Of the 5 proposed targets for Thematic Priority 2.4, Target 1 is the most cross-cutting and will bring together the work of the other targets and link to the regional and political processes for the Forum. In this way, Target 1 will mobilize knowledge and evidence, develop action on solutions and ultimately support policy makers with recommendations that specifically address how water can contribute to green growth. Target 1 is closely aligned with an on-going project of the World Water Council and the Korean Government focusing specifically on water and green growth. The project aims to develop and promote a framework clarifying the role and importance of water and green growth, including policy options and mid-and long-term roadmaps, for presentation at the Forum and in other international meetings, and to ensure that water features a high priority on the international agenda for green growth.There are three phases to this project:

Phase 1 (2010 – 2011) Define the meaning of “Water and Green Growth” and prepare a series of case studies. Develop a general framework including tools and methods to support the implementation of water and green growth policies.Organise workshop(s) of international experts to validate the framework that could be the basis of a panel of high level personalities.

Phase 2 (2012). Promote and communicate with the results of the Phase 1 at the Forum and in other international meetings. Tentatively prepare a roadmap for strengthening the role of water in green Growth.

Phase 3 Develop innovative solutions for water related issues based on the results of the Phase 1 and Phase 2.

Integrating Target 1 and the joint project will require the following steps:

Formulation of a framework for action

Promoting the adoption of the framework into outputs of the political process

Supporting the adoption of the framework by champions in the political processes

It is expected that the following key topics will be covered by the framework:

Policy for the development of a green economy, including the creation of enabling environments for green growth using legal, institutional, and regulatory instruments.

Identification of possible transition pathways leading to a green economy, including estimating returns on investment for technologies and natural capital, introducing sustainable financing models, including ecosystem valuation in policy making and improving green accounting and data quality.

Framing political messages around green growth from the Forum

Creating a synthesis of other Forum targets under 2.4 and in other processes.

This project will require the collaboration of a wide variety of key stakeholders, many of whom are already working in the area of water and green growth towards a green economy. These include the OECD, UN-Water, UNEP, UNESCAP, and national governments at all levels of economic development. As nations everywhere are looking to continue growing and developing their economies, the lessons learned by past mistakes in managing environmental resources can offer both cost savings and encourage more stable economies in the future. The proposed framework will help to identify the key role water plays in the greening of growth and how this can be implemented in policy making at all levels of government. This means fostering economic growth and development, while ensuring that natural assets continue to provide the resources and environmental services on which our well-being relies. This means catalysing investment and innovation which will underpin sustained growth and give rise to new economic opportunities.

www.waterandgreengrowth.org