Integrated River Basin Management and Restoration Training

Programme Introduction

Nealy 82% of the world population is served by rivers meeting the ends of global freshwater demand. Transboundary basins provide water for 3 billion people worldwide. As climate change takes its toll on us, securing access to water in a sustainable and equitable manner proves more and more challenging. Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) is the most promising vehicle for overcoming imminent water crises. Cooperation between states for shared river basin governance and management is simply imperative. Effective water resource management calls for multi-level governance systems that work across scales, sectors, and stakeholder groups.

This training programme in Hanoi provides fundamental knowledge and skills for good water governance. It encourages benefits sharing during water management and enables a basin-wide planning perspective. The programme focuses on coordination best practices and resource optimization for the greater benefit of all.

Target Audience

The programme is suitable for:

• Government officials and policymakers
• Water resource planners and water management professionals
• Stakeholder and community representatives
• Members of international and regional organizations
• Members of water user associations
• Members of environmental and conservation organizations
• Committee members of river basins
• Technical experts

Programme Objectives

Upon the successful completion of this training programme, its delegates shall be able to:

• Understand key challenges associated with river basin management and appreciate the importance of integrated approach
• Comprehend the principles, components, and frameworks of IRBM
• Contribute to water resource planning and allocation
• Optimize and balance competing water demands
• Encourage stakeholder participation in IRBM process
• Learn how to operate IRBM under existing laws and regulatory requirements

Programme Contents

First Day

• River basins and their characteristics
• Key challenges with river basin management
• Understanding integrated water resources management
• Need for an integrated approach in river basin management
• The principles and components of Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM)
• Approaches to IRBM; Applied Frameworks
• Benefits for water resources, ecosystems, and communities

Second Day

• Integrated water resource assessment
• Water availability and quantity; Hydrological modeling
• Principles for water allocation and water rights
• Water allocation frameworks; The decision-making process
• Optimizing and managing competing water demands
• The ecosystem-based approach in IRBM
• Land use planning

Third Day

• Basin-wide planning; Integrated River basin management plans
• Multiscale IRBM
• Engaging stakeholders
• Balancing socio-economic development and environmental conservation
• IRBM as a tool for inclusion
• IRBM and climate change adaptation
• Data management and information systems for IRBM

Fourth Day

• IRBM policies and regulatory framework
• Collaborative approaches and formation of partnerships
• Challenges with implementing integrated river basin management
• Monitoring and evaluation of IRBM performance
• Indicators for assessing the desired impact

Fifth Day – Knowledge Reinforcement and Real-life Adoption of Theoretical Base

The last day of the programme will be entirely dedicated to hands-on practice and knowledge reinforcement. Throughout this ultimate session, programme delegates will become actively involved in many group assignments, panel discussions, scenario analyses, and case studies.

To diversify the expertise and acquire specific knowledge regarding the host country’s/region’s IRBM plans and practices, Risalat will invite guest speakers from local governmental institutions and development organizations.

Programme Methodology

The methodology used encourages maximum participation of all delegates. The consultant will lead sessions through open presentations and support them with interactive exercises, flipped learning, case studies, video demonstrations, and group assignments. Panel Discussions and Scenario Analysis make up a fair share of the programme.

Risalat will involve several guest presenters from partner development organizations and public bodies engaged in integrated river basin management to make discussions more vibrant and diversified. The speakers will be selected based on audience requirements, interests, and backgrounds.

Host Country Profile

Viet Nam is heavily reliant on international rivers. Over 60% of the total average yearly surface water discharge gets generated outside the country. Six river basins depend on water inflows from other countries. In the meantime, other countries also depend on inflows from rivers originating in Viet Nam. Considering this, the country has long recognized the importance of integrated river basin management and water resource management.

Over a decade ago, Viet Nam adopted a law on water resources in line with integrated water resources management principles, including river basin management, environmental flow, and water quality management. The said law also acknowledged the existence of multiple water users to be considered in managing water resources.