UNFCCC COP 29: Integrating Water Management into Climate Adaptation 

Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) needs to be part of the discussion for the climate change adaptation agenda at UNFCCC COP 29. With the conference running in Baku, Azerbaijan from November 11th to 22nd, it’s an opportune moment to assess the coordination between water resources management and climate actions. 

With current efforts falling short of the Paris Agreement targets, many systems face increased water-related climate risks. Most regions in the world are vulnerable to water-related disasters like floods, droughts, and severe storms. Integrating IWRM in climate change adaptation actions can be part of the solution. 

SDG 6.5.1 Report: Barriers to Coordination 

 The 2024 SDG 6.5.1 global report dedicates its chapter 3 to analyse why coordinating climate and water management action matters. It identifies four main barriers to effective coordination between IWRM and climate change adaptation: 

Coordination: 50% of countries lack formal mechanisms linking IWRM and climate adaptation. Coordination is a challenge both between sectors and authorities. Promoting cross-sector solutions can help sectors and ministries find a common language, enabling the quantification of costs and benefits of climate and water solutions, which is essential for progress. 

Planning: 40% of countries do not have long-term plans integrating IWRM and climate, risking maladaptation. Designing or revising climate action plans such as National Adaptation Plans (NAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to integrate IWRM can ensure planning is more systematic. 

Capacity: Over 75% of countries lack adequate management instruments for capacity development and training on the links between climate change and IWRM. Additionally, around 40% of countries report limited or ad-hoc implementation of water-related disaster risk reduction management, with low capacity to cope with recent extreme events. This capacity gap is related to a lack of adequate funding mechanisms.  

Financing: Only around 60% of countries report mechanisms that coordinate climate and water financing. The lack of adequate financing can explain the gap between planning for climate and IWRM and implementation through capacity building and early warning systems.  Increased funding is needed to overcome barriers and enhance coordination. Exploring opportunities for leveraging climate funding to implement IWRM, as shown in Chapter 3 of the SDG 6.5.1 2024 Progress Report, can be an efficient way forward. 

A Call for Systemic Change  

Addressing these challenges requires systemic changes within institutions responsible for water resources management and climate planning. While these efforts are long-term, immediate actions can pave the way for better coordination of water and climate initiatives. 

COP 29 serves as a pivotal moment to reassess and realign global efforts towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future. The integration of IWRM into climate adaptation strategies is not just beneficial but essential for achieving global goals set forth in the Paris Agreement. 

If you want to read more about the topic read the full chapter here: