KARACHI: Inextricable linkages between water, food and energy sectors call for an integrated approach towards water resource management, especially in a water-intensive country like Pakistan, said experts at a seminar, calling upon governments at the provincial and federal levels to collaborate and address inefficiencies plaguing the system.

Titled ‘Nexus Matters — Institutionalising the water-energy-food narrative in Sindh province’, the event was organised by the Australian High Commission in collaboration with Asia Foundation and Hisaar Foundation (HF) on Tuesday.

Also read: 'Why is there no water for Karachi's homes?'

In his opening remarks, Dave Preston, the acting deputy high commissioner of Australia, urged Pakistan’s private sector to explore collaboration with Australian companies with expertise in the water sector.

“More than 1,000 Australian companies are operating in this area. They can help Pakistan improve urban water supply, water management in agricultural practices as well as develop mechanisms for water harvesting and recycling,” he said.

Giving a presentation on Pakistan’s perspective on water, energy and food nexus, Meher Marker Noshirwani representing the HF said that the most distinctive feature of the nexus in South Asia was the high degree of dependency of downstream communities on upstream ecosystem services for dry-season water for irrigation, hydropower, drinking water, soil fertility and nutrients.

“Upper and lower riparian issues exist across Pakistan,” he said, while referring to tensions between Punjab and Sindh.

The major dilemma in Pakistan, according to him, was ‘devolution’ of water to the province and the government ignored the fact that the Indus basin couldn’t be managed in bits and pieces.

“Pakistan is a federation and the consensus of provinces is very important. So, the issue of who makes policy remains,” he explained.

Nisar A. Memon heading Water Environment Forum Pakistan, a platform for professionals working in the water and environment sectors, spoke about global perspective on water, energy and food nexus, emphasising the need for better understanding and coordination among institutions.

Dr Fateh Marri, provincial chief economist and project coordinator, planning and development department, briefed the audience about what the government was doing in the areas of water, food and energy sectors and how it could effectively collaborate with the private sector and find solutions.

Farid Alam of The Asia Foundation said that Pakistan was currently among the 36 most “water-stressed” countries on the planet. The adoption of structural changes in the use, management, and distribution of water was essential for Pakistan’s environmental sustainability and socio-economic prosperity.

Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2018