Dear colleagues,
Many thanks for inviting FO to comment on this zero draft. Since the document is at an early stage of development FO would like to offer a generic feedback rather than detailed comments to the different sections of the text:
1. The draft focuses almost exclusively on “one side of the coin” - water productivity, water use, water governance, etc. Except for the short section on agro-ecology (2.4.4.) the draft hardly makes any reference to the sustainable management and conservation of the source / supply areas of water, e.g. mountains and watersheds. The document should make reference to the fact that 60-80% of the world’s freshwater resources for domestic, agricultural, industrial and ecological needs (in both upstream and downstream areas) originate in upland and mountain areas and that, accordingly, particular attention should be paid to the sustainable management, development and conservation of these areas.
2. The draft takes a rather sectorial and narrow approach to the theme. The need to apply a landscape approach in the sustainable management of the water resources and to integrate the different landuse systems available within a landscape is almost completely missing. In this context, watershed management could be exemplified as a very appropriate approach: the landscape approach, which is followed by watershed management, is based on land suitability analysis and a multi-stakeholder planning process and accordingly allows for a maximum efficiency in the use of natural resources. In addition, watershed management creates local resilience against climate change as well as adaptation options.
3. The crucial role of forests and trees in the hydrological cycle and in ensuring food security is almost completely missing in the draft. The text should make reference to the fact that forests influence the amount of water available and regulate surface and groundwater flows while maintaining high water quality. Moreover, forests and trees contribute to the reduction of water-related risks such as landslides, local floods and droughts and help prevent desertification and salinization.
Please be informed that inputs were provided in February via the FSN Forum (see attached communication). You will see that this submission in February already raised the same concerns as listed above which means that FO’s submission was somehow not considered in the formulation of the 0-draft. FO would like to ensure that this time our contribution does not go unheard. We are available for any further input which might be required in this matter.
We hope these comments are useful at this stage. We assume the proposed additions could most logically be reflected and incorporated in chapter 2 of the draft. We available for any clarification which may be required.
With best regards,
Office of the Assistant Director-General
Forestry Department
Forestry DepartmentFO - ADG