Water Security Cooperation Policy
Effective Date: Feb 2023
Approved by: University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa
1. Purpose
This policy aims to outline the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa’s commitment to collaborating with local, regional, national, and global entities to address water security challenges. The university aims to contribute to sustainable water management through partnerships, research, and educational programs, focusing on water conservation, groundwater management, and sustainable irrigation. This policy supports the university’s broader sustainability objectives and aligns with global best practices for water security.
2. Scope and Applicability
This policy applies to all collaborative water security initiatives undertaken by the University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa. It encompasses partnerships with local, regional, national, and international stakeholders, including government bodies, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
3. Definitions
- Water Security: The capacity to ensure sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable-quality water for health, livelihoods, ecosystems, and production.
- Collaborative Partnerships: Joint initiatives between the university and external stakeholders aimed at addressing water security challenges.
4. Policy Statement
The University of Warith Al-Anbiyaa is committed to promoting water security through the following levels of cooperation:
A. Local Government Cooperation
The university collaborates with local government bodies to address regional water challenges, including:
- Establishing a Water Security Task Force in collaboration with local authorities, academic experts, and community leaders to develop water management strategies for the Karbala region.
- Providing academic expertise and research on issues like water scarcity, pollution, and groundwater management.
- Organizing educational programs and workshops for the community on water-saving techniques.
B. Regional Government Cooperation
The university partners with regional bodies to:
- Participate in regional water management forums and research collaborations aimed at addressing broader water security challenges across Iraq.
- Lead research projects on regional water resources, aquifer management, and sustainable water extraction technologies.
- Facilitate dialogue between academic institutions, governmental bodies, and local communities to promote regional water policies.
C. National Government Cooperation
The university formalizes its cooperation with national authorities through Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with bodies such as the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources, focusing on:
- Supporting national water security projects, including dam management, river basin studies, and drought mitigation strategies.
- Offering training programs to government officials on sustainable water management practices.
- Conducting national studies on water consumption, conservation, and future water needs.
D. Global Government Cooperation
The university engages with global water security initiatives by:
- Partnering with international organizations such as UN-Water and participating in global water security conferences.
- Collaborating on international research projects that focus on water security in arid and semi-arid regions.
- Acting as a research centre for global studies on water conservation and sustainable management practices.
5. Procedures
1. Formation of Task Forces and Working Groups
- The university will establish water security task forces at the local and regional levels to develop water management strategies.
- Working groups will be formed to engage with national and global stakeholders.
2. Research and Reporting
- The university will conduct research projects aimed at solving water security issues and submit reports to relevant government bodies and stakeholders.
3. Training and Capacity Building
- Regular training programs will be organized for local, regional, and national government officials, focusing on sustainable water management practices.
6. Roles and Responsibilities
- Sustainability Office: Coordinates all water security partnerships and ensures alignment with the university’s sustainability goals.
- Research and Development Office: Leads water security research initiatives and facilitates collaborative projects with external stakeholders.
- Community Outreach Office: Manages educational programs and workshops for local communities.
7. Compliance and Enforcement
The university will ensure compliance with this policy by conducting regular audits of water security initiatives and partnerships. Failure to meet the established goals or maintain collaboration standards may result in corrective actions, including the termination of partnerships.
8. Related Documents and References
- National Water Security Guidelines
- University Sustainability Plan
- UN-Water Cooperation Framework
9. Review and Revision
This policy will be reviewed every three years to assess its effectiveness in fostering water security cooperation. Revisions will be made based on feedback from partners and stakeholders, as well as emerging trends in water management and sustainability.
10. Contact Information
For inquiries and further assistance, please contact:
Sustainability Office
Email: sustainability@uowa.edu.iq