UK government appoints Arup to landmark water resilience programme

Initiated by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the £39 million five-year programme will see private and public sector actors join forces to develop and implement solutions across three areas, focussing on technical assistance for improved water management and stability.

Alongside partners including the Alliance for Global Water Adaptation (AGWA), Deltares and the International Water Institute (IWMI), Arup will support with the implementation of the Water Resilience Tracker, supporting countries with integrated climate action planning.

Designed to further bridge the interconnected crises of water scarcity and climate change, the Water Resilience Tracker will enable water to be prioritised in the development of solutions. Arup will support to deliver the consortium’s target of using the tracker to enhance water resilience in more than 25 additional lower-and middle-income countries by 2030.

With climate pressures increasing globally and impacts having most negative consequences on those most vulnerable, the tracker was conceived to help governments and cross-sector actors understand the importance of water. Designed to further bridge the interconnected crises of water scarcity and climate change, it will serve as a new mechanism for outlining how water processes can be managed sustainably.

Martin Shouler, Associate Director, Arup, said: "The Water Resilience Tracker paves the way for coordinated and targeted climate action, highlighting the vital role of water in building a resilient future. It's a huge privilege to be partnering with AWGA, Delatres and IWMI to accelerate equitable progress in lower-and-middle-income countries, creating lasting and positive change for generations to come. Arup is dedicated to delivering sustainable development globally--encompassing a commitment to implementing climate change solutions that also consider connected crises like water scarcity."

By bringing global water scarcity further to the fore of climate conversations, the appointed consortium partners seek to connect related and consequential issues, such as impacts on population health and national economies.

The wider programme will focus on building wealth and enabling prosperity, driven by improved water security, accountability and subsequent investment in related infrastructure and systems. This will see measures for water governance, developing and implementing related policies, and embedding steps for equitable management prioritised.

Idrees Malyar, Programme Director, Alliance for Global Water Adaptation, said: "As a former deputy minister from a least developed country (LDC), I wish I had access to a tool and a process like the Water Resilience Tracker as a way to help my government understand and implement resilience for the prosperity and health of our economy, ecosystems, and communities. We hope the Tracker can leverage resilience for dozens of countries globally."

Discussed at both Africa and Cairo Water Week, the initiatives outlined as part of the Just Transitions Water Security programme will serve as landmark investment in climate action in the Global South. Unlocking water resilience for the next generation, the consortium is committed to delivering sustainable development through cross-sector and multinational collaboration.