World Water Day 2021

Data on water quantity and quality, river flows, including climate-related data, are classified and not shared among countries.

We need to build trust through collaborative research and evidence building involving different institutions from the basin countries.

Think tanks and research bodies need to play a proactive role in bridging data gaps and including non-state actors in transboundary water issues and water diplomacy.

Climate change is the main cause for the region’s acute water scarcity. Any approach to addressing this issue must acknowledge the huge divide between water use and water access across different societies.

Need to develop a water adaption plan that takes water as an entry point for local adaption planning and processes within the community.

Need to provide a decision support system by generating community-specific knowledge and information through research.

The decline in freshwater supplies can have serious implications for business operations and continuity as most ingredients are water dependent.

In our effort to reduce water use to produce beverages, The Coca-Cola Company has invested in recycling and replenishing water in the communities.

In 2005, the company committed to going water neutral by replenishing all the water used in its finished goods back into the local ecosystem and communities. In 2020, our water use and replenishment data showed that we are well on track in our efforts to go water neutral.

In Nepal, the company is contributing to improving water use and management in households and agriculture through an integrated water resource management approach.

The major challenge in ensuring access to water is the lack of clear cross sectoral policies and strategies on water management and the feedback loop.

We are streamlining roles and responsibilities for water management, facilitating and organising discussions within basin systems.

We are improving policy coherence, and investing in capacity development, data, and information management.

Climate change-induced water-related hazards including glacial lake outburst floods, landslides, and heavy snowfall are the biggest threat to the Ghulkin community.

Mountain springs, an important water source for the community, are drying up.

Ghulkin is dependent on glacier meltwater for irrigation. Rapid glacier retreat is taking this water source away from communities.

There is a need to promote use of innovative technologies to improve conventional water management, such as pipes to replace old water channels, drip irrigation, and need-based distribution of water.

There is a need for early warning systems to reduce risk and hazards from natural disasters and trained volunteers from the communities to manage these systems.