This document outlines the United States strategy to meet global water challenges. It outlines the Global Water Challenge and the vision of the United States on the Global Water Strategy, sets out the U.S. Government strategic (interrelated) objectives, and sets out tools and approaches for achieving the four strategic objectives. It also defines guiding principles and defines high priority under the Water for the World Act 2014 for a year ending in the autumn of 2018. Plans for implementing the Strategy in these high-priority countries and regions are summarized in the USAID agency-specific plan set out in this document. The four interconnected strategic objectives are - Increasing sustainable access to safe drinking water and sanitation services, and the adoption of key hygiene behaviors; Encouraging the sound management and protection of freshwater resources; Promoting cooperation on shared waters; and, Strengthening water-sector governance, financing, and institutions. To achieve these objectives, the United States will provide technical assistance; make targeted investments in sustainable infrastructure and services; promote science, technology, and information; mobilize financial resources; engage diplomatically; and, strengthen partnerships and intergovernmental organizations. This will be achieved through direct assistance to countries, scientific and technical engagement, and support to international organizations, institutions, and partnerships. Implementation of the Global Water Strategy (the Strategy) will be coordinated in Washington, D.C. through the Interagency Water Working Group, and in the host countries through U.S. Missions. The Strategy aims to reduce disease and save lives, eradicate poverty, and promote sustainable economic growth, increase food and energy security, build peace and security, and open up international markets to U.S. technologies and approaches. U.S. international engagement will also inform best practices and cultivate opportunities to strengthen water security in the United States. As for the first strategic objective, access to safe drinking water, especially by women and girls, is highlighted. Water pollution, water pollution, increasing water demand, and dwindling water supplies are the principal challenges in water resources management. To address these challenges, the U.S. government will promote common-sense conservation and a risk-based approach to water resources management by engaging stakeholders to identify the greatest needs and vulnerabilities and to prioritize actions that can address those risks most effectively and efficiently. These efforts will also seek to create greater integration between water management activities and programs aimed at bolstering the resilience of communities, and build bridges among water management, humanitarian assistance, and longer-term food security to ensure sustainability. U.S. government’s tools and approaches for achieving the four Strategic Objectives include providing of technical assistance, investing in sustainable infrastructure and services, promoting science, technology, innovation, and information, mobilizing financial resources, diplomatic engagement, strengthening of partnerships, intergovernmental organizations, and the international community. The above tools and approaches follow guiding principles of sustainability, gender equality and empