Water, Sewage & Effluent May-June 2017 | Page 37

3 4 5 6 2. 3. The symposium looked at unpacking some of the technical and non-technical issues that will inform policy to meet regulatory requirements. 4. 5. 6. 7. The Skype presentation from Professor Hubert Gijzen, Unesco regional office for southern Africa, presented a Unesco regional perspective. Sadly, the Skype connection failed and he could not complete his presentation. (Water, Sewage & Effluent has requested a copy.) Carlton Mukwevho, the secretary general of the South African National Commission for Unesco. Dhesigen Naidoo, CEO of the Water Research Commission. Fikile Guma of the Department of Water and Sanitation. Jay Bhagwan of the Water Research Commission presented on behavioural nu dges – a necessity to influence water use and behaviour. Professor Neil Armitage of UCT presented on stormwater harvesting as a means of addressing water scarcity in South African cities. Nora Hanke of EWSETA spoke on the EWSETA 2017/18 sector skills plan. Water Sewage & Effluent May/June 2017 35 1. 7 Objectives The symposium looked at unpacking some of the technical and non-technical issues that will inform policy to meet regulatory requirements. This was an exciting programme and an excellent opportunity to inform everyone of the state-of-the-art developments on the different topics. The symposium brought together local experts, stakeholders, and decision makers who exchanged their knowledge, experience, and research innovations. The symposium was structured with a plenary and two breakaway or parallel sessions. Because of the profile of Water, Sewage & Effluent, we attended the first part of the second session. In this SANC for Unesco IHP Symposium, we: • Provided an update on the importance and relevance of science within the water sector; • Gave an overview of the key gaps and challenges in the industry; and • Discussed some of the priority areas relating to the key IHP themes and how these fit into the overall promotion and facilitation of the NWRS 2. u 2 1 he International Hydrological Programme (IHP) is one of the six Intergovernmental Scientific Programmes (ISPs) of Unesco, which are under the Science Commission. The current IHP Phase VIII (2014–2021) is focused on developing appropriate responses to local, regional, and global challenges to promote water security. Specific objectives of the IHP include enhancing water resource management, promoting water resource governance, and supporting integrated programmes that facilitate capacity building. It is envisaged that the IHP will make a meaningful contribution in the department and entire water sector by supporting water related programmes and by strengthening efforts focused on developing solutions for the identified water issues stated in the NWRS 2, such as water scarcity, water runoff, water resource infrastructure, floods and droughts, water planning and shortages, water demand, groundwater potential, water quality challenges, water resources quality, and inefficient use of water resources. Under the umbrella of the Unesco IHP, the FETWater Phase III Programme has adopted an occupationally directed approach to improving curriculum development, quality assurance, and uptake protocols. This ensures sustainability of FETWater training initiatives and close alignment with the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority (EWSETA), the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO), and professional body agendas. The FETWater networks will lay the foundation for a capable and professional workforce for the sector as per the National Skills Development Strategy version 4 and National Water Resource Strategy version 2 requirements. T The Water Research Commission (WRC), serving in its capacity as Implementing Agent for the Framework Programme for Research, Education and Training in the Water Sector (FETWater) and the Secretariat for Unesco IHP, organised the SANC for the Unesco IHP Symposium held on 14 March 2017. By Rory Macnamara Unesco IHP symposium