water and energy use efficiency by providing monetary incentives for conservation efforts.

CWC has partnered with local organizations such as the Taleem Research Foundation, Uttar Gujarat Vij Company Limited (UGVCL), the Sardarkrushinagar Dantiwada Agricultural University (SDAU), and the Government of Gujarat to stabilize water access and energy efficiency management in Gujarat, initiatives closely linked to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The results of CWC’s study are still confidential pending public release. Nonetheless, Stellar provided preliminary analysis and implications of the Gujarat project to WaterWideWeb.

EAB: How did CWS identify water and energy as an interrelated issue in Gujarat, India?

DS: We have been aware of the severe groundwater depletion problem in Gujarat for a long time. Generally, the electricity supply problem in that region is well known. It is due to the massive amounts of energy needed to pump groundwater. The electric supply is irregular and unreliable.

The state has made efforts to address this problem, most notably through a program called Jyotigram. Jyotigram targeted farmers’ use of electricity.

In light of these facts, CWC conducted an extensive study in the area. The study yielded a great deal of information about the water and energy issues in the region.  We have presented several phases of this study to the Government of Gujarat.  At the moment, the details of the study are still confidential, but we will be issuing a paper soon.  However, the main points from the study show that:

• · Water tables in the study area have been falling steadily over the last 15-20 years. They have reached about 600ft below ground level, risking irreversible salinization of aquifers.
• · Farmers are adversely affected by the falling water tables. They need to drill deeper wells and buy more powerful pumps continuously.
• · Energy use has most likely increased over the last two decades without a matching increase in irrigated area.
• · The depths where groundwater is currently extracted, tubewell irrigated agriculture, as practiced today, is probably not financially viable.

EAB: What are some of the short and long term goals of the project?

DS: The overall goal of the project is to reverse the problem of groundwater depletion in this area.  We hope to stabilize groundwater levels above the point at which large scale saltwater intrusion will occur.  It is important to note that this project exemplifies a win-win system that encourages farmers to conserve resources rather than taxing them for additional water usage.

EAB: How can this project exemplify a sustainable solution to the water and energy crisis?

DS: The project will demonstrate a policy level solution to the water and energy crisis.  While this particular solution is somewhat unique to the Indian context, it will show how policies can be structured to create economic incentives for conserving water and energy.

Currently, farmers in the area pay an extremely low fixed rate for electricity.  They use electricity to pump water for crop irrigation. There is no incentive to conserve water or energy since farmers pay the same fixed cost regardless of how much electricity they use.

We propose the institution of an alternate system, one where farmers are given an allowance of units of energy. If they use less energy than their allowance provides, they will be compensated for the amount saved.  This system costs the state nothing since it was providing electricity essentially free from the outset.

The project is economically sustainable. It does not have any net cost to any party.  The project was designed in close consultation with farmers and government officials to accommodate the local area.

Participation is completely voluntary. Farmers can opt to participate or not. If they prefer to continue with their usual pumping practices, they can do so without facing a penalty.

EAB: Are you sharing best practices on water and hydropower projects with any other organizations?

DS: We intend to share best practices, once the results of the project are analyzed. This will be accomplished through outreach on our website and blog, submission of academic papers, participation in conferences and other media appearances.

EAB: Thank you for interviewing with WaterWideWeb

DS: You’re welcome.

Projects like the CWC’s offer an innovative multifaceted approach to two of the most complex issues of the 21^st century— reliable water supply and energy resources. Developing infrastructure and providing farmers with reliable water resources will support the achievement of MDGs in Gujarat.

Overcoming the complex environmental water and energy nexus in Gujarat requires the active involvement of local residents, enforceable public policy and willing participation of public and private sector entities. In the case of CWC’s Gujarat project, both water and energy are forces to be reconciled.

Please watch the video of CWC’s work in Gujarat India here

The photo above was provided by Columbia Water Center.

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WB is investing in water use efficiency methods and rehabilitating the irrigation and drainage infrastructure in Uzbekistan’s Ferghana Valley in order to promote economic development in the country.

The economy of Uzbekistan is largely dependent upon the agriculture industry. Twenty-two percent of the Gross Domestic Product is produced by agriculture. Seventy percent of foreign trade is fueled by the agricultural industry and 90 percent of the country’s demand for agriculture is satisfied by domestic production.

