Background

Conflict is an unavoidable aspect of human social systems. Given the central importanceof water resources to all human communities, it is natural that conflicts arise with regard to access, allocation, development and management of the resource. It is equally clear, however, that necessity is not only the mother of invention, but also the basis for extensive cooperative activities concerning the management of water resources. Thus both conflicts and cooperative behaviours – across time and space and at all levels of human social organization – constitute the norm where water resources are concerned.
It is generally acknowledged that water resources of all types are under increas­ing pressures from a number of actors, forces and factors manifest in the early 21st Century world. Of particular concern is the way in which sovereign states will deal with increasing (seasonal, absolute, natural, human-made) scarcities in shared river basins. Geography is thought to play a special role, with location in the basin (upstream/downstream) and in the environment (arid/semi-arid ecosystems, polluted water bodies) regarded as key factors in future water conflict. Global warming is also thought to pose particular challenges to water-stressed societies and communities that must develop mitigation and adaptation mechanisms in order to survive. At the national level, impor­tant questions have arisen concerning the optimal use of limited resources and control of water quality. Debates and disputes are now popping up between and among a wide variety of users (e.g., urban/rural; industry/agriculture; humans/the environment, rich/poor people) within and across watersheds, ecosystems, basins, political jurisdictions and increasingly crowded cities.
Given the diversity of needs and interests that surround water, disputes and conflicts over the resource are normal. That is to say, they are to be expected. Not all disputes lead to conflict, however; and not all conflicts turn violent. Some fester perpetually be­neath the surface and, as with limited access to potable water in many parts of urban areas, are part of settled social relations. However, a change in the setting – such as an unexpected drought or flood, or a change in government policy – can bring long suppressed grievances to the surface.

Objective

The purpose of this training program is to provide training for participants in the water sector with the necessary skills, information and tools in helping to resolve potential conflicts and/or intensifying struggles or head-off impending disputes over the resource among stakeholders, in a way agreeable to all parties.

Target group

The training is particularly targeted at the participants within the Southeast Asia region. Participants will be experienced managers and/or trainers (with experiences and/or responsibility in training and/or RBO management) and is expected to take this training forward at the local or regional level and/or to use the knowledge in management to help resolve conflicts. The expected number of participants is 20, respecting gender and geographic balance from South-East Asia countries including Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.

As to become trainers, attendants need to meet with following required qualification, inter alia, including:

-  Being senior or middle level official engaged in water resources management,
- Being committed or assigned to take responsibilities in undertaking IWRM, especially in water resources planning, sharing, allocation, and dispute handling,
- Having a good command of English and actively taking part in presentation and discussion.

Method

The workshop will focus on participants who can be, guided by the introduction of new conceptual approaches and tools as well as share their own experiences. There will be a combination of short lectures, practical exercises, group work and discussion. The course will be supported by training materials developed by Cap-Net (www.cap-net.org). Contents will also be generated by other partners and course participants. Participants are encouraged (and expected) to bring in experiences with the application of water resources management for adaptation to climate variability. Modules will be supported by specific cases to be brought in by the capacity building networks. Each participant will be given the materials used in the training and pack containing useful resources introduced during the course.

Organisation

This training of trainers’ course is a programme of AguaJaring, Southeast Asia and to be hosted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), Viet Nam, in collaboration with Viet Nam Water Partnership, with the support of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), CapNET, and Global Water Partnership of South-east Asia (GWP-SEA). The course is part of Cap-Net global programme of action, of which AguaJaring is an affiliated regional network. Coordination and content development are the responsibility of a team composed of Aguajaring, Cap-Net, ESCAP and MONRE  Vietnam and Vietnam Water Partnership.

The course will be held for five days from 28  March to 3 April 2010 in Hanoi, Viet Nam including one-day field trip in area nearby.