Although water resources are available in Sudan, some parts of the country continue to face a number of diverse challenges from overuse and depletion of aquifers in central and northern parts of the country, to potential contamination from industrial and urban waste. These challenges include the impact of climate change with the increased frequency and severity of droughts and floods, a growing population, changing livelihoods and expectations, and rapid urbanization.
Spotlight: How water is helping to end 'the first climate change war'
In 2005 Sudan committed to implement Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) in order to promote the sustainable and equitable management of water resources. In 2007, at the request of the Government of Sudan the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) published a Post-Conflict Environmental Assessment of Sudan which made recommendations centered on developing IWRM approaches in Sudan.
In 2010, UNEP conducted a study tour to South Africa to enable water professionals and decision-makers to learn about the post-apartheid reforms on water management. This study tour and the vision statements produced by the delegates became the basis for the development of IWRM approaches in Darfur and Sudan. This initiative notably supported the first major participatory catchment management project in the country. Today, IWRM is one of the main components of UNEP’s work in Sudan. In 2020, UNEP published Integrated Water Resources Management Good Practices in Sudan, a report which collates information around IWRM good practices and case studies from Sudan.
Since 2013, UNEP has been implementing the Wadi El Ku Catchment Management Project, which was recently featured in The Guardian. The project was designed to build the knowledge base on water resources in the project area and make water resources data widely available to strengthen and inform water-related decision-making and project implementation. The project made significant contributions to conflict resolution, improved food security and livelihoods, and increased the agricultural productivity of farmers.
Now in its second phase, the project will continue to serve as a demonstration project for uptake and replication in the wider Wadi El Ku, as well as in Darfur and Sudan in the future. It will also contribute to the overall objective of establishing climate-resilient livelihoods and reducing natural resource conflicts and displacement due to the loss of livelihoods in North Darfur. The Wadi El Ku Catchment Management project is funded by the European Union and implemented by UNEP in partnership with Federal and State Government, locally-based civil society organisations led by Practical Action, and local communities.
Through its “Adapt for Environment and Climate Resilience in Sudan” project (or simply “ADAPT!”), UNEP promoted IWRM approaches and evidence-based policy- and decision-making. ADAPT! also aimed to scale up successful environmental practices in development and humanitarian programming. UNEP wants to effect positive change by supporting policy and institutional reform in natural resources management and help Sudan formulate project proposals to mobilize resources. ADAPT! was funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and implemented by UNEP in partnership with the Government of Sudan.
Between 2015 to 2018, through the Qatar-funded Darfur Development Strategy (DDS) project, UNEP improved IWRM approaches and increased the coverage and access to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in rural and nomadic areas of Darfur.
Related Publications:
- Integrated Water Resources Management Good Practices in Sudan (English) (2020)
- Integrated Water Resources Management Good Practices in Sudan (Arabic) (2020)
- Sudan Integrated Environmental Programme
- Wadi El Ku Catchment Management Project
- How Water is Helping to End 'the First Climate Change War' (2019)