IJsbrand de Jong Is the Sr Water Resources Specialist in the Agriculture and Rural Development Unit of the Europe and Central Asia Region at World Bank. In an interview, de Jong told WaterWideWeb, “Close to 90 percent of Uzbekistan’s agriculture is irrigated, and 25 percent of Uzbekistan’s irrigated area is located in the Ferghana Valley.”

Isbrand de Jong expanded on the details of World Bank’s Valley Water Resources Management Phase-I Project. Please read the extended interview below.

EAB: What are some of the short and long-term goals of the project?

IJ: The long-term objective of the project it to support key Uzbekistan priorities in the areas of poverty reduction and improvement of living standards of the population, environment, and provision of I&D (“Irrigation and Drainage”) services. The short term objective of the project is to improve agricultural production in areas affected by water-logging, and to reduce damage to housing and infrastructure from rising ground water levels and salinity in the project districts.

EAB: Will farmers be advised on best practices in water use efficiency?

IJ: The project will improve water use efficiency in a number of ways. In the first place, the project will invest in the physical improvements in the irrigation and drainage infrastructure to reduce water wastage. Secondly, the project will disseminate modern agricultural and water management practices to members of Water Users Associations and small dehkhan farmers through provision of training and establishment and operation of field demonstration plots, including pilot drip irrigation, on-farm water management, and integrated pest management. Thirdly, the project will strengthen capacities of regional and local staff of public water management institutions.

EAB: Will this project bring Uzbekistan closer to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)?

IJ: The project directly addresses MDG 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger. The project will do so by addressing constraints to improving agricultural production, As a result of this and other investments, incomes are expected to increase and poverty and hunger are expected to decline. Other MDGs will benefit indirectly, including improving health and environmental sustainability.

EAB: Please explain lessons learned thus far in the project.

IJ: The project was approved in September 2009 and became effective in March 2010. While the project has not yet been able to learn lessons from its own experience, important lessons learned from the implementation of similar projects in the Central Asia region have been reflected into the design of the project. These include a strong involvement from stakeholder in the design and implementation of investments, and the need to combine investments in infrastructure with capacity strengthening and institutional reforms.

EAB: What are some markers of progress thus far? Has the project developed in any new directions?

IJ: The project is currently in the process of launching a large irrigation and drainage rehabilitation contract through international bidding. It is expected that the works will start in early 2011. Other activities are expected to be launched soon. In view of its recent approval, it is too early to demonstrate impact.

EAB: Thank you for interviewing with WaterWideWeb.

IJ: You’re welcome.

The Ferghana Valley Project funded by World Bank is one piece in the intricate puzzle of achieving the MDGs in Central Asia. Improving irrigated farming methods and rehabilitating infrastructure is essential to maintaining the income generated by Uzbekistan from its agricultural industry. Implementing proven methods in water conservation and building water infrastructure will in turn yield a better crop turn out for local and regional farmers. Ensuring Uzbekistan’s economic development and stimulating growth will occur when proper measures are taken to advance agricultural water use practices at the local and regional level.

Children in poor countries often have up to 1,000 parasitic worms in their body due to lack of clean drinking water. A five minute shower in America requires more water than a typical person in the developing world uses in one day according to statistics by Water.org. Some of these children will not live to see Santa Clause coming to town. You can change that.

Water.org is a non-profit organization that was co-founded by actor Matt Damon and social entrepreneur Gary White. This holiday, Water.org is offering seasonal shoppers the opportunity to give two of life’s greatest gifts, health and hygiene.

Nicole Wickenhauser is the Sr. Communications and Development Manager of Water.org. In a telephone interview, Wickenhauser told WaterWideWeb, “You can change someone’s life with just a $25 donation”.

Please watch the video of Water.org’s work in Bangledesh here

Donations from holiday givers to Water.org are allocated to community water projects in South East Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Investing in health and hygiene this holiday season is a dual offense to combating mortality rates from water-borne diseases in the developing world.

Research from Water.org concludes that almost one billion people in the world do not have access to clean drinking water, while 2.5 billion people do not have access to a toilet. Research also indicates that lack of sanitation is the world’s leading causes of infections.  A majority of the world’s illnesses are caused by fecal matter. The cholera outbreak in Haiti is an unfortunate example of the dire consequences witnessed when proper programs are not instituted to keep drinking water and sanitation systems to separate.

Water needs and sustainable solutions to meet those needs vary according to the region and community serviced. Water.org works with local partners who can identify a community’s specific needs and trouble shoot methods to meet them appropriately. These local partners are trained on maintenance repairs and other services needed to maintain the operation of the water service after it is implemented.

