World Water Council 2006-2009: politics get into water

The fourth chapter (page 18) of this activity report calls for pro-active disaster approach to prepare for disasters in order to significantly reduce their impact and support more effective responses. It emphasizes the Hyogo Framework for Action's section pointing to the critical role water plays in reducing disasters and the need to develop concrete actions for disaster reduction and preparedness; as well as the High-Level Expert Panel on Water and Disasters established to develop further guidance for implementing the Hyogo Framework on water-related aspects. This chapter details the Panel action plan and actions. The report also addresses the high priority that needs to be given to adapting water management to climate change, particularly in vulnerable areas.

The overall aim of the report is to highlight the World Water Council's activities during its last triennial mandate. It focusses on the councils achievements in: evolving within a positive context for water, sanitation, and all environmental subjects to increase awareness; measuring the extent of the risks for water through their linkages with other crucial subjects for humankind’s future, like food, energy, the protection of ecosystems, or climate; witnessing increased involvement of the political sphere within the world of water; and evolving in the nature of the Council. It is aimed to serve as a milestone on the road to access to water for all.