The project aims to improve national resilience to climate-induced water stress and increase accountability in water resource management. Dr. Mohsin Hafeez, Director of Water, Food & Ecosystems at IWMI Pakistan, highlighted the project's role in modernizing water infrastructure in Pakistan through strategic investments, resulting in more efficient water storage and distribution, ultimately increasing water availability, even in times of scarcity.
Dr. Mohsin emphasized active collaboration with provincial and federal governments to strengthen transparent and inclusive decision-making processes in water resource management. This involves establishing robust institutional frameworks and capacity-building initiatives. IWMI, an international organization specializing in sustainable agriculture and water resources, introduced "soil moisture sensors" to farmer communities in Okara, Punjab. This technology is expected to save water and boost crop productivity, potentially alleviating stress on the region's limited water resources.
The project prioritizes capacity building for various government departments, especially at the district and sub-district levels, including Irrigation, Agriculture, Environment, and Municipalities. Officials from these departments in Okara have received specialized training on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) principles. This training is essential because data-driven water allocation decisions will be made by the Punjab Water Resources Commission, as mandated by the Punjab Water Act 2019.
The program adopts a multifaceted approach to empower female farmers by implementing climate-smart interventions and creating an inclusive environment within working groups. This approach aims to address the specific challenges and opportunities women face in agriculture, especially in the context of climate change and sustainable farming practices. Dr. Mohsin highlighted the program's achievements, emphasizing its integration of climate-resilient solutions into water governance. These solutions involve sustainable water resource management techniques, the promotion of water conservation, and the establishment of early warning systems for climate-related water challenges.
Community engagement and empowerment are central to the initiative, fostering community-led efforts for sustainable water management, instilling a sense of ownership, and improving local water resource management, as stated by Kanwal Waqar, Gender and Youth Specialist at IWMI Pakistan. Dr. Abdul Rehman Cheema, Regional Researcher and Water Governance Specialist at IWMI, emphasized the initiative's commitment to enhancing data collection, analysis, and sharing related to water resources. This has empowered stakeholders to make informed decisions, resulting in more efficient water allocation and utilization.
The project has fostered collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and private sector entities, leading to more comprehensive solutions for Pakistan's water governance challenges. This collaborative approach will provide a scientific foundation for evidence-based decision-making when the Punjab Water Resources Commission and Punjab Water Services Regulation Authority are fully operational. The Water Resource Accountability in Pakistan program, with CRS-IWaG as a shining example, demonstrates how international cooperation and forward-thinking initiatives can create positive change in addressing climate challenges. The success achieved owes much to the steadfast support and commitment of UKaid, which has played a pivotal role in enhancing water governance and resilience in Pakistan.
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