28 November 2014: Participants at the First International Environment Forum for Basin Organizations shared approaches and experiences with a view to strengthening freshwater governance in their countries and regions. Participants also discussed ways to enhance implementation of basin-level agreements and relevant global conventions, especially in light of the entry into force of the UN Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (the Watercourses Convention) in August 2014.

Forum discussions focused on four main themes: water quality and ecosystem health; the water-energy-food nexus and adaptation to climate change; environmental laws and regulations; and institutional challenges. A high-level segment also took place.

On strengthening the resilience of freshwater basins, the Forum called for stronger basin-wide cooperation, data collection and assessment and for prioritizing Ecosystem-Based Adaptation in basin-wide climate change adaptation strategies.

On the water-energy-food nexus, the Forum called for regular dialogue, strong cross-sectoral partnerships and information exchange that includes a broad array of stakeholders, especially farmers and political decision makers.

On laws and regulations, the Forum acknowledged technical progress on standards and guidance under various multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs). Participants recommended: the integration of environmental considerations into water law; mainstreaming of freshwater ecosystem protection measures into basin management plans; promotion of synergies among international environmental obligations, including MEAs and basin regimes; and the maintenance of consistent communication and broad-based participatory processes.

On strengthening basin organizations, the Forum called for continued institutional and policy reforms at the basin level to open the way for the engagement of community-level organizations and private sector investment. Participants also called for increased funding for basin organizations and their increased engagement with political decision makers.

On the way forward, the Forum requested the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and its partner organizations to continue supporting collaboration among basin organizations, including enhancing their participation in global environmental policy-setting processes, such as the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA), MEAs and other relevant conventions. Participants encouraged a debate on sustainable freshwater governance at the next UNEA session. They also called for the International Network for Basin Organizations (INBO) and other networks to be further strengthened to improve the sharing of information, experiences and good practices.

Approximately 120 participants took part in the Forum, including water ministers, heads of international organizations and other delegates from 45 participating governments, 25 basin organizations and partner institutions. UNEP and INBO organized the Forum, which took place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 26-28 November 2014. [IISD RS Coverage of First International Environment Forum for Basin Organizations] [UNEP Press Release]