Toolkit for Water Policies and Governance
Converging Towards the OECD Council Recommendation on Water
The Toolkit for Water Policies and Governance compiles policies, governance arrangements and related tools that facilitate the design and implementation of water management practices in line with the OECD Council Recommendation on Water. It is designed to inspire and support countries which have either adhered to, are considering adhering to, or aim to converge towards the OECD standard.
The Recommendation was unanimously adopted by the OECD Council in December 2016. The adoption marked the outcome of a two-year consultation process with delegates from ministries active in the fields of agriculture, development assistance, environment, public governance, regional development, and regulatory policy, as well as with relevant stakeholders (the business sector, trade unions, environmental organisations) and the OECD Water Governance Initiative.
The Recommendation puts forward an international standard with high-level policy guidance on a range of topics relevant for the management of water resources and delivery of water services. The areas covered include managing water quantity, water risks and disasters, improving water quality, ensuring good water governance as well as sustainable finance, investment and pricing for water services.
The practices reported in the toolkit have been compiled by the OECD Secretariat, in close consultation with delegates from adhering countries. Regular updates will be made available.
Also available in: French
Managing water risks and disasters
This chapter presents Adherents’ experience with the management of water risks and disasters, in line with the OECD Recommendation on Water. The chapter explores how Adherents manage water risks and disasters in a cooperative way. It highlights examples of risk assessment and awareness raising efforts carried out by Adherents, as well as setting and revising acceptable levels of water risks. It also explores prevention and mitigation, and emergency responses measures. It includes investment in social policies and financial mechanisms to minimise disruption, while ensuring transparency, accountability and public awareness in decision-making. It describes progress in policy coherence across sectors. Finally, the chapter focuses on water risks related to climate change in agriculture and cities.
Also available in: French
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