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