Charting change : the impact of ADB’s Water for All policy on investments, project design, and sector reform

In 2001, the Asian Development Bank outlined its vision for integrated water management in the region in its -Water for All- policy. This policy defined priorities, commitments and strategies for the development of the Asian water sector. It recognised the Asia and Pacific region's need to formulate and implement integrated, cross-sectoral approaches to water management and development. It also advocated that : 1) water is a socially vital economic good; 2 ) water needs careful management; 3) a participatory approach will help conserve and protect water resources.
Five years after the Water Policy was approved, what progress has it brought Asia and the Pacific? This publication takes a close look at how the policy's implementation has influenced investment levels, generated more strategic project designs and made strides in improving public policy.
It concludes, that the policy has clearly stimulated investments in countries as well as regional cooperation. The policy has helped identify institutional weaknesses in developing member countries, and where reform must be pursued. ADB has taken on a number of initiatives to see the water policy through to results. The Bank has invested and committed large amounts of resources in helping developing member countries plan, manage, and deliver water for all. Future investments in the three concentration areas - rural, urban and basin water - are projected to increase in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The Water Financing Program will prioritise and expand investments in water operations to the level that qualifies it as a core operation over the next 5 years.