SaciWATERs, South Asian Consortium for Interdisciplinary Water Resources Studies, was formed as a project on the theme "water for food and rural development" after the 2000 World Water Forum at Hague. The project was proposed to create a Consortium of senior scholars based in academic institutions and NGOs in the different South Asian countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) to govern a 'virtual water resources academy' with the following activities. |
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Develop and teach an interdisciplinary Ph.D. training programme on water resources with a duration of 6 months, taught yearly, aimed at starting Ph.D. students registered at South Asian and International universities |
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Investigate the feasibility of a South Asia focused interdisciplinary Masters programme on Irrigation/Water Resources Management, preferably to be developed as a distance education programme (this involves identifying and assessing existing programmes in South Asia and elsewhere, investigate demand and employment opportunities, institutional constraints, desirable substantive focus, appropriate teaching methods, etc.) |
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Organize master classes, seminars and conferences on water resources issues in the region on a regular basis, where academics, government officials/policy makers and representatives of civil society organizations meet |
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Develop and teach focused training programmes |
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Create and manage a website, including an electronic journal on South Asian Water Resources |
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Function as a platform for acquisition and execution of research assignments, consultancies etc. |
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The programme was set out to do capacity building in order to make water resources management contribute to food and livelihood security as well as environmental improvement and alleviation of the poverty and poor nutrition of disadvantaged women, landless laborers and marginal farmers. It is committed to interdisciplinary training and research across the boundaries of the natural and the social sciences on the theme of Water for Food and Rural Development.
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SaciWATERs, at present, produces new knowledge to address the pressing problems in the water sector in South Asia through education, action research and advocacy. It has created a new group of professionals and experts through its Crossing Boundaries Project which aims to contribute to the paradigm shift in water resources management in South Asia. |
