Megacities Alliance for Water and Climate

The association ARCEAU IdF, created in 2013 by the main local authorities that are responsible for water management in the Paris region, brings together, in an original way, political, operational, academic and associative actors, all engaged in concrete actions in order to guarantee the quality and sustainability of water and sanitation services.

The International Hydrological Programme of UNESCO is the only intergovernmental programme of the United Nations system devoted to water research, water resources management, and education and capacity building.

ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability is the leading global network of over 1,500 cities and regions committed to building a sustainable future. Water management is an essential aspect of ICLEI’s work to help cities become low-carbon, resilient, biodiverse, resource-efficient, ecomobile, healthy and happy, with a green economy and smart infrastructure.

SIAAP is the public service that daily treats the wastewater of 9 million inhabitants in Paris and its region, as well as rainwater and industrial water, in order to make the Seine and the Marne water fit for the development of the natural environment. SIAAP is engaged in institutional partnerships and technical exchanges with numerous operators and local governments throughout the world.

“It is in the face of adversity that resourcefulness and innovative solutions arise. Humanity faces unparalleled and ever increasing risks and we will need to mobilize all our collective capacities to develop the solutions and the means to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come and our planet. Global impact can only be achieved through strong cooperation and mutual support as well as by sharing good practices between nations and cities. It is imperative to work together at all levels, between governments, between and within societies and cities. UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme (IHP) is a founding Member of the Megacities Alliance for Water and Climate (MAWAC) and is keen to offer all its support for megacities and Member States to build together a sustainable future.”

“Access to safe water and sanitation constitutes a major challenge for large global capitals. During the Cop 21 held in Paris, the local governments of all countries have pointed to a strong willingness to provide safe water in sufficient quantity and quality to each inhabitant of the planet. The development of an international exchange platform between large metropolises represents a genuine step forward, possibly improving the living conditions of billions of men and women and translating our commitment to a more unified and equitable world into action and results”.

“Around the world, Megacities are facing huge issues in relation with water because of urban growth and climate change. SIAAP, as the greater Paris sanitation utility, is convinced that many experiences have to be shared between megacities for a better adaptation. Besides, sanitation is becoming the core of many challenges and at the same time the solutions. That’s why SIAAP supports the establishment of a platform dedicated to large urban scale and will pay special attention to the sanitation aspects”.

“Megacities in India are somewhat better off than its villages in attainment of Sustainable Development Goal Number 6, ‘Clean Water and Sanitation’, although significant work is necessary to improve quality of water distribution in poorer areas and slums. The peripheral growth on the outskirts of Megacities causes more concern from water supply and sanitation angle. Megacities in India have more reason to worry about implications of Goal 13 about Climate Change since these can cause unpredictable high tides, floods and tsunamis. Mumbai will be happy to join the ‘Megacities Alliance for Water under Climate Change’ since it will be useful to exchange experience and expertise of various Megacities”.

“With nearly 30 million inhabitants, the Metropolitan Area of Mexico City faces one of the major water challenges on the planet. Climate change and water shortage will have significant impact on economic development and the quality of life of our population. Participating in the UNESCO Megacities’ Alliance to exchange experiences, and taking part of a collaborative platform for mega-cities water management, will be paramount not only to learn and replicate successful experiences, but also to generate strategic partnerships among cities and international institutions”.

“Of the projected additional 2.4 billion to the global population between 2015 and 2050, Africa’s share is estimated at 1.3 billion and the difficulties African cities currently face in providing sustainable water services will be exacerbated. At African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW), we are thinking ahead, providing the necessary political leadership, policy direction and advocacy in bringing about sustainable management of water resources. AMCOW therefore welcomes the UNESCO Megacities Alliance for Water as the initiative aligns with Africa Water Vision 2025 which envisions an Africa where there is equitable and sustainable use and management of water resources for poverty alleviation, socio-economic development, regional cooperation and environment”.

“The issue of Water, Megacities and Global Change requires to identify effective impacts related to water management and the analysis on how these affect low income population such as what the monograph “ Water, Management and Climate Change in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area, Argentina “ does. This major challenge must be faced by National and Local Governments with criteria of equity and efficiency and through policies, investments and sustainable. The implementation of a platform for exchanges of experiences would be an effective tool to guide improvements on megacities all over the world”.