Asia’s Rapid Economic Growth and its Impact on Water Resources and Services Session Facilitator

Evening Side Event

Event Summary and Conclusions

Designed as the closing session to Asia Day, the session explored how Asia can meet the water and sanitation needs of a burgeoning economy experiencing rapid population growth. Already the most populous region with two thirds of the world’s population, Asia is expected to grow by another 500 million people within the next 10 years. The high level panels had a dynamic discussion of whether water should be considered a limiting factor to economic growth. All agree that without intending so, water and weather are already proving to be major factors affecting growth in the region. The increased frequency of weather disturbances resulting in increased flooding in South Asia is affecting crops and livestock, and displacing millions. The same holds true for China, where rapid growth in the past decades has led to deteriorating quality and quantity of freshwater sources, and with the need to further sustain growth and the growing trend of urbanization, the country is now paying ever greater attention to resource conservation.  

The session concluded that Governments must play an even greater role in ensuring food security and the delivery of water and sanitation services, particularly in view of a growing population further complicated by climate change. To achieve these goals, investments in infrastructure are crucial, as is improved planning and coordination among sector players, civil society, and countries sharing river basins. But an important consideration is a tariff regime that ensures sustainability of utility operations and irrigation systems. For this, people must be educated about the need for cost-recovery based tariffs. Political will is crucial.

Side Event Programme          17:15-19:00. Room K1