This 2nd issue of our Millennium Agreement "Controlling Climate Risks" newsletter deals with water affairs related to climate change. A wide range of organizations share their approaches and experiences. WWF-Netherlands’s Esther Blom, who has just returned from Tibet, provides us with an update on their project in Tibet and the increasing glacier melt. This last also being a major problem in Nepal, Simavi and Plan Netherlands collaborate to harvest rainwater for local water supply. In the Inner Niger Delta region (Mali) Wetlands International developed a decision-support system for supporting effective river management planning. Head of programme Chris Baker reports. In addition, partnerships WASH and NWP explain about their approach to water problems, the 3R project serving as a beautiful example. Last but not least, Fons Jaspers (Alterra) shares his view on quantitative measurement of climate change.

Meanwhile, over 200 people have registered for our annual 'Conference on Adaptation to Climate Change in Developing Countries'', which is due on November 26th. Registration is still open. More information can be found on the HIER website.

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The next newsletter will appear in two months. Copy for this newsletter can be send to the secretariat.

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November 26th: 3rd Conference on Adaptation to Climate Change in Developing Countries
The programme for the conference is complete. We're very pleased that Mr. Amjad Abdulla, Lead Negotiator for the G77 in the AWG-LCA, Vice Chair of IPCC W2 and Director General of the Ministry of Environment, Energy and Water from the Maledives is available to speak at our conference. Mr. Abdulla and three other keynotes, Minister Koenders, Mr Herman Wijffels, and Ms Suranjana Gupta will talk about issues like how to finance adaptation, the Copenhagen process, how to reach the most vulnerable people and how to link (inter)national policies to local programmes. The plenary session will be closed with a paneldiscussion led by Ms. Madeleen Helmer. In the afternoon 10 workshops on various subjects related to adaptation are planned. Around 15 partners of Millennium Agreement 4 are involved in the preparations. The conference offers an excellent chance to extend your knowledge and network.

Managing the Water Buffer: 3R workshop
The programme of our annual conference on November 26th includes an interesting workshop on the 3R - Recharge, Retention & Reuse - project.
With increased variability and more erratic rainy seasons the management of water buffers becomes essential - the storage of water in the soil profile, in shallow aquifers and local surface storage reservoirs. This workshop introduces the 3R initiative and discusses a range of techniques, summarized as 3R (recharge, retention and reuse) that can be used at scale in both humid and arid environments, in rural areas and in cities - for both development and climate change adaptation. Also, the workshop discusses how to promote buffer management on the basis of local priorities and making use of self-financing mechanisms as far as possible. The aim of the workshop is to have more partners involved in the 3R initiative. Partners, so far: SIMAVI, RAIN Foundation, MetaMeta Research, Acacia Water, CPWC, Aqua4All, BGR.

Worldbank study adaptation costs
This new study estimates the global costs of adaptation to climate change in order to inform the
international community's effort to provide resources to developing countries. It was launched during
the UNFCCC summit in Bangkok in September.

  

 'New campaign: Daar ben ik'
In October, HIER started a new campaign to make people aware of the serious consequences of climate change for developing countries. On the campaign website, anchorman Kofi Annan invites us to view the story of Halima from Ehtiopia in augmented reality, using a little booklet.

Agenda

• 26-11-2009 9.30-17.00
  The 3th Conference on Adaptation to Climate Change in Developing Countries.
  Location: Vredespaleis, The Hague, The Netherlands.
  More information and the full programme can be found here. Registration closes on Friday, November 20th. 
• 12-12-2009
  Beat the heat now! National climate event
  Location: Jaarbeurs, Utrecht, The Netherlands. More information: www.beattheheatnow.nl
• 7-18 December 2009
  Climate negotiations Copenhagen
  More information can be found on the UNFCCC website.

 

Partners of the Millennium Agreement  "Controlling Climate Risks"

The Netherlands Red Cross, Simavi, Cordaid, BothEnds, AMREF Flying Doctors, Avalon Foundation, Wetlands International, WWF the Netherlands, University for Peace, CARE The Netherlands, ICCO, Save the Children, SNV, Oxfam Novib, ITC, WUR, KNMI, ETC, IVM VU Amsterdam, TSD UT Twente, Eureko, Cardano, FMO, NWP, Commision MER, CPWC, Climate Partners, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Contact details

For questions and remarks concerning this newsletter or the Millennium Agreement, please contact the secretariat.

Millennium Agreement “Controlling Climate Risks” secretariat

Gijs Termeer
Klimaatbureau HIER
Hamburgerstraat 28A
3512 NS Utrecht
The Netherlands
+31-30-234 8267

WASH

'3R: local solutions for water storage'
By Paul van Koppen, Programme Manager WASH

The WASH sector (water supply, sanitation and hygiene) is actively exploring ways to address climate change. In 2007, a so-called “Working Group on WASH[1] and Climate Change” was installed. This working group consists of non-profit organizations with interest and expertise in the links between climate change and impacts on water management needs of poor and vulnerable people. The group, hosted by the Water Supply & Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) includes UNICEF, Tearfund, IRC, IWA (International Water Association), WaterAid and the Co-operative Programme on Water and Climate (CPWC).

