This initiative emerged from the ongoing 10th World Water Forum in Bali.
“Centers of excellence already exist, but they operate independently,” said Dwikorita Karnawati, head of the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG), in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Thursday.
She said that five working groups have been formed to prepare concrete steps and will be followed up in a coordinated manner with other centers of excellence.
They include integrated water resources management, especially in developing countries and island countries, as well as sustainable lake management.
“We will hold regular meetings at least once every six months to ensure continued progress on the working group’s initiatives,” Karnawati said.
The CoE will be the cornerstone of an alliance that coordinates various centers of excellence tackling water issues globally.
According to her, water scarcity has become a more pressing issue in the 30 years since the first World Water Forum. Despite scientific advancements, technological innovations, and even political commitments, water problems persist.
“This is because we work individually, perhaps because of a lack of mutual communication and coordination,” she explained.
The Indonesian government earlier proposed a CoE on water and climate security at the 10th World Water Forum, which will take place until May 25.
The proposal was ratified and became one of three parts of the declaration of the 10th Ministerial Meeting of the World Water Forum, which was attended by 106 countries and 27 international organizations.
Besides the CoE on water security and climate, the declaration also covers integrated water resources management on small islands and the proposal for World Lakes Day.
Through the CoE, countries in the Global South facing problems related to flooding, sedimentation caused by eruptions that damage rivers, and other water management problems will educate each other, exchange ideas, and share experiences to determine the best solutions.
Related news: Mount Hapuk, the water source of Dayak Meratus people
Related news: Solve water problems alongside food, energy: World Water Council
