Background

Groundwater resources play a vital role in the socio-economic development and environmental stability of the IGAD region. With growing demands for water due to population growth, urbanization, and climate variability, the need for effective governance and cooperation in managing shared groundwater resources has never been greater. Transboundary aquifers such as the Dawa, Northern Basement, and Shabelle aquifers exemplify the necessity for collective management approaches to address water scarcity and regional challenges.

The 3rd IGAD Water Forum builds on the progress of previous fora, emphasizing the importance of shared governance, data harmonization, and capacity building to foster sustainable groundwater management. It aims to engage key stakeholders from IGAD member states and beyond in a collaborative platform to exchange knowledge, discuss policy frameworks, and draft a roadmap for future cooperation.

Objectives:

1. Policy and Governance Development: Strengthen institutional frameworks and harmonize regional policies for transboundary groundwater management.
2. Knowledge Exchange: Present and discuss findings from key initiatives such as the Joint Regional Study (JRS) and the Dawa Feasibility Study.
3. Regional Collaboration: Enhance partnerships among member states and international organizations for effective groundwater management.
4. Innovation and Capacity Building: Promote innovative tools and methods for groundwater assessment and development in borderlands and data-sparse regions.
5. Strategic Roadmap Development: Draft a proposal to guide future groundwater resilience initiatives in the IGAD region.

Expected Outcomes:

1. Strengthened Regional Collaboration: Enhanced partnerships between IGAD member states, regional organizations, and international stakeholders to improve the collective management of groundwater resources.
2. Knowledge Dissemination: Findings from the Joint Regional Study (JRS) and the Dawa Feasibility Study shared, providing a scientific basis for informed decision-making on groundwater management.
3. Capacity Building: Increased expertise among participants through the introduction of innovative tools and methodologies for groundwater assessment and development in borderlands and data-scarce regions.
4. Actionable Roadmap: A clear and actionable roadmap co-developed by stakeholders, outlining key priorities and steps to advance groundwater resilience and regional cooperation.

Target Participants:

• National Focal Groups (NFG) and task force members from Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
• Policymakers, government officials, and water sector professionals.
• Researchers, development partners, and representatives from international organizations (e.g., UNESCO, UNICEF, UNEP).
• Private sector representatives and NGOs active in water management.

The 3rd IGAD Water Forum offers a unique platform to advance sustainable groundwater cooperation, address shared challenges, and lay the foundation for future resilience. By engaging diverse stakeholders, this forum will contribute to shaping a collaborative and sustainable approach to groundwater management in the Horn of Africa.

1. Governance, Policy, and Institutional Requirements: Exploring frameworks, agreements, and standards for managing transboundary water resources.
2. International Cooperation: Discussing shared water resources, agreements, and joint actions to strengthen regional water cooperation.
3. Innovation and Capacity Building: Highlighting technological advancements and training opportunities to address data scarcity and improve groundwater assessment.

Please send an abstract (a maximum of 300 words, with three keywords related to any of the sub-themes) to the Forum Secretariat (3rdWaterForum@igad.int) before the 30th of March 2025.