Lima 2013 Blog: Keynote Speakers – International Lessons and the Future of Water Management

Speakers:

• Khoo Teng Chye, Executive Director, Centre for Liveable Cities, Ministry of National Development, Singapore (Download his presentation)
• Todd Gartner, Senior Associate, Natural Infrastructure & Water, World Resources Institute (Download his presentation)

At AS/COA's 2013 Lima conference, two speakers discussed examples of water management from other parts of the world as well as best practices that could be replicated in Peru.

Khoo Teng Chye, executive director of the Centre for Liveable Cities in Singapore's Ministry of National Development explained Singapore's evolution as a country struggling with limited water resources to becoming an example of innovative water management. Over time, the Asian country went from purchasing water from neighbors like Malaysia to adapting effective water management and sustainability policies.

Teng Chye explained that Singapore is ranked by the United Nations at number 170 in terms of water wealth among 190 countries. In order to face this challenge, the country constructed a massive water reservoir that collects rain and water from local rivers. The government also developed technology to "recycle" water, treating used water to make it potable. This substance, called NEWater, now represents 30 percent of Singapore's water supply.

In addition to addressing supply, Teng Chye noted the need to improve educating Singapore's population about water consumption and ensure the country does not waste water in the distribution process. "We do not subsidize water. We charge for water at market prices," he added, saying this policy promotes responsible consumption.

Todd Gartner, senior associate of natural infrastructure and water at the World Resources Institute, highlighted the importance of complementing policies like Singapore's with an assessment of natural resources infrastructure. Known as green or natural infrastructure, ecosystems serve as a tool for providing clean water and reducing flood risk. Gartner said that investing in forests, lakes, and other ecosystems as infrastructure can help to preserve water resources and improve a country's management policy without having to develop new technology.

He showed a map detailing the risk of water shortages in the future, with Peru and parts of South America's Pacific coast at high risk. But it's not just arid areas that face water shortages. He commented that in Brazil, for example, 45 percent of the population in large cities live in areas with major water concerns.

Watch the remarks:
Start time 9:03