Multi-scale Integrated River Basin Management in the Hindu Kush Himalaya

Agenda

About the training

The IRBM approach improves the coordination of stakeholders at different scales and from different sectors such that the resource can be managed efficiently. IRBM is important for HKH region as river basin management seriously lacks coordination among scales and stakeholders. Realising this need ICIMOD has been annually organising trainings on Multi-scale Integrated River Basin Management in the Hindu Kush Himalaya. The annual multi-scale Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) training for the year 2024 will focus on youth and women leadership. This is because youth leadership in river basin management is vital for fostering innovative solutions, ensuring long-term sustainability, and empowering the next generation to champion sustainable water management practices. A special attention is also being given to the various aspects of Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in the training. This engaging and practical learning experience will be delivered by regional and international experts.

The training modules will cover conceptual perspectives with field visit to Koshi Basin in Nepal and a cross-basin exposure visit to the Mekong sub-region to learn about linking IRBM theory to practice in the region. The modules comprise of a vibrant and rigorous mixture of presentations, group activities, games and discussions with an overall integrated learning approach.

The training is organized by ICIMOD’s Action Area A: Managing Cryosphere and Water Risks under Strategic Group (SG) 1: Reducing Climate and Environment Risks, supported by the the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) through the TROSA Phase-2: Rivers, Rights and Resilience (T2:3R) project.

Objectives:

• Increase the knowledge of youth and women leaders on the concepts and practical application of multiscale IRBM
• Fostering innovation and raising awareness on water governance and river basin management issues.
• Impart participants with key skills and knowledge to integrate youth and women leadership in IRBM using case studies
• Enhancing participants’ understanding of diverse river basin management practices across the HKH region and the Greater Mekong Subregion through field visits to the Koshi river basin in Nepal and Mekong River basins in Thailand.

Expected outcomes:

• Attendees will have enhanced understanding of IRBM and will be able to confidently use guidance and tools to strengthen IRBM activities within their organisations and countries.
• Enhance leadership qualities and comprehend the root causes of issues in IRBM to devise plans, manage resources, and strategically engage with stakeholders on regional river basin and water governance issues, socio-economic aspects.
• Deepened understanding of the role of youth and women engagement and leadership as aspiring IRBM practitioners

Training Course Modules

The course is designed for professionals working in the field of river basin management. This training course will provide a unique opportunity for individuals to explore the socio-economic aspects and gain insight to complex IRBM issues.

Module 1: Conceptual understanding and review of the status of IRBM

Module 2: Understanding the tools and approaches to IRBM

Module 3: Importance of youth and GEDSI for better engagement and leadership for IRBM

Module 4: Institutional framework and governance

Module 5: Water diplomacy and transboundary cooperation

Module 6: Communication and outreach

Module 7: Operational aspect of water resource management

Module 8: Linking IRBM theory to practice: Learning visit to the Koshi Basin in Nepal and Mekong Sub region in Thailand.

Background

In the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region, climate change is causing significant changes in hydrological patterns, leading to less predictability of water availability and increased occurrence of extreme events. These changes are adversely affecting communities, their livelihoods, and investments across the region. Furthermore, water resource management in the region is based on sectoral and siloed approach with limited coordination and cooperation at various levels. To address this challenge, there is an urgent need for integrated, effective, and equitable management of water resources that considers the needs of all stakeholders and sectors.

Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) offers a comprehensive approach that encompasses the sustainable use of water and land resources, environmental impacts, livelihoods, and disaster risk reduction while involving stakeholders in decision-making processes. With its strong base on the interconnected nature of water bodies across landscape and river corridors, IRBM offers an approach addressing the challenges of HKH’s sectoral and siloed water resource management.

Participants profile