A crucial driver of prosperity and economic development, water is the lifeblood of both industry and agriculture sectors across Asia and the Pacific (APAC) region.
However, like many parts of the world, the region faces an escalating threat: water scarcity.
What is water scarcity?
Water scarcity occurs when the demand for freshwater outpaces its available supply, our study reveals.
In the study, we conjured up a holistic picture of water scarcity based on four key dimensions:
Too little water;
Too variable water;
Over-utilisation;
Poor water quality.
The imbalance can manifest in unsatisfied demand, tensions and competition for water between users, over-extraction of groundwater, and insufficient environmental flows. (the UN Food and Agriculture organisation - FAO)
With four very different climate zones, the APAC region experiences all types of water scarcity – too little water, over-utilisation, too variable water or poor water quality – and all threaten to undermine the development progress of recent decades.
Water scarcity management: Collaboration towards a resilient, water-secure future
Our policy summary analyses water scarcity management practices across ten countries, including Cambodia, Lao PDR, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. This study helps to inform policymakers by identifying what has worked and what needs to be improved to mitigate the risks of water scarcity for a water-secure and resilient Asia-Pacific.
Led by AMPERES' integrated water team, the study supports joint efforts between FAO and Australian Water Partnership (AWP) under the Asia-Pacific Water Scarcity Programme towards sustainable use of water resources in all countries in the region, and the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals relating to water access, poverty reduction and food security.
Managing Water Scarcity in Asia and the Pacific - A Summary - Now available in four languages:
(redirected to the AWP’s website)
