BACKGROUND
	PROJECT OBJECTIVES
	CURRENT STATUS

Many countries in the Asia and Near East (ANE) region, particularly those in the Middle East and South Asia, face a looming water crisis. Population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and inefficient use of water in agriculture are rapidly reducing water availability and degrading its quality, and many countries in the region face chronic shortages of suitable water.

To avert a water crisis, ANE countries must pursue a different path to water sector development. New approaches are needed that emphasize integrated water resources management, collaborative problem-solving at all levels, more efficient use of water, and development of alternative sources of water.

A key issue in this process is the lack of effective mechanisms to plan and manage water resources in a collaborative and integrated fashion and to resolve disputes over water resources. These mechanisms are critical to promoting institutional coordination and overcoming the bureaucratic and political realities that impede integrated water resources management in developing countries.

The ANE Bureau has done much through its bilateral water programs to improve water management and increase access to water supply and sanitation services. The program envisioned in this task order is designed to complement these ongoing activities through the provision of technical assistance in collaborative problem-solving, conflict management, and new and innovative approaches to integrated water resources management. It will be implemented through a Global Water IQC Task Order and builds on the ANE region Fostering Resolution of Water Resource Disputes Project (FORWARD) which ended in March 2002.