Washington D.C.—On February 17, 2009, the World Bank presented Water Week 2009, an annual event featuring three days of panel discussions and lectures from various sectors. The discussions covered a variety of issues, from the impact of the financial crisis on water development to the affects of the food price crisis in low income countries. The event was a collaborative effort between the Water Anchor and the Water Sector Board. This year’s Water Week events enabled participants to exchange experiences and knowledge in helping the World Bank achieve solutions to clients most affected by the water crisis.
This session, entitled “Sustainable Groundwater Use – Within Our Reach?” was chaired by Karin Kemper, Sector Manager, Sustainable Development Department, South Asia Region, World Bank. Stephen Foster, Director, Groundwater Management Advisory Team (GWMATE), delivered the first presentation. Foster outlined his pragmatic framework for dealing with managing the excessive groundwater resource exploitation and physical water scarcity. He explained that the framework considered the basic hydro-geological conditions as well as the socio-economic scenario in which groundwater is used in order to determine the right tools and approaches. Hector Garduno, Consultant, GWMATE, elaborated further on the framework he developed with Foster. Garduno’s presentation examined two questions. First, he asked whether government or communities were more equipped to manage groundwater use in a way that prevented over exploitation. Secondly, Garduno examined the preferred balance among pragmatic implementation tools used to prevent over exploitation and ensure sustainability.
The presentations were followed by a panel of experts who shared their thoughts on issues raised by Foster and Garduno. Finally, a question and answer session took place where audience members were able to ask questions to presenters and panelists.
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