The 10th World Water Forum, held in Bali, Indonesia, concluded with a significant commitment to improving river basin management as a key strategy for achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This collaborative effort, documented in the newly formed "Bali Basin Action Champions Agenda, " signifies a renewed focus on integrated water management at the river basin level.
A cornerstone of the agenda is the prioritization of river basins in high-level political discussions. Eric Tardieu, Secretary-General of the International Network of Basin Organizations (INBO), emphasized the importance of this shift, stating that participants at the forum "welcomed this decision to further consolidate river basin management as a political priority. " This elevated focus aims to ensure that the challenges and opportunities unique to river basins are addressed at the decision-making level.
The forum also recognized the need to enhance knowledge and expertise in managing water resources effectively. A key provision within the agenda calls for the establishment of a "center of excellence on water and climate security. " This center will serve as a hub for capacity building, providing training and resources to equip stakeholders with the necessary tools for sustainable river basin management.
The increasing vulnerability of small island nations to water scarcity was another crucial point addressed at the forum. The agenda acknowledges the need for more effective management of water resources on these islands. Specific details regarding the proposed solutions are still under development, but the forum participants acknowledged the urgency of finding solutions for these particularly water-stressed regions.
The 10th World Water Forum brought together over 100 countries and nearly three dozen international organizations. A total of 244 water-related discussions were held throughout the forum, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange amongst a diverse range of stakeholders. These discussions culminated in the ratification of several key ministerial declarations, including the Bali Basin Action Champions Agenda.
The forum's emphasis on river basin management aligns with growing recognition of the vital role these systems play in global water security. River basins act as natural units for water management, encompassing all the water sources and users within a defined geographical area. By adopting a holistic approach that considers the entire river basin ecosystem, stakeholders can ensure the sustainable management of water resources for both human and environmental needs.
The success of the Bali Basin Action Champions Agenda hinges on its implementation. The forum participants acknowledged this, and discussions are ongoing regarding the specific steps required to translate these commitments into action. The coming months will be crucial in determining how effectively the 10th World Water Forum's outcomes translate into real-world improvements in river basin management across the globe.