About the water, peace and Security partnership
The growing water crisis poses a threat to livelihoods, ecosystems and security. In response to these threats, the Water, Peace and Security (WPS) partnership was founded in 2018 to develop innovative tools and services that help local stakeholders identify, understand and address water-related security risks. We use cutting-edge technology to increase awareness and understanding. This knowledge is used in participatory analysis, capacity building and awareness raising activities to support timely, informed and inclusive action in regions prone to water-related conflict, such as currently Mali, Iraq, Ethiopia and Kenya. We believe this action, based on regional needs, is required to prevent escalation of water-related tensions into conflict. In fact, it can even enhance collaboration among stakeholders, turning water related threats into water related opportunities for peacebuilding.
“By supporting local stakeholders, WPS aims to prevent and reduce water-related conflict and turn the vicious cycle of water challenges and instability into a virtuous one of sustainable water management and peace.”
WPS is a collaboration between the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and a consortium of six partners: Deltares, The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS), IHE Delft (lead partner), International Alert, Wetlands International and World Resources Institute (WRI). Read more about Our Partners.
Intervention Areas
WPS supports stakeholders at all governance levels through an integrated approach consisting of four intervention areas:
UNDERSTAND
Policy makers and key stakeholders working in and with affected regions are aware of and understand issues around water-related security risks and possible responses.
Optimal use is made of rapid advances in global modelling and cutting-edge technology, using big data, remote sensing and artificial intelligence (AI). This is combined with local knowledge to support complex analysis and decision tools that indicate both where and when risks are increasing and best practices to addressing rising tensions.
Read more about our Global Tool or our Regional Work.
MOBILISE
Relevant actors acknowledge and act upon the need to respond to water-related security risks.
WPS engages with key stakeholders at local, regional and global levels, such as governments, civil society, private sector actors, investors and international organisations to enhance awareness and understanding of water-related security threats, to explain how it may affect them, detail strategies to influence the outcome, and build awareness of the political urgency of these risks. This information can help mobilize decision makers to proactively and effectively address these risks.
LEARN
Relevant actors are capable of implementing timely, targeted and effective responses to water-related security risks.
Through joint analysis and targeted capacity development, the WPS Programme will support stakeholders in building coalitions and acting to mitigate current and future crises in a well-informed manner.
Read more about our training programmes.
DIALOGUE
Relevant actors are involved in inclusive and conflict-sensitive dialogue processes for addressing water-related conflicts and conflict risks.
Inclusive and informed dialogue is a peaceful and constructive means for stakeholders in high-risk regions to respond effectively to existing water-induced conflicts and mitigate risks of escalations. Dialogue can help conflict resolution as well as prevention by mitigating tensions and providing a space to build trust and improve relationships and cooperation. Second it can help conflict parties to resolve conflict issues and jointly identify effective solutions. WPS and its implementing partners facilitate dialogue processes among stakeholders at different levels. Joint analyses, information tools and training can support the preparation or facilitation of dialogue processes.
act
Relevant actors respond to water-related security risks through tailored solutions.
Through the interventions as part of the first four pillars, WPS will support relevant actors in the target regions to take joint, informed, effective and timely action to mitigate or adapt to the threat of such conflicts. The type of solutions will be specific to the country and region but is likely to include actions such as ecosystem restoration, alternative livelihoods support, or small-scale water infrastructure.
Flyer: WPS - Moving Towards Water and Peace