In May 2008, the 16th Session of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD-16) will be reviewing the implementation of CSD-13 decisions on water and sanitation [1]. The Freshwater Action Network (FAN) has drafted the water and sanitation section of the NGO review paper [2] for CSD-16. It identifies seven priority approaches and strategies:

• investing in water and sanitation;
• strengthening international coordination ;
• accountability to the poor;
• addressing sanitation issues concertedly;
• right technology choices; and
• implementing integrated water resources management

Climate change, international waters, urbanisation, large infrastructure projects and agricultural changes (biofuels) are seen to be emerging and future changes for water and sanitation.

The Global Public Policy Network on Water Management (GPPN), a joint Stakeholder Forum and Stockholm International Water Institute initiative (SIWI), is monitoring CSD-16 preparations to ensure that urgent issues are addressed and concerns of NGOs are voiced.

[1] UN Division for Sustainable Development – Freshwater | Sanitation

[2] CSD-16. Discussion papers submitted by major groups. Note by the Secretariat. Addendum. Contribution by non-governmental organizations. E/CN.17/2008/13/Add. 4. PDF file

Web sites: CSD-16 ; GPPN on Water Management

Contact: FAN, UK, fan@freshwateraction.net, http://www.freshwateraction.net/

Source: FAN eBulletin, Dec 2007

Tags: policies & legislation