GEF IWRM Demonstration Projects Building Awareness of "Ridge to Reef" IWRM across the Pacific

The GEF Nadi IWRM Project launched its “Water Bus” campaign in February 2011. Mr. Vinesh Kumar, Fiji’s Demonstration Project Manager, said that the bus launch was the start of a wider awareness campaign on how people from different sectors and backgrounds need to work together to improve water management and to reduce the risks from flooding. In the North Pacific, Mr. Leerenson Airens, IWRM Focal Point for the Federated States of Micronesia launched a series of water awareness billboards promoting IWRM on Pohnpei Island. After seeing the “Water Bus”, Mr. Airens told Pacific-IWRM.org that he and his Micronesian colleagues had discussed trying to convince Continental Airways to print a similar design on one of the aircraft that does the island hopper route from Hawaii to Palau.

Introductory Video for the GEF Pacific IWRM Project

The video below provides an overview of the GEF Pacific IWRM Project and the “Ridge to Reef – Community to Catchment” demonstration projects  in the 14 participating countries. A high resolution version of this introductory video can be accessed by clicking here.

GEF Pacific IWRM Project on Google Earth

An overview of the GEF Pacific IWRM Project has been developed for inclusion in Google Earth. This can be viewed live on Pacific-IWRM.org (click here) or visitors can load this directly in the Google Earth 3-dimensional browser - click here.

A GEF International Waters Experience Note on the use of Google Earth in GEF waters projects can be downloaded from the IWLEARN website. Google Earth was used as the basis for the GEF Pacific IWRM Project's Introductory Video - here.

Google Earth is a powerful tool for a range of activities, including production of project maps, research and education, and for outreach. Projects are encouraged to contact the Project Co-ordinating Unit if they require technical support  in this area.

Inception Workshop for the GEF IWRM National Demonstration Project in the Sarakata Catchment - Santo Island, Vanuatu

The Vanuatu GEF Pacific IWRM Project has hit the ground, with Rossette Kalmert finally being contracted as the Project Manager. Rossette has moved up to Luganville on Santo Island to coordinate this project based in the Sarakata catchment. Rossette has established a Project Office within the Lands Building and has a consultant reviewing and providing recommendations on the project design. An inception workshop was convened from 30-31 March 2010 to: (a) familiarise new SANMA Water Advisory Committee members with the Vanuatu IWRM Demonstration Project; (b) review project status; (c) review and endorse logframe; (d) review and endorse implementation work plan; (e) review proposed TOR for SANMA Water Advisory Committee to act as the Project Steering Committee; and (f) review and agree on membership of the SANMA Water Advisory Committee.

World Water Day in PNG - "Safe Water for a Healthy Papua New Guinea"

World Water Day in PNG went off with a big splash on Monday 22nd March.  Tony Kuman and his water girls did a fantastic job in organising its launch by a gathering of distinguished people interested in water quality.  The Secretary for the Department of Environment and Conservation, Dr Wari Iamo opened the launch at the Port Moresby Grammar School by explaining  the role the government and his agency played in “Communication Challenges and Opportunities – Safe Water for a Healthy PNG”, this year’s WWD theme.  He detailed the challenges faced by PNG‘s environment and to the provision of safe water, including rapid industrial and agriculture development, high population growth and urbanization, and climate change.  He went on to explain the lead role his agency played in the maintenance of ecosystems and monitoring of water use. [Click "Read more" for full story)

Call for Expressions of Interest to Develop an Accredited Pacific Region Post Graduate Certificate in Integrated Water Resources Management

The Pacific Integrated Water Resources Management Planning (IWRM) Programme, funded by the European Union and the Global Environment Funded (GEF) Pacific IWRM Project seek to improve water resource and wastewater management and water use efficiency in Pacific Island Countries.

In order to develop a more systematic professional competency and knowledge network around IWRM in each PIC it has been decided to promote the design, development and delivery of an accredited Post Graduate Certificate in Integrated Water Resources Management within an appropriately located and accredited higher educational institution with demonstrable experience in delivering accredited Postgraduate IWRM Courses.

The target group for this programme would be current National IWRM Focal Points, GEF Pacific IWRM Demonstration and Planning Project Staff and IWRM relevant government officials, civil society including both business and community representatives involved in water resource management.  

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are being sought from Higher Educational Institution to deliver a formally accredited course to commence in July 2010.  The call for the EOIs can be accessed by clicking here.

1st Steering Committee Meeting and Inception Workshop for Pacific IWRM

The First Regional Steering Committee Meeting and Inception Workshop for the GEF Pacific IWRM Project was convened in Nadi, Fiji from 14-18 September 2009. The meeting reviewed progress in the establishment of National Project Management Units and Demonstration Project Co-ordinating Committees, and training was provided to IWRM Focal Points and National Project Managers on the operation of GEF projects.

Simple but important outcomes of the initial inception phase aimed at the longer-term mainstreaming of IWRM approaches in the participating countries, included successes of lead agencies in establishing locally-based Committees chaired by independent, community representatives. The success of the Land and Water Resource Management Department of Fiji’s Ministry of Primary Industries in establishing the Nadi Basin Catchment Committee (NBCC) was noted as an excellent example of the impact of the project to date.

The report adopted by the meeting is currently being circulated for comment from representatives of the GEF Implementing Agencies, National Lead Agencies, and supporting organisations - click here.

Group Photograph for the GEF Pacific IWRM Inception Workshop