“We conduct surveys to ensure that projects are effective. We follow up on our programs and monitor the water point’s functionality at all times,” said Wickenhauser. Efforts launched by Water.org include education on hygiene practices and their link to public health. Informing community members on the importance of hand washing and other personal hygiene regimens goes hand in hand with addressing underlying issues like infection and mortality.

In the developing world, 90 percent of deaths from diarrheal diseases occur in children under 5 years-old. For them, holiday will not be the fan fare that other people enjoy. This holiday, consider a giving the gift of health and hygiene to children who can’t live another day without it.

The water crisis causes more deaths than wars cause fatalities. Individually, we may not have the ability to bring peace to warring nations, but we do have a chance to save more lives than on the battlefield. As a holiday gift, it is the gift of life.  

What’s on your holiday list this season?

Would you consider investing in health and hygiene?

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By the end of 2007, Zaparde and Petrovic raised $1,000 to dig a well in Paras, India. The two raised money by hosting bake sales and car washes. After the first well was built in Paras, Zaparde and Petrovic continued their water work in other rural villages. In a telephone interview Zaparde told WaterWideWeb, “On the drive to Paras in 2007, I saw at least 25 other villages with the same problem. I figured, if we can help one village, we can help more”.

Currently, DWI partners with schools in New Jersey and other states to raise awareness and funding for well projects in India. “We just want to show other students that young people their age are struggling just to find clean drinking water”, said Zaparde.

DWI builds wells close to schools to maximize the number of people who can access clean water from the well. Residents in neighboring villages can find water at the well without traveling extensive distances in search for clean water.

“Digging wells near schools makes the most sense. Students in schools without clean water access have to sit through an entire day without water. Now, students can bring water home to their families at the end of the day”, continued Zaparde.

Maintenance of water wells is an important facet of the work of DWI. Water wells are used constantly. Villagers sometimes use the well from early as 3 a.m. until midnight. DWI works with village leaders, appointed by local community members, to ensure that the well is functional at all times. Village leaders have the contact number for DWI personnel who can respond as swiftly as possible to a broken well.

Fundraising campaigns of DWI allocate money specifically for repairs if the well should break. “We set aside a certain amount of money so that we are there and ready to respond if a well breaks”, assured Zaparde.

The DWI project is an exceptional example of the social change mobilized by grassroots student-led movements. When it comes to clean water, anyone can make a difference in the life of rural villagers and school children.

Photo Credit: All photos in this article belong to DrinkingWaterforIndia.org

The work of DWI impacts local communities in several capacity. DWI provides a water resource, which in turn, alleviates the strain of finding water. Women, who typically are responsible for finding clean water, can dedicate the precious resource of time, to duties other than water gathering.

Mortality from water-borne diseases such as typhoid fever and bacterial diarrhea will decrease when projects such as DWI expand their work in developing countries. Children can attend school on a regular basis, without worrying if there will be enough water to be comfortable throughout the school day.

Water impacts a community from the ground up—literally. Simply providing clean water has implications for community members at all levels. The structure of these remote villages will develop over time. As water-borne diseases decrease, education and life expectancy will increase.

Questions arise about the work of governmental municipalities responsible for remote village’s water supply when reviewing the work of DWI. Are governmental programs monitoring the complex issues that undermine social and economic development in the rural communities of India?

NGOs and other non-profit organizations can certainly make a difference by supplying the immediate water need of villages. But, legislation and federal regulation of water policy must be implemented and enforced if a sustainable solution to India’s water shortage problems is to be reached.

The short-term effects of water projects in India’s remote villages will relieve the daily task of walking two miles or more to find water, water which may not even be safe for consumption. Over time, the literacy rates in these rural communities will increase. Two symptoms of poverty, illiteracy and unsafe water, will be assuaged.

Efforts to provide clean drinking water to communities that aren’t read about in major newspapers or featured on news specials can be undertaken by any individual. However, a balanced response to water issues must enlist the support of local governments, community members, and aid agencies if a sustainable future for these communities is sought.

Communities can change from within but there must be a solid infrastructure to fit that change from the outside. How can governmental programs reach even the remotest villages in their country? Will that be left up to projects like DWI? Or, will the work of DWI inspire a renewed sense of responsibility for a nation’s people across the socio-economic strata? Unfortunately, only time will tell.

