The South Asia Consortium for Interdisciplinary Water Resources Studies, SaciWATERs, is committed to bringing about structural changes in the water resources management paradigm in South Asia. Within that, SaciWATERs focuses on transforming water resources knowledge systems. Key ideas are an interdisciplinary approach to understanding water resources issues, from a pro-poor, human development perspective, with emphasis on exchange, interaction and collaboration at the South Asia level. The longer term aim is to establish a South Asian "virtual water university".
South Asia, home to nearly a quarter of the world's population, has the highest concentration of poor people. The region is endowed with vast water resources , yet there seem to be a perpetual shortage and uneven water distribution is one major cause. Rapid industrialization & effects of global climate change also contribute to this palpable crisis. It is surrounded by water but accompanied by grief. Hence, a paradigm shift in the overall framework for water management is necessary.
SaciWATERs is active in three domains : education, research and advocacy.
