SDG 6.5.1, one of the targets under Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) established by the United Nations, focuses on integrated water resources management (IWRM) at a national level. The target aims to implement integrated water resources management plans to promote sustainable use and protection of water resources. The third round of country reporting on SDG indicator 6.5.1 is currently underway. Countries are required to submit their reports on the status of implementation of integrated water resources management (IWRM) by October 2023. This round of reporting follows previous successful exercises in 2017 and 2020, in which 186 countries took part. Countries are asked to complete a self-assessment survey with 33 questions, evaluating the extent to which they have implemented IWRM. The survey assesses the presence and effectiveness of policies, strategies, and institutional frameworks, participatory processes, management instruments and financing for IWRM. Countries are encouraged to facilitate an inclusive and broad stakeholder engagement process to get inputs from all relevant stakeholders in a country, including from the public and private sectors, civil society and academia.
While this might sound great in theory, what practical tools and information are available to you as an IWRM practitioner and engaged citizen to contribute to this monitoring process?
Get informed! The IWRM Data Portal
The portal offers convenient access to the official data on SDG indicator 6.5.1. You can access national reports on SDG 6.5.1 from 186 countries and compare progress across countries and regions in an interactive map. Additionally, the official survey and accompanying materials for the 2023 reporting cycle can be accessed from the dedicated 2023 Reporting page. For those of you interested in other SDG 6 indicators, the SDG 6 Data Portal provides regional and country snapshots, charts and data for download.
Learn from (and exchange with) others! The IWRM Action Hub
This Community is part of the IWRM Action Hub, which gives you access to a wide range of tools, resources, and case studies to enhance understanding and promote best practices in IWRM. You can access a variety of materials in the Learn section, including practical stories and case studies showcasing successful IWRM implementation. The IWRM Action Hub serves as a hub for information exchange, collaboration, and tailored approaches to improve water management practices worldwide. By providing a central platform for knowledge sharing and offering resources for IWRM implementation, the hub empowers individuals and stakeholders to make informed decisions and take action to address water management challenges effectively.
Compare your opinion with the official country score! The IWRM Survey
One specific tool available on the IWRM Action Hub is the online IWRM survey. The online survey replicates the 33 questions of the official SDG 6.5.1 survey completed by countries. By completing the survey, you can compare your own assessment with the official country responses on SDG 6.5.1 and gain a deeper understanding of the key challenges related to IWRM implementation in your country.
The IWRM Survey tool not only provides a self-assessment mechanism but also offers tailored content recommendations on your country’s specific challenges, including Tools, Resource Library, and Case Studies sections.
These are just some of the tools that can help you to raise awareness, identify local challenges and global best practices, and advocate for improved water management practices in your country. Are you actively engaged in SDG 6.5.1 monitoring in your country? Please share your experience in the comments.