The group has set out several key advocacy messages, declaring that climate change mitigation and adaptation measures should be explored that reduce the vulnerability of communities in relation to access to WASH services and in their broader water management activities. These adaptation efforts should be undertaken within the sector, and not be established as a separate effort. In addition, strengthening of governance and capacity within the WASH sector is needed to enable the sector to adequately adapt to the impacts of climate change.

3R: wise water management
The 3R initiative (undertaken by Acacia Water, MetaMeta and RAIN,) is an example of seeking synergies between WASH delivery, food security and climate change adaptation. At the core of the 3R - Recharge, Retention & Reuse - initiative is the buffer function provided by the integrated management and storage of ground- soil- and rain- water. 3R provides locally achievable solutions for water storage that improve the resilience of people and their environments to climatic variability both at a local and basin-wide level.

Through more effective collection of rainwater, subsurface storage, increased water use efficiency and productivity, water access uncertainty is decreased, and resilience to climate variability and capacity for future adaptation increased. It is for the effective integrated application and upscaling of these solutions (from small-scale storage to water banks, conjunctive water use and controlled drainage) that 3R provides the framework and tools to enable both local and large-scale water and food security. 3R is complementary to the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), translating IWRM on a practical level, ‘closing the loop’ through the wise management of both water (ground-, soil-, rain-) and land, to benefit people living in dry or humid climates, in remote rural or urban settings.

More information:
Project website Bebuffered
More information on the working group: Stef Smits (secretary), e-mail smits@irc.nl

 

NWP

'Water sector needs worldwide water platform'

Water is one of the main climate issues of the next decades. Due to climate change we can expect a shortage of water on the one hand, resulting in droughts, famine and conflict. On the other hand, sea level rise and heavy rainfall will have a large impact on the safety in delta's and coastal areas. The Dutch Water sector, united in the Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP), has expressed its commitment to help solve these worldwide water issues.
The Netherlands are a country below sea level, this, together with the country's age old relationship with water, has resulted in a strong water sector, coordinated by the NWP. NWP's members boast cutting edge knowledge on drinking water, purification, sanitation, creating new land, dykes, water works and water management.

Together with these members, NWP is working towards an online and real life platform where anyone can join in to create the best solutions or showcase the best innovations. In 2012, the country itself will be a showcase for the best expertise and solutions for water. Events and conferences will place water at the top of the worldwide agenda. Especially young people are invited: we expect more than 10.000 job opportunities beyond 2012 .

To help create a worldwide water platform you can Join the linkedin group Dutch Delta Design, e-mail NWP at info@nwp.nl. or go to ddd2012.nl (dutch).

WNF

WNF protects and restores high altitude Wetlands in Tibet
Interview with Esther Blom, Head of Waterprogramme

Glacier retreat and the melting of permafrost have become major environmental issues on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. According to a recent WWF report, glaciers that serve as water sources to one of the most ecologically diverse alpine communities on earth are melting at an alarming rate.

The glacier and permafrost melting pose severe threats to local nomads’ livelihoods, vulnerable black-necked cranes and the local economy. One of the impacts is that some lakes are increasing due to glacier melting and some of the best pastures are submerged. In most areas however, lakes and marshes are decreasing in size. Meanwhile small glaciers are disappearing due to the speed of glacier melting and desertification has become a major issue. This changing water regime does not only influence local biodiversity and economy, also the seven big rivers of Asia that originate from the Tibetan Plateau are affected.

WWF-Netherlands’s Esther Blom has just returned from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Unfortunately, her eye witness report confirms it is getting serious now. ‘The herdsmen pointed at a bare peak which would normally provide water in the dry season’, she explains. ‘But now during the summer there’s no snow left for melting, resulting in drier pastures which are eaten bare by the growing amount of yaks.’

WWF is working on regaining and conserving the natural resilience of the local high altitude wetlands by re-establishing the original nomadic system. ‘We found three herdsmen willing to participate in our pilot for renewing the use of summer pastures’, Esther Blom says. ‘Also, we work on new ways for providing income by adding value to yak products. We further train the local people and the nature reserve authorities to improve the high altitude wetlands management and discuss with the provincial government how to reduce the threats to the areas.’

Several major rivers including the Yangtze, Mekong and Indus begin their journeys to the sea from the mentioned Tibetan Plateau. Melting glacier and permafrost water will replenish rivers in the short term, but as the resource diminishes drought will dominate the river reaches in the long term.
A three-year study, to be used by the China Geological Survey Institute, shows that glaciers in the Yangtze source area, central to the Qinghai-Tibet plateau in south-western China, have receded 196 square kilometres over the past 40 years. Esther Blom: ‘These figures should be able to convince China to make more effort to protect and sustainably use their high altitude wetlands in the river source areas, by managing their rivers according to a ‘Hilltop-to-Ocean (H2O)’ approach and establishing Payment for Environmental Services (PES).’

