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The 2024 report on the global status of IWRM is out!
This new report gives an overview of the status of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) around the world as of 2023. Findings show global progress towards IWRM implementation has increased from 49% in 2017 to 57% in 2023. But the world is not on track to reach the 2030 target (high level implementation – 91%) and will not achieve sustainable water management until at least 2049 – 25 years from now.
SDG indicator 6.5.1, monitoring IWRM to measure Sustainable Water Management worldwide.
The analysis of SDG 6.5.1 results is based on data collected from 191countries through a survey with 33 questions addressing the four dimensions of IWRM: enabling environment, institutions and participation, management instruments and financing.
Monitoring these four dimensions allows for a multi-disciplinary approach, with questions spanning from the status of national and sub-national water management laws to gender mainstreaming. The broad scope of focus of IWRM thus allows it to serve as a proxy to measure the level of sustainable water management around the world.
Because IWRM focuses on all topics related to water management, implementing a high-level of IWRM can serve as a catalyser to progress on other SDG 6 indicators and targets.
A special focus on Climate Change
For the first time, a special focus on Climate Change was included in the 2023 data collection. Countries were asked to detail their climate change considerations related to the four dimensions of IWRM. Chapter 3 of the report is dedicated to the analysis of the synergies and challenges between IWRM and Climate Change brought forward by countries. Climate change impacts every sector and impedes progress on the SDGs. Strong synergies between climate change adaptation and IWRM uncovered in this report showcase the importance of creating an integrated approach between water and climate.
Takeaway messages for policy makers and water practitioners
1) Right direction but too slow.
At the current rate, the world will not achieve sustainable water management until at least 2049. Action needs to be prioritised in 40% of countries with limited implementation of IWRM.
2) Rethink approaches to financing.
Insufficient finance hampers the operationalisation of IWRM, limiting institutional capacity, monitoring networks, and the application of management instruments. Improved revenue raising, including through cross-sector approaches, is needed in 85% of countries.
3) IWRM boosts resilience to climate change and other pressures.
Mainstreaming IWRM approaches in climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, presents a great opportunity to build resilience to climate change impacts and associated pressures. Prevention is cheaper than the cure. Prioritising investments in IWRM now will reduce huge costs expected from addressing climate change impacts later.
4) Make the case! No water = no food, no power, no industry.
Making the economic case for how IWRM supports productive sectors and multiple development objectives, including food and energy security, is critical to accelerating progress on sustainable development. The case needs to be made: (a) at the highest national level including the ministries responsible for finance and planning; and (b) across sectors such as agriculture, energy, manufacturing and industry.
To learn more about the actions needed to implement a high level of integrated water resource management by 2030 read the full report and visual summary here:
- Last updated: August 28, 2024
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UNEP DHI Partnership – Centre on Water and Environment
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