AFRICA / NEPAD and the WRC Kevin Pietersen Director, KSA: Water Resource Management

Introduction WRC’s transformation and restructuring has seen AFRICA/NEPAD as core to its strategy Rationale –We believe that similar water capacity and competency is essential for the region to achieve similar water management levels. –Water security and sustainability essential for the region and South Africa.

The WRC’s links to Africa A director has been tasked with this responsibility. The strategic approach to this initiatives are: –Partnerships sought need to benefit the WRC and must closely align to our core business –Attract more resources for research and innovation through leverage and matching investment –Create opportunities for collaborative research for South African researchers –Showcase South African services and technologies in the water field Working closely with national departments to contribute towards SADC water and NEPAD initiatives

NEPAD NEPAD process is recognised as a platform to engage other African countries. Water has links in many identified priority areas such as: –Energy –Agriculture –Water and Sanitation –Environment –Health –Science and Technology Economic Growth

Current projects in Africa Implementing Agent for SADC project “Surface water assessment of Southern Africa” –The overall aim for this project is to improve the ability of the member states to make surface water resource assessments: Disaster preparedness and vulnerability reduction in the lower Limpopo Basin –The WRC took part in the planning of this UNEP-GEF project Great African Rift Development Strategy (GARDS) – water and sanitation contact

Education and training The University of Stellenbosch, Polymer Science Institute (a WRC funded Research Centre in membrane technologies) awarded contract by Libya to : –To improve Libya's membrane desalination capabilities trough training and research of their scientist

Networking in Africa Contribution of the Accra declaration leading into WSSD Assisted and facilitated the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSC) WASH campaign at the WSSD Assisted DWAF in facilitating of Afrisan Ministerial Conference Local Coordinator and Regional Coordinator of WSSCC Water Utility Partnership

Representation Appointment of Dr Kfir by Minister Ben Ngubane to serve on the NEPAD working group on S&T Vice-chair of the Ramsar Scientific and Technical Review Panel , representing the Africa region. Ramsar focal point co-ordinator for the West African sub- region Vice-chair of the Executive Committee of the Africa Water Forum, and Chair of the Environment Theme Group within the Forum (ongoing). Board representation on WHARFSA and WATERNET

Conclusion NEPAD an important vehicle to meet the WRC’s strategic objectives in Africa Promote utilisation of WRC research findings and researchers in the NEPAD process. Prepare a consolidated view of water sector activities in Africa Consolidate our relationships with the SADC water sector