THE WATER RESEARCH COMMISSION ROLE AND FUNCTIONS George Green, Deputy CEO

WHAT IS THE WRC ? An organisation which exists to serve the SA water sector. In this regard, we: Fund water-related research and development Fund water-related research and development Provide direction and leadership for R&D Provide direction and leadership for R&D Actively promote application and dissemination of water-centred knowledge Actively promote application and dissemination of water-centred knowledge Develop capacity, maintain, renew, and transform the water sector’s knowledge base Develop capacity, maintain, renew, and transform the water sector’s knowledge base Commitment to sounder, more effective water resource management and utilisation at all levels

-The WRC receives its mandate from the Water Research Act of 1971, which created the Water Research Fund -This Act is a member of the water legislation family (together with Water Services Act of 1977, NWA of 1998); recognised in White Paper on National Water Policy of 1997 as “single most important assurance that necessary research will be carried out and human resources trained”. - Direct funding of research R65.5m in 02/03 (73% of total expenditure of R90m)

Water-sector needs we meet  Overcoming problems (actual and potential) related to: Scarcity, variability of SA’s water resourcesScarcity, variability of SA’s water resources Inequities and non-sustainable development of the pastInequities and non-sustainable development of the past Increasing demands on water resources for social and economic developmentIncreasing demands on water resources for social and economic development Resource deteriorationResource deterioration  A national focal point for water-centred R&D  Networking and communication among diverse stakeholders and role-players in water sector  An independent, objective knowledge broker  Continuous provision (and/or renewal) of capacity and skills

Goals and objectives of the WRC and Our commitment to being highly effective and relevant in serving the government, the water sector and the people of South Africa expressed in our *Mission *Vision *Values

Mission The WRC is a dynamic hub for water-centred knowledge, innovation and intellectual capital. -We provide leadership for research and development through the support of knowledge creation, transfer and application. -We stakeholders and partners in solving water- related problems, which are -We engage stakeholders and partners in solving water- related problems, which are -critical to South Africa’s sustainable development and economic growth, and are committed to promoting a better quality of life for all

Vision To be a globally recognised leader in providing innovative solutions for sustainable water management to meet the changing needs of society and of the environment

Core Values  Service orientation  Care for people, society and the environment  Fairness to all  Dedication to quality  Integrity and ethical behaviour  Respect for human and individual rights  Innovation and learning

How is our business structured and supported? Key Strategic Areas (KSAs) Main business units; invest in R&D and lead (ie initiate, fund, manage) the creation, application and dissemination of knowledge, through research portfolios (thrusts, programmes, projects) which serve the objectives of the particular KSA. Crosscutting Domains (XDs) Key integration units; draw together relevant KSA- funded/managed research projects into R&D portfolios which serve the objectives of the particular domain. Advocate relevant KSA projects, initiate overarching projects. Corporate Strategic Drives Initiatives of particular significance to the WRC’s long-term effectiveness and viability, which need to be strategically developed, coordinated and managed across KSAs and the organisation as a whole.

WRC Corporate Strategic Drives  Capacity development  Business development (diversification of income)  Innovation/commercialisation/intellectual property  International/Africa relations  Impact assesment  Public relations/communications/marketing Strategic drives at corporate level, provide focus and leadership for similar drives at KSA level

Key Strategic Areas Water resource-related: KSA 1: Water Resource Management KSA 2: Water-linked Eco-systems Water use-related: KSA 3: Water Use and Waste Management KSA 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture Knowledge-related: KSA 5: Water-centred Knowledge

KSA 1: Water Resource Management This KSA aims to generate the knowledge, tools and skills to ensure that water resources of South Africa are protected, utilised, developed, conserved and managed to achieve environmental, social and economic sustainability. Thrusts 1: Water Resource Assessment 2: Integrated Water Resource Development 3: Management of Natural and Human-Induced Impacts 4: Policy Development and Institutional Arrangements for Water Resource Management

KSA 2: Water-linked Ecosystems Thrusts 1: Ecosystem Processes 2: Ecosystem Management and Utilisation 3: Ecosystem Rehabilitation

KSA 3: Water Use/Waste Management Thrusts 1: Water and Sanitation Services: Institutional and Management Issues 2: Water Supply and Treatment Technology 3: Wastewater and Effluent Treatment and Reuse Technology 4: Industrial and Mine-Water Management

KSA 4: Water Utilisation in Agriculture Thrusts 1: Water Utilisation for Food and Fibre Production 2: Water Utilisation for Fuelwood and Timber Production 3: Water Utilisation for Poverty Reduction and Wealth Creation in Agriculture 4: Water Resource Protection and Reclamation in Agriculture

KSA 5: Water-Centred Knowledge Thrusts 1: Strategic Research Advice 2: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) 3: Research Information and Document Management 4: Publishing and Publications Centre 5: Water-Centred Media and Activities

Crosscutting Domains  Part of the WRC’s mission commits water research to supporting sustainable development and quality of life  Desirable outcomes of such research are: -A society which benefits equitably from water resource development; hence we have a domain Water and Society -A vibrant economy; hence Water and the Economy -A healthy environment; hence Water and the Environment -Personal health; hence Water and Health  A particular domain provides for an integrated view of research investments and outcomes across the KSAs, as they relate to the domain’s focus area.

Water and Society – Portfolio of Thrusts Water as a shared resource: investigates hydropolitical (intersectoral, transboundary) issues in SA and the region, thereby reducing potential for conflict, and promoting integrated, sustainable management Society’s water services-related needs: investigates issues of sustainable service provision, such as payment for water, ownership of potable water schemes, hygiene and sanitation Gender and other limitations to water access: investigates the extent of such limitations and their consequences, leading to policy formulation and corrective measures Poverty alleviation: investigates the linkages between water and poverty, the roles of water in breaking the poverty cycle and promoting food security

Water and the Economy – Portfolio of Thrusts  The value of water to different sectors of the economy  The economic benefits (and/or costs) associated with water resource development  The use of economic instruments (eg charges on waste discharges, sliding-scale tariffs) to effect behavioural change (eg reduction in pollution)  The use of economic instruments (eg water markets, cross subsidisation) as drivers for equitable and efficient water allocation, distribution and utilisation

Water and the Environment – Portfolio of Thrusts  Environmental functioning within the hydrological cycle  Environmental governance systems  Integrative activities

Water and Health – Portfolio of Thrusts  Microbiological quality of water and associated diseases  Chemical quality of water and associated diseases  Safeguarding public health

To recap ….  Who we are and what needs we are fulfilling  How our goals and functions are guided by our mission, vision and values  How our business is structured, into KSAs, Crosscutting Domains and Strategic Drives  Will further elaborate on one of the strategic drives, namely, Capacity Development