MAIN CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF
THE COORDINATION AND PARTNERSHIP SEGEMENT (ADDIS ABABA, 30 JUNE
2005)
CONTEXT
The purpose of this segment was to discuss
the subject of cooperation between AMCOW, the Regional Economic
Communities, River Basin Organisations and Partners and were essentially
focused on opportunities for collaboration and partnership in
the water sector in Africa. Particular attention was accorded
to issues such as scope and institutional framework for cooperation.
KEY ISSUES RAISED
· Relationship between NEPAD, ADB,
Regional Economic Communities, River and Lake Basin Organisations
and other relevant institutions in the region, and in this regard;
· Relationship between the RBOs and NEPAD, vis-a-vis RECs;
· Their relationship with AMCOW;
· Format, scope and content of such cooperation;
· Information sharing, particularly with respect to best
practices;
· Consultative processes;
· Relationship between and among the RBOs/LBOs;
· Opportunities for institutionalising the cooperation;
· Role of relevant organisations and the private sector
· Rules of Engagement with cooperating partners
· Partnership between AMCOW and the sponsors of relevant
programmes for the achievement of the water related MDGs (e.g.
Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Initiative of the ADB, WSP,
GWP/CWP, EU Water Initiative) which calls for tracking annual
progress; engaging financial and budgetary mechanism at the country
level; providing focal points for sanitation and relevant programmes;
· Importance of country level interventions and arrangements
· Relationship and linkages within the framework of the
AU: implications.
· Clear identification of interest, roles and functions
RECOMMENDATIONS
The full cooperation of ADB, Regional Economic Communities, RBO,
LBOs, United Nation systems and partners must be enlisted in pursuing
the AU, NEPAD on AMCOW objectives. The institutionalisation of
such cooperation must be accorded a high degree of attention in
the future.
I. Baseline information:
AMCOW should develop a system of information gathering and analysis
on activities relevant to AMCOW. The necessary terms of reference,
with clear focus on indicators should be developed. The updating
of compendium on transboundary basins in Africa should be regularly
updated. The ADB, UN Water Africa and relevant regional institutions
should closely collaborate with River/Lake Basin Organisations.
II. Institutional Framework for Cooperation
Institutionalise collaborative ties between AMCOW, RBOs, RECs,
ANBO and relevant bodies;
Closer involvement, as appropriate of RECs,
RBOs, LBOs, ANBO and strategic partners in AMCOW activities, including
meetings of AMCOW TAC;
Closer networking among Basin Organisations
is strategically important. AMCOW should encourage RBOs to affiliate
with a continental body such as ANBO
III. Ensuring consistency
A review of the relationship between NEPAD and the RBOs as against
the RECs as the building block of NEPAD. In this regard NEPAD
is requested to organise a workshop of the stakeholders.
The links between the water units of the
RECs and the River/Lake Basin Organisations should strengthened,
in programming, information sharing and resource mobilisation
IV. Tracking Progress
In order to measure progress against MDGs effective and consistent
monitoring mechanisms/systems are required.
V. Next Steps
The AMCOW President to facilitate the setting up of a working
group to examine how this recommendations can be transformed into
actions.
