Water Congress Draws Thousands to Melbourne

The second World Water Congress held in Melbourne, Australia (April 7 to 12, 2002), was a significant event for water professionals, with over 2800 delegates from 75 countries attending. UNEP IETC played an important role in the conference, partnering with the International Water Association Foundation in sponsoring the Track for Developing Areas. The outcome and a message from the track will be brought to the 3rd World Water Forum to be held in Kyoto in March 2003.

Dr. Vicente Santiago, Chief of the UNEP IETC Water Programme, presented the keynote address at the opening of the track. In his message, Dr. Santiago emphasised the importance of integrated water management globally, particularly in developing countries and countries with economies in transition. He also stressed the need for the global community to develop management practices, tools and technologies to assist decision-makers in these countries. Water supply and sanitation in these countries have been recognised as inadequate with dire needs existing in urban and peri-urban poor communities. IETC Senior Advisor Mr. John Neate acted as rapporteur for the track and drafted a message for the World Water Forum.

At the Congress, Mr. Piet Odendaal from South Africa launched UNEP IETC's latest publication, Environmentally Sound Technologies for Wastewater and Stormwater Management - An International Source Book. The Source Book is intended to provide information on technologies and decision support tools that can help decision-makers in developing countries overcome wastewater and stormwater management problems.

Following the launch, Professor Goen Ho, Managing Consultant and Editor of the book, conducted a workshop based on the abridged version of the International Source Book, and Professor John Hay, IETC Senior Advisor, presented a workshop on Environmental Decision Support Tools for Water Supply Management. IETC also participated in the exhibition at the World Water Congress as one of 245 international exhibitors, and received many inquiries from professionals working in developing countries and elsewhere.

Water Wisdom

Teach your children that the rivers are our brothers and sisters, and henceforth give the rivers the kindness you would give any brother or sister.

Adapted from Chief Seattle, Chief of the Dwamish Tribe (1854)