Valuing Water Initiative - VWI

Goals

VWI aimed to incorporate the various values of water into every aspect of decision-making to create a sustainable and water-secure future. By raising awareness of the significance of water, VWI encouraged decision-makers to prioritise water in policy, governance and finance across public and private sectors.

VWI has developed methods to recognise the various values of water for different, often competing, purposes, whether they be from communities, industries or public organisations. By compiling best practices and lessons learnt, the initiative has provided stakeholders with tools to balance these competing water values while promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing. These efforts have inspired systemic changes that lead to a more water-secure future for everyone.
 

The Valuing Water Initiative has made progress in embedding the value of water into global systems through 3 main areas of work:

1. Journeys: VWI has formed strategic partnerships with various organisations, supported financially by RVO, for change in main target sectors;
2. Knowledge, learning and leadership platform: VWI regularly hosted in-person workshops and has established an online resource repository, along with an active community of practice. This allows the valuing water network to stay connected and share lessons and insights;
3. Action through inspiration: VWI has supported campaigns and advocacy efforts focused on water issues by a variety of partners, including the pioneering RunBlue campaign.

For whom

Through collaboration with stakeholders within and outside the water sector, VWI has engaged governments, industries and civil society to drive the systemic changes needed to improve the understanding, valuation and management of water resources.

The programme aimed to integrate the VWP into existing water decision-making processes, ensuring that the diverse values of water were prioritised across principal sectors. Its inclusive approach amplified underrepresented voices, focusing mainly on the values of youth, gender perspectives, and indigenous communities. It also emphasised the importance of local employees, thus promoting fair and sustainable water governance. 

Countries

VWI was a global initiative involving activities around the world. The programme had a particular focus on Latin America and Africa. Collaborations and partner activities took place in, among others, Bangladesh, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Eswatini, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Mozambique, Peru, Tanzania, and the Netherlands.

Background information

In April 2016, the United Nations and the World Bank Group convened a High-Level Panel on Water (HLPW). It included 11 heads of state and government representatives, among them the then Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte. The HLPW aimed to:

• Provide the leadership needed to advocate for comprehensive, inclusive and collaborative development pathways;
• Support improved water resource management; 
• Improve water and sanitation-related services.

In March 2018, the HLPW released its outcome document titled 'Making Every Drop Count'. It emphasises the importance of understanding, valuing and managing water more effectively. For this purpose, HLPW established the 5 Valuing Water Principles. In alignment with these principles, the Netherlands government launched the Valuing Water Initiative to facilitate their implementation.

Results

VWI has made a significant and lasting impact on global water governance and management. Its contributions include:

• Widespread adoption of the Valuing Water Principles: VWI inspired the integration of the Valuing Water Principles across various contexts of water governance contexts. This includes their incorporation into national legislation, participation in global and regional policy dialogues, and operational decision-making related to water issues at the local level. 
• A more water-secure financial system: VWI has significantly increased awareness among investors and financial institutions about the financial importance of water. It has:
  • Encouraged financial institutions to report the impact of their financing activities on water resources for the first time;
  • Mobilised investors managing 17 trillion US dollars in assets around a set of corporate expectations for valuing water;
  • Driven changes to corporate water policies and practices among 72 global companies that have a significant water footprint.
• Systematic youth involvement in water governance: VWI has facilitated the inclusion of young people's perspectives and values in water policy processes at all levels. This includes contributions from the United Nations, climate conferences (COPs) and national and local initiatives in Africa and Asia.

The Valuing Water Initiative emphasised awareness of the critical importance of water in supporting ecosystems, economies, and societies, showcasing its diverse value as a foundation for sustainability. As a reliable coordinator for different groups that may not interact otherwise, VWI fostered connections that promote integrated approaches to water management.

The creation of a Valuing Water Community of Practice on the IWRM Hub ensures that its principles and collaborative spirit continue to thrive. This platform facilitates ongoing dialogue, knowledge exchange, and actions to enhance the consideration of water's value in decision-making. 
To read more about VWI's results and outcomes, please see our evaluation report below.

More information

For more information, visit the Valuing Water Community on the IWRM Hub. Connect with global experts on valuing water, explore valuable resources and contribute to ongoing efforts in sustainable water governance.