Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue for Water Security: Insights from the Lusaka Water Security Initiative Forum
The Lusaka Water Security Initiative (LuWSI) Secretariat recently organized a highly engaging discussion forum aimed at fostering dialogue and action around sustainable water management in Zambia. Funded by Zambia Breweries, a private sector partner of the LuWSI partnership, and facilitated by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Zambia, this event held on the 17th of October 2024 attracted a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from government agencies, academia, NGOs, and the private sector.
The meeting focused on a major project: the proposed Inter-Basin Water Transfer (IBWT) from the Luapula to the Kafue River system—a plan designed to enhance water availability for economic activities, including power generation. Zambia is currently grappling with a severe drought which has caused energy shortages affecting industries and the livelihood and well-being of citizens. As the IBWT is a proposed solution to the water scarcity problem, this forum provided a critical space for stakeholders to voice their perspectives on the project, emphasizing the need for collaborative planning and consultation.
Key takeaways
- The meeting featured a range of presentations, each shedding light on the complexities of the Luapula to Kafue IBWT project. The Ministry of Water Development and Sanitation highlighted the potential benefits, such as improved water security, enhanced agricultural productivity, and increased power generation. However, the significant challenges, including environmental impacts, social concerns, and the economic costs of such an ambitious project were also acknowledged.
- Regional and global examples of IBWT projects were presented, drawing lessons from initiatives in South Africa and China. These case studies underscored the need for careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and a thorough cost-benefit analysis before proceeding. The complexity of water transfer projects often brings to light issues of social displacement, environmental degradation, and potential political tensions.
- A representative from the University of Zambia emphasized the importance of research and evidence-based decision-making. The university’s involvement in ecosystem assessments and feasibility studies demonstrated how academic institutions could contribute critical knowledge to ensure that projects are not only technically feasible but also socially and environmentally sound.
Forging resilience through partnerships
The LuWSI discussion forum showcased the power of multi-stakeholder engagement in tackling complex water management challenges. By bringing together the perspectives and expertise of government agencies, private companies, NGOs, and academia, the event underscored the need for collective action to ensure sustainable water use in Zambia.
The active support of the private sector seen through Zambia Breweries demonstrated how private sector involvement can serve as a catalyst for both dialogue and concrete action. Furthermore, it highlightend how private entities can lead by example, investing in the long-term sustainability of the regions where they operate. This kind of commitment is crucial as it promotes a shared responsibility for natural resources, benefiting both businesses and communities. By backing such multi-stakeholder initiatives, the private sector can support platforms for diverse voices to come together, ensuring that interventions and projects are both sustainable and inclusive.
As the LuWSI Chairperson noted, the meeting aimed not only to foster dialogue but also to serve as a catalyst for concrete action.
As Zambia navigates the complexities of projects like the Luapula to Kafue IBWT, such collaborative efforts will be crucial in balancing economic development with environmental sustainability and social equity.
Learn more about the partnership in our LuWSI video.