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In 2007, PUB won the Stockholm Industry Water Award and was also named Water Agency of the year at the Global Water Awards of 2006 due to its hard work and successful way to manage used water with various raw water sources in an integrative and sustainable manner. The agency catch line “Water for All: Conserve, Value, Enjoy” is representative of their hard work when it comes to water conservation in order to “have enough water for all uses- for industry, for living, for life” (Source: http://www.thegovmonitor.com/world_news/asia/singapore-launches-water-wally-website-36582.html). In order to achieve these goals, PUB takes care the collection, production distribution and reclamation of water. Thanks to the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System (DTSS), used water is treated to be discharged into the sea or further purified into new water. PUB is working very hard to educate population to basic principles of water conservation. According to their official website, it seems that the hard work is paying off:  “Singapore’s per capita domestic water consumption has been brought down from 165 litres per day in 2003 to the current 155 liters” (Source: http://www.pub.gov.sg/conserve/Pages/default.aspx). Their long-term ambitious target is to lower the water consumption to 140 litres by 2030.

PUB has developed a 360 degrees portal that tackles water issues on all possible fronts. They approach water issues from the stand point of all the various targets and social groups found in the local population. From an interactive online mascot for children, to serious tips for business owners PUB has learnt to communicate about important issues in an effective targeted manner. For instance, in order to respond to the ever-increasing water demands of industries and businesses, PUB has launched the Water Efficiency Fund (WEF) in order to raise awareness amongst company in order to educate them to water conservation and teach them efficient ways to manage their water demand.  To encourage Singaporeans to develop a special respect for water, pub is working hard with sporting events and organizations in oder to promote water sports amongst the local population. According to the organization, if people develop a special bond and appreciation for water they will most likely feel the need to respect it and safeguard it.

For its 5^th anniversary, PUB decided to launch the Water Wally e-games, rendering the mascot of water conservation even more popular amongst children. Through games and fun, children can finally learn about water conservation and water issues. The friendly mascot, an amusing water drops, teaches children how to use water wisely and why it is important to keep reservoirs clean. As a reward system, if a child scores enough points in the Wally e-games about water conservation, they can win Wally toys! According to George Madhavan, director of 3P Network, PUB, “these games enhance our sustained efforts in school outreach programme to encourage our younger generation to value water and to care for it” (Source: http://www.thegovmonitor.com/world_news/asia/singapore-launches-water-wally-website-36582.html).  The mascot was launched in 2005 in order to create a real dialogue with children about an issue that is too often portrayed as daunting and for grown-ups. By educating children at an early age, this is somewhat of a long-term investment on the future generations to come.

PUB, Singapore’s national water agency is an example to be followed around the world when it comes to dealing with water conservation. The agency has managed to turn the country’s water supply around, offering now quality potable tap water for all citizens. In addition, PUB is working hard to raise awareness amongst the population when it comes to water issues. Water Wally, the newest mascot has proven to be an interactive way to dialogue with children and to raise awareness with fun games about water and the importance of this natural element.

Along the course of the Mekong river, one has the pleasure to discover sediments of history that are still partly living today; from the Tibetan nomad culture to the ancient Kingdom of Siam, the river fosters an incredible quantity of fish species that assure the survival of most of the local communities from the six different countries. The river is also the home of the world’s largest freshwater fish, “ the Mekong giant catfish that is distinguished by the near-total lack of whisker-like barbells, the absence of teeth and its gigantic size” (Source: http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/wherewework/mekong/species.html).  This unusual specie that can reach 600 pounds and grown the size of a grizzly bear, can feed an entire village for at least a week. The future of this unique specimen is at risk, due to the various flood control schemes, dams and other changes created by human kind in order to gain control over the river. Another endangered species living in the pool of the Mekong River is the Irrawaddy dolphin that is often known as the “river dolphin”.  This slow swimmer’s life is at risk, and its population is “estimated to be as low as 70 to 100 individuals” (Source: http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/wherewework/mekong/species.html). The dolphin is in high demand in zoos and aquariums that often seem to forget that even limited trade is now prohibited because the specie is so endangered. You can adopt a toy Mekong Dolphin in order to help raising money for their survival at http://www.worldwildlife.org/ogc/species_SKU.cfm?gid=68&sc=AWY1100WC900.

These two species are only a tinny examples of all the treasures buried inside this long river. The cultural, social and commercial value of this wetland is gigantic; courted by many stakeholders the future of the Mekong River is at risk without a proper conservation plan.

For this reason, on 5 April 1995, was founded The Mekong River Commission (MRC), an official agreement between Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam. These states signed  The Agreement on the Cooperation for the Sustainable Development of the Mekong River Basin in order to come up with a joint management plan to share water resources and the development of the river.  This association aims at promoting regional cooperation and its goals are also to “promote and support coordinated, sustainable and pro-poor development, to strengthen basin-wide environmental monitoring and impact assessment and to strengthen the Integrated Water Resources Management capacity and knowledge base on the MRC bodies “ (Source: http://www.mrcmekong.org/). In addition to this organization, the WWF is also working hard in order to address the threats facing the long-term sustainable survival of the river and all its precious resources. Indeed, the WWF Living Mekong Programme is working in partnership with the MRC in order to achieve a set of goals that comprehend: sustainable river basin management, the conservation of freshwater ecosystems while raising awareness on these issues amongst the local populations and all the interested stakeholders.

A strong interest for hydropower development in the lower part of the basin is dividing many invidious stakeholders around the world amongst private and public companies. In order to mitigate the demand, the MRC has launched the Initiative on Sustainable Hydropower (ISH) in order to study the potential side effects of a large-scale hydropower development and to come up with a basin management strategy. This initiative serves as a fundamental funnel for ideas and proposal where dialogue and communication is much needed in order to compromise economical interests with the ones of the conservation of the river and all its ecosystems.

Any sort of development and action plant taken to modify the course of the river, the balance of its rich biodiversity could have a life-changing impact on the lives of 60 million people and on the survival of various precious endangered species. This rich wetland is worth a lot from an economical standpoint. States need to remember that a violent over-exploitation could but an end to all the precious resources the river has to offer. Nature is generous only if it is treated with respect and dignity.

Water pollution that causes water-born disease are starting to spread over the population, yet, investors seem to be blinded by the cheap labor and the derisory costs and they forget to have serious considerations for the environment. According to statistics, “about 700 million Chinese drink water contaminated with waste. Consequently, water pollution sickens 190 million and causes an estimated 60 000 premature deaths annually” (Source: http://genascihk.wordpress.com/2010/02/07/chinas-deepening-water-crisis/). Foreign and local businesses need to realize that if this crisis expands the economy will suffer due to increasing need for health care, unemployment and therefore a decline in productivity. The prices of water in China remain to low and fail to be proportionate to the real costs of provision. Since the country lacked the funding for new water infrastructures, in the 1990s, it opened its water market to private local and international investors and companies. These new investments were often made in a hazardous context where regulation and policies lacked transparency and accountability. The Chinese government is still experimenting with policies and laws that could contain water pollution and also control investors in a more efficient manner.

This non-profit initiative works with investors and business in order to raise awareness to China’s water scarcity and to help them come up with long-term sustainable business, production and development plans best suited to the company’s demands. This organization works in direct collaboration with numerous NGOs and networks of experts of water issues. AWP is building a network of players that share the common interest of water preservation in order “to build knowledge that will lead to action to enhance the management of China’s water resources” (Source: http://www.asiawaterproject.org/about-us/who-we-are/).  AWP’s online portal serves as a useful intermediary player between investors, the Chinese government and environmentalist groups that want to protect water lands. This unique online resource provides many useful assets that contribute to water preservation. First of all, the website is offers a precious forum for discussion around issues like “the macro and micro impacts of water scarcity and water pollution; the changing regulatory landscape, growing challenges around water resource management; and how investors and companies evaluate water-related risks” (Source: http://www.asiawaterproject.org/about-us/who-we-are/information-portal/). In addition, this information portal gathers information on China’s water issues outlining new policies and changes in regulations in order to keep all interested actors always updated. This space for discussion and information and ideas exchanges between environmental experts and business men is an important resources insofar it manages to raise awareness to the water crisis issues from the perspective of its main target: the investors and foreign companies. The homepage is divided in key sectors that offer comprehensive information on the water crisis and the impact it is having on the economy.  An important section presents the latest key research for investors saving them the time and money to do the extra research and mapping of the social weather.

Publishing constant and up to date environmental information, is crucial for a country like China who desperately needs more transparency. China needs to raise water tariffs in order  to cover the costs to improve water resources and quality. A “green” outlook needs to be part of China’s future politics in order to make sure that their rapid economic growth is sustainable on the long run. The Asia Water Project is a concrete symbol of a more environmental outlook, and an authentic initiative that has established a bridge between the government and foreign investors.