1. http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ Indicators to Measure Progress and Performance IWRM Training Course for the Mekong July 20-31, 2009

2. Learning Objectives http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ Understand how indicators can be applied to measure progress with IWRM and facilitate cooperation between river basins Appreciate the use of indicators to establish goals and measure performance

3. http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ Core Principles behind the IWRM approach: economic efficiency social equity environmental sustainability “How do we know that progress is being made?”

4. What are Indicators? http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ Indicators – useful tools to measure progress and performance Clear – precise and unambiguous Relevant – appropriate to the subject at hand Economical – available at reasonable cost Adequate – provides a sufficient basis to assess performance Monitorable – Must be amenable to independent validation Salvatore Schiavo-Campo, 2000 What is a Good Indicator?

5. What are Indicators? (cont.) http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ In general, indicators are: representation of a trend – tracking the measurable changes over time information that gives a sense of the bigger picture

6. Indicators and Their Use http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ Uses of Indicators Measure progress over time against various water management objectives Measure performance against a target to evaluate the effect of policy actions and plans Present information to the public or stakeholders in a simplified way; and Identify areas for increased attention by an organisation.

7. Criteria for Developing Indicators http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ Simple, easily measured, understood and applied As few as necessary Use existing information where possible Relate at the appropriate scale Detect change Comparable, repeatable and defensible between sites and times Suitable for integration

8. Developing Indicators http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ : For each Water Management Function Establish short term (3 – 5yr) Water Management Objectives Decide small number of indicators for the expected outcomes Check that the information can be collected and meets criteria Adopt the indicators and report on them internally (6 months) and to stakeholders annually

9. Desired Set of Indicators for H 2 O Management http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ ‘M inimum Indicators ’ is used in recognition that: It is better to start with a small set of indicators that are feasible to monitor and to improve over time; and There are many other indicators that could be used to measure progress beyond this basic level.  Start small, build up gradually!

10. Example http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ Function Water Management Objectives Progress indicator Unit/ definition POLLUTION CONTROL Managing pollution using polluter pays principles and appropriate incentives to reduce most important pollution problems and minimise environmental and social impact. 1. The extent of the pollution problem is known and progress being measured. % of surface water quality samples complying with water quality objectives. % of ground water quality samples complying with water quality objectives. %. Number of samples below set standard. %. Number of samples below set standard.

11. http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ Function Water Management Objectives Progress indicator Unit/ definition 2. Major polluters are known and are managed through a licensing (or permit) system. Number of polluters licensed according to the regulations. Number. Number of licenses issued.

12. Basic Functions for WRM http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ Stakeholder participation Implementing stakeholder participation as a basis for decision making takes into account the best interests of society and the environment in the development and use of water resources in the basin.  Develop and maintain an active stakeholder participation process through regular consultation activities.  Provide specialist advice and technical assistance to local authorities and other stakeholders in IWRM.

13. Basic Functions for WRM (cont.) http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ Water allocation Allocating water to major water users and uses maintaining minimum levels for social and environmental use addressing equity and development needs of society.  License of water uses including enforcement of these.

14. Basic Functions for WRM (cont.) http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ Pollution control Managing pollution using polluter pays principles and appropriate incentives to reduce most important pollution problems minimise environmental and social impact  Identify major pollution problems.  License and manage polluters.

15. Basic Functions for WRM (cont.) http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ Monitoring of water resources, water use and pollution Implementing effective monitoring systems provide essential management information Identifying and responding to infringements of laws, regulations and permits.  Carry out hydrological, geographical and socio-economic surveys for the purposes of planning and development of water resources.  Develop, update and maintain a hydrometric database required for controlling compliance of water use allocation.

16. Basic Functions for WRM (cont.) http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ Information management Providing essential data to make informed and transparent decisions for development and sustainable management of water resources in the basin  Define the information outputs that are required by the water managers and different stakeholder groups in a river basin.  Organise, co-ordinate and manage the information management activities so that the water managers and stakeholders get the information they require.

17. Basic Functions for WRM (cont.) http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ Economic and financial management Applying economic and financial tools for investment, cost recovery and behaviour change to support the goals of equitable access and sustainable benefits to society from water use.  Set fees and charges for water use and pollution.

18. Basic Functions for WRM (cont.) http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ River basin planning Preparing and regularly updating the Basin Plan incorporating stakeholder views on development and management priorities for the basin.  Conduct situation analysis with stakeholders.  Assess future developments in the basin.

19. http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ Group Exercise: Function Water Management Objectives Progress indicator Unit/ definition Water Allocation Monitoring Stakeholder Participation Basin Planning Information Management Economic and Financial Management

20. http://www.mekonginstitute.org/ Thank You