Coping with climate change

Water management in Ghana
In Ghana, as in other countries, water resources are vital for the continued socio-economic development and betterment of the population’s livelihood. Simulations using projected climate change scenarios indicate an overall reduction in river flows in Ghana by 2050.

The impact of such changes on water resource availability can put the country’s development at risk and lead to regional conflicts. Hence, sound and pragmatic approaches to water resource management and sustainable resource utilization are called for - especially for a regionally shared river system like the Volta Basin.

Handling water shortage
Denmark has supported Ghana through its Water Resources Commission to introduce and mainstream the principles of integrated water resources management (IWRM) at various levels of society. IWRM seems the proper way to manage and develop water resources in a sustainable way: at a national level through, for instance, formulation of an IWRM policy, introduction of water abstraction permit regulations and preparation of a policy for river bank zoning (creation of buffer strips); and at river basin level, through establishment of basin-based organisations to guide and oversee the management of the water resources.

Excess water in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, the people cope with overflowing rivers, as these rivers are literally the drainpipes of the Himalayas. The problem will be worsened by a rising sea level and an expected increased number of severe floods and cyclones due to climate change.

Under such conditions, the infrastructure is fragile and roads built in Bangladesh without considering the effects of climate change could be severely damaged by ever more frequent and violent floods.

On the other hand, sustainable roads built on embankments contribute to controlling the water and providing shelter to people and animals.

Therefore, Denmark and Bangladesh are engaged in development cooperation to climate-proof road constructions to withstand floods and allow drainage. This involves coordination with other aspects of the practical planning, such as the construction of embankments, the placement of the roads, the building materials used, construction principles and future maintenance.

	Bangladeshi women are building a road with support from Danida. Small as well as big projects are sought adapted to climate change. Photo: Jan Møller Hansen, Danida
	The Ghanaian people depend on their water-supply for betterment. This water pump is elevated to facilitate the work. Photo: Jørgen Schytte, Danida

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