In recent years, threats to critical infrastructure have increased. This is primarily due to growing global threats and the digitalization of key operational processes, including those in the water sector. Consequently, the Government of Kosovo, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, has placed significant emphasis on ensuring resilience in this sector. While Kosovo has legislative frameworks in place on protecting critical infrastructure, including the Water Law and Law on Critical Infrastructure, there are gaps in implementation. Furthermore, there is a lack of full alignment with the EU Water Framework Directive. Comprehensive integration and legislative amendments are necessary for effective water management.
This policy briefing outlines the scale of Zambia’s
current water crisis and examines its impact on
agriculture, the environment, and the economy. Based
on this analysis, it recommends a multifaceted approach
to improve water management and distribution. Key
recommendations include enhancing governance
frameworks, investing in infrastructure, promoting
sustainable agricultural practices, and addressing
gender inequalities in water access.
Topic:
Security, Agriculture, Environment, Water, and Economy
This policy briefing outlines the pressing water
challenges facing South Africa and proposes
recommendations to address them. Among these
are increasing water insecurity, including severe
droughts, inadequate water conservation measures,
outdated infrastructure, and unequal access to water
resources. We outline some of the existing policies and
frameworks to address these challenges and provide
recommendations for strengthening water governance
in general. The briefing emphasises the need for
immediate action to safeguard water security and
ensure equitable access to clean water.
The North American Congress on Latin America (NACLA)
Abstract:
The assassination of Honduran water defender Juan López offers a chilling reminder of the threats local leaders face in the most dangerous region in the world for environmental activists.
Topic:
Water, Assassination, Activism, and Environmental Justice
Oxfam is committed to working with communities before, during and after crises. In Somaliland, we have been piloting approaches that aim to achieve greater synergy between our humanitarian, development and peacebuilding programming and influencing. This innovative ‘triple nexus’ work recognises that communities' needs and ambitions are not met along the false silos created by aid agencies. It asks the international development and humanitarian sector to walk the talk on locally led programming to better meet the holistic needs and aspirations of communities. This case study clearly shows the impact of programming which simultaneously meets immediate needs and development gaps while also addressing the drivers of crisis (such as conflict and climate change) to achieve durable solutions in protracted crises.
Topic:
Agriculture, Humanitarian Aid, Water, Peacebuilding, Microfinance, and Triple Nexus
This paper shares stories from six countries—Bangladesh, Nepal, Kenya, Somalia, Syria, and Iraq—highlighting the challenges communities face in accessing water. It seeks to bring forward the unique perspectives of communities from diverse backgrounds, each experiencing water crises in distinct ways. While climate change intensifies their crises, many communities also face marginalization due to exclusionary water governance. The impacts are further compounded by factors such as gender, poverty, ethnicity, and race. However, the voices and perspectives of these communities are often overlooked in global climate discussions.The paper aims to highlight these diverse community experiences and advocate for the inclusion of local voices and leadership in climate actions and interventions to ensure fairer access to water. As global climate events like COP-29 unfold, it calls on governments to create inclusive climate policies, integrate water issues into loss and damage discussions, actively involve women and local voices, and urge rich, polluting nations to compensate those most affected by historic and ongoing carbon emissions.
Topic:
Climate Change, Migration, Water, Governance, Climate Finance, Land Rights, Drought, Loss and Damage (L&D), Gender Equality, Water Insecurity, and Salinity
Political Geography:
Bangladesh, Kenya, Africa, Iraq, South Asia, Middle East, Nepal, Syria, and Somalia