Advancing water resilience: The CARE4WATER initiative
In the face of escalating climate challenges, ensuring water security is paramount for sustainable development. Recognizing this urgency, the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa has spearheaded the innovative CARE4WATER tool: "Climate Resilience and Adaptation for Water."
CARE4WATER represents a paradigm shift in approaches to climate resilience and adaptation in the water sector. The tool combines scientific rigor, socio-economic insights, and community empowerment to ensure that all stakeholders in vulnerable regions are better equipped to navigate the complexities of a changing climate. This innovative approach comprises three core components, each contributing to the overarching goal of safeguarding water resources and empowering communities against the challenges of a changing climate.
1. Scientific assessments: Building evidence for informed decisions
At the heart of CARE4WATER lies a commitment to evidence-based decision-making. The methodology undertakes comprehensive scientific assessments to gauge water security, employing diverse methods to gather crucial data. Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) initiatives bolster groundwater resources, while Climate Risks Informed Decision Analysis (CRIDA) techniques provide insights into climate-related vulnerabilities based on empirical evidence.
CARE4WATER also employs rigorous groundwater assessments and innovative methodologies to evaluate recharge potential. Early Warning Systems are established through the UNESCO IHP African Flood and Drought Monitor (AFDM) tool to anticipate and mitigate potential crises. Surface water quality monitoring is implemented via the UNESCO World Water Quality Portal, which uses satellite earth observations to monitor water level, extension, and quality. This ensures the protection of vital water sources and enhances the accuracy and relevance of interventions, safeguarding both human and ecological health.
2. Prioritization through socio-economic and resource vulnerability assessments
CARE4WATER goes beyond scientific assessments by incorporating socio-economic vulnerability and water quality analyses into its framework. The tool identifies vulnerable communities and regions using tools like the Household Water Insecurity Scale Experiences (HWISE) and heatmaps of groundwater contamination potential. This data-driven approach enables stakeholders to prioritize interventions effectively, addressing critical needs and vulnerabilities with precision and maximizing the impact of adaptation efforts.
3. Sustainable service provision: Empowering communities for long-term tesilience
Beyond immediate crisis response, CARE4WATER focuses on providing sustainable services aimed at fostering long-term resilience within communities. Informed by scientific assessments and prioritization exercises, the methodology emphasizes developing sustainable livelihoods and transferring capacity and technology.
Through capacity-building initiatives and technology transfer programs, CARE4WATER seeks to empower local stakeholders to become active agents of change in their own water security journey. By fostering local expertise and innovative solutions, the project lays the groundwork for lasting resilience against climate-induced water challenges.
Managed aquifer recharge site identification in Turkwel River Basin
In a notable advancement towards sustainable water management, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) allocated a grant to UNESCO to undertake a project for Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) site identification within the Turkwel River Basin. This pioneering initiative marks the first undertaking within UNESCO's progressive methodology, aiming to significantly transform water resource management practices in the region. Executed between June 2023 and May 2024, this endeavor addresses pressing water challenges in the north-western region of Turkana County, Kenya.
The methodology adopted for MAR site identification in the Turkwel River Basin entailed a meticulous and data-driven approach. It began with an extensive desktop study and consultation process to gather essential data, including hydrological and geological information, forming the foundation for the subsequent phases. A Geographic Information System (GIS)-based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) model was then developed, integrating various criteria to assess the suitability of potential MAR sites. Following the model's development, an inception workshop was conducted to raise awareness among stakeholders and validate preliminary mapping results.
Subsequently, satellite imagery was utilized to aid in the selection of fieldwork sites, where comprehensive surveys were conducted to confirm the suitability of identified locations for MAR implementation while interacting with the local communities in doing so. Based on the findings from fieldwork, recommendations were formulated for the strategic placement of MAR infrastructure, aiming to optimize groundwater replenishment efforts and enhance water security within the Turkwel River Basin.
Furthermore, a closing workshop was held on 5 June 2024 to validate the results and capture recommendations from stakeholders. This pivotal gathering served as a platform for stakeholders to review and provide feedback on the outcomes of the MAR site identification project. Additionally, it facilitated discussions to chart the course for the next steps in advancing sustainable water management practices within the Turkwel River Basin.
Through collaborative engagement and knowledge exchange, the workshop aimed to ensure that the project's findings and recommendations resonated with the diverse perspectives and priorities of all stakeholders. This inclusive approach fostered a sense of ownership and commitment among stakeholders, paving the way for the effective implementation of strategies to enhance water security and resilience in the region.
With its holistic approach and tangible outcomes, the project epitomizes the spirit of innovation and partnership essential for addressing the water challenges of the 21st century. As CARE4WATER continues to evolve and expand its reach, it stands as a testament to the transformative power of innovative methodologies in addressing the most pressing water security challenges of our time.