Water Resource Management

1. Integrated Water Solutions for a Green Economy: Green Economy via Green Growth
Rinesh Ram DipEng(Civil), DipIWRM, AMIEAUST
Email: rinesh_ram@yahoo.com.au
Springfield Lakes, Brisbane
ABSTRACT:
For any Pacific Island Country (PIC), sustainable development is vital to protect its finite natural resources, more
importantly water. Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) was launched in Fiji in 2009 as a pilot project
in Nadi Basin to develop holistic objectives and strategies for the management of water resources and sustainable
development in the basin and its numerous watersheds, with central focus being on inundation. This paper outlines
the performance indicators that insisted on the need for evaluation of the project’s progress and effectiveness. In
addition, to recommend a revised IWRM approach to address issues more efficiently towards water resource
management, inundation, and stabilization of watersheds. Research included desk study of Nadi basin
characteristics and climatology, field study, analysis of meteorological trends, cultural practices, land use trends,
development culture, study of proposals for solving inundation problems, and interviews. A review of the existing
IWRM Project objectives, strategies, and progress was also conducted. The results obtained from this defines the
general topography of the basin in the form of maps and descriptions, the coastal influence on the natural and
urban drainage system, and typical climatology. In addition, analysis of meteorological data shows the hydrological
trend and its effect on rivers and streams. Further, the results report land use and development patterns, cultural
influences, and their impact on watersheds. Moreover, the discussion presents a critical analysis of
recommendations to reduce inundation in the lower reaches of the watershed, within the proximity of Nadi Town.
The results further discuss the level of success of the existing IWRM Project, the initial objectives, human
resources, available tools for the implementation of objectives, and analysis of accomplishments. The analysis
shows the short falls and set backs of the project strategies and implementation techniques and provides a
conclusion in terms of resources available and outputs of the project over the past four years. The paper concludes
with recommendations beginning with the vision of Green Growth approach, encompassing IWRM Principles, and
explaining the preliminary steps towards establishing a Green Economy. Recommendations explain the application
of conceptual models and existing aquatic channels as water solutions to surplus and deficit water situations within
the basin using climatic trends and engineering concepts. Explanation goes further to the integration of various
stakeholders into the IWRM Team and discussion of the capacity of project designers and managers in terms of
qualification, experience, and thesis for the implementation of the work programme. Moreover, emphasis of
Government commitment in identification of key legislations and policies, necessary amendments to the latter,
establishment of a “Green Growth Policy” and road map to making this a central development policy. Further, the
development of a “National Strategy for Green Growth” and associated objectives based on country needs in
collaboration with international partners. Discussion on manipulation of resources for implementation of IWRM
strategies for stabilizing watersheds and executing national objectives linked to watershed development. Lastly,
deliberation on the structure of IWRM Programme Management, monitoring strategies, performance indicators,
evaluation checklist, and capacity building for national managers and other stakeholders. Integrated Water
Solutions for a Green Economy can be achieved by change in people’s beliefs, collaboration of resources and
stakeholders who can apply them.
Key words: Green Growth, Flood Mitigation, Integrated Water Resource Manag ement, Sustainable Development, Water
Deficit