Assessment of Transboundary Freshwater vulnerability on Climate Change

Climate Change experts are meeting in Farm Inn, Pretoria, South Africa between 4- 6 November 2009  to discuss issues affecting freshwater resources through climate change in Africa. The group comprising of climate change specialists from all the African regions have a workshop under the theme ‘Assessment of Transboundary Freshwater Vulnerability (surface as well as groundwater) to climate change’. The event was organized by UNEP, Water Research Commission (WRC) and Pegasys Strategy and Development.

As a result of global concerns over the impact of climate change, and the particular vulnerability of Africa, UNEP, through the South African Water Research Commission, commissioned a high- level study on Climate change Vulnerability in Transboundary Basins and Aquifers in Africa. The intention of the project is to produce a high level report identifying the key Transboundary basins and aquifers and also identify key areas of action. After the discussions the workshop will provide necessary information to engage with the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW) on the issue of preparing for climate change adaptation in key Transboundary basins. The report will be launched on Tuesday 10 November at Gallagher Estate during the Africa Water Week event scheduled to take place as from 9 to 13 November 2009.

A number of case studies from East, West Central, North and Southern African regions are presented. According to the experts gathered at Pretoria, Africa will be hit first by climate change.  Dr Salif Diop who was chairing the discussions commented ‘Political involvement is very important to save the situation in African regions. Prime ministers should get information on case studies and make correct decisions ‘Africa is widely recognized as highly vulnerable to climate variability and change according to the discussions. ‘This vulnerability arises from the interplay of resource stress ,high climate variability and low adaptive capacity ,in many cases reflecting low adaptive capacity ,in many cases reflecting low levels of development’ says the report. Amongst the key highlights of the report are the risks that have been identified which will form the basis of telling a story of climate change vulnerability in Africa.

The sessions (COP 15) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change will take place at Copenhagen on 7 to 18 December 2009. Governments will nominate their respective representatives to participate and negotiate at the sessions of the Convention and the Kyoto Protocol.

For further details

Cantact : Chris Moseki

Research Manager : Water Resources Management

Tel: 012 3309070

chrism@wrc.org.za