More information: WNF

Simavi

Rainwater harvesting in Nepal

Also being aware of the problems of melting glaciers in Nepal, Simavi and Plan Netherlands, responded to the opportunity offered by the Dutch Postcode Lottery to present a joined Adaptation to Climate Change Project. The local partners of Simavi have previously implemented rain water harvesting projects to provide sustainable water supply improvements and all were keen to further develop and up-scale the use of these techniques. RAIN (Rainwater Harvesting Implementation Network, The Netherlands) was therefore approached to join the project. Plan Netherlands, Simavi, and RAIN developed a broad project idea on Adaptation to Climate Change through Rainwater Harvesting in Nepal which is based on proposals received from local partners and the knowledge and experiences from previous projects. Using rainwater harvesting (RWH) for water supply provides communities with enhanced livelihood security.
Foto: Bente v/d Wilt (WNF)

More information: Simavi.

 

Wetlands

Effective river management in Inner Niger Delta
Interview with Chris Baker, head of programme Wetlands International

Wetlands are an important water supply for many people. For instance they can provide freshwater for drinking, regulate water availability and quality for agriculture and support important fisheries. Wetlands are also key ecosystems to combat the impacts of climate adaptation. They can mitigate extreme water flows after heavy rainfall and from glacial meltwater, and maintain water availability in periods of drought.

As luck would have it, in the 1990's concerns about waterbird migration started the involvement of Wetlands International in the Inner Niger Delta region, Mali. Head of Programme Chris Baker explains: 'The Dutch government was concerned that the birds migrating annually to Mali were being harvested by local communities for food. In the absence of other options, waterbird harvest had become an important part of local livelihoods, being sold in local markets and generating income for delta families. This realization drove Wetlands international to broaden their role and start to look at issues of food security and the relationship to water management.'

Food security in the Inner Niger Delta is intertwined with maintaining the volume and timing of water reaching the Delta which drives the functioning of the ecosystem. 'We are talking about a hugely important area', Chris Baker says. 'Annually, 30.000km2 hectares are flooded, provisioning 1 million people with food. That is why water resource management on all scales is so relevant, both for local communities and the wetlands.'

Upstream, pressure on water use is high. Mali uses the river for hydropower generation, rice irrigation and fishery support and has plans for further such infrastructure, Upstream, Guinea has further plans to increase this use. As further infrastructure is built, the Inner Niger Delta will receive less water. 'They say it’s an infrastructure problem, but the roots are political’, Chris Baker adds. 'Politicians often promise to build dams and in doing so earn political capital’. Unfortunately, the voice of the local people living in the Delta is not sufficiently heard in these decisions.'

The Niger River is the lifeline for many people living in the semi-arid, western Sahel zone.
Understandably, hydrological interventions (for example dams and irrigation schemes) aim to increase economic independence and food security in this unstable environment. Tapping the Niger’s flow, however, is not without consequences. The costs and benefits of expensive hydrological structures have to be carefully balanced. 'Dams may well be necessary, but they should only be built when the values of this water to communities downstream in the Delta area are fully considered, Chris Baker explains. ‘Through a Dutch and Malien partnership a decision-support system for supporting effective river management planning has been designed. Socio-economic and ecological impacts and benefits of dams and irrigation systems can be analyzed in relation to different water management scenarios. Eventually, we hope that this will help in the better design and operation of infrastructure in the Niger Basin. The approach has already proven itself: in the light of findings the specifications of the Fomi dam, planned for construction in Guinea are being reconsidered.'

More information:
Brochure Impact of dams on the people of Mali
Niger Basin Atlas
Wetlands International website

Alterra

Coping with climate change in northern India
By Fons Jaspers, water management Alterra

Climate change brings lots of uncertainty, particularly where economies are vulnerable. Grazing fields are far and are used by others, rainfall becomes less predictable and the selection of the proper seeds is more difficult. These consequences are obvious, but can we estimate the impact?

Alterra is involved in climate change studies that assess climate impacts in a quantitative way. For consequent climate proofing of the area, adaptations and mitigation options are formulated with local communities and institutions.

One of these studies is the HighNoon project. This study assesses the impact of Himalayan glaciers retreat and possible changes of the Indian summer monsoon on the distribution of water resources in Northern India. Furthermore, it works on recommendations for appropriate and efficient adaptation strategies to hydrological extreme events through a participatory process.

India is a country in rapid socio-economic development. These developments will have a profound influence on the use of water resources. With a growing population and economy, water demand for food production, electricity and other sectors will increase. In order to anticipate on the potential negative effects of changes in water resources availability and demand, implementation of adaptation measures is necessary. Small-scale, community level strategies, that increase the resilience and adaptive capacity of the most vulnerable groups, must be considered alongside the large scale, technical and structural approaches that could potentially dominate adaptation planning. Where traditional, single sector adaptation measures will fall short, integrated measures that enhance adaptive capacities of systems need to be identified and strengthened.

More information: other Alterra projects related to climate proofing are WATCH on modeling, SCENES on possible futures and NeWater on governance and can be found on www.alterra.wur.nl.