South Asia is home to about 21 percent of the global population, but only roughly eight percent of the world’s annual renewable water resources. Population growth and urbanization are major drivers of change and increasing water stress in the region. The rivers of South Asia bear the brunt of this new demand for fresh water. About one billion people live in the three large transboundary basins of the region: the Indus, Ganges and Brahmaputra. These rivers that emanate from the Himalaya are shared across borders between Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal and Pakistan. Climate change studies increasingly suggest that the effects of glacial melt, temperature variations, and erratic monsoon patterns will reduce the availability of water in the region and lead to a greater frequency of floods and drought. Despite the frequency and transboundary impacts of these extreme events, cooperation between countries remains limited.

A 12-day intensive programme, co-organized by ICIMOD and the International Centre of Excellence on Water Resources Management (ICE WaRM), aims at providing a unique opportunity for mid- and senior-level scholars from HUC full members to learn of Australian experiences in water policy reform and improved use and management of water resources. The Programme will focus on integrated river basin management (IRBM) and governance, including various aspects of the integrated water resources management (IWRM) approach, including gender, ecosystems, social inclusiveness and community engagement, public and private cooperation, and water sharing between sectors and across states.

Call For Applications

Applicants must have at least 15 years progressive experience in water research and/or water resource management. Inter- or trans-disciplinary and/or trans-boundary experience in collaborative research, training, and policy-science dialogue is highly desirable.

Age requirement: below 46 for men, and below 51 for women. Women and people of minority/indigenous backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

Full funding to take part in the Programme will be provided to participants, to be selected on competitive basis.

Deadline for application is 5 February 2018