Dialogs for water and climate change: call to action

This document aims to underscore the importance of "good" water-based adaptation for economic sectors that depend upon the availability of water resources. It focuses on the need to consider: (i) the impacts of climate change on water resources and the importance of disaster risk reduction associated with hydro-meteorological phenomena in a changing climate; (ii) the importance of institutional arrangements which facilitate close links between related Ministries; (iii) the three I’s (Institutions, Information and Infrastructure) in development planning; (iv) that well-functioning watersheds and aquifers to be incorporated into planning as "natural infrastructure"; and (v) that water is also an important aspect for mitigation, and should be taken into account.

By presenting a brief summary of the highlights from the Dialogues for Water and Climate Change (D4WCC) in COP 16, recognizing the significant contribution of our numerous partners, this document aims to be a tool to support the continuation of this activity, include working alongside South Africa, the host country of COP 17 in November and December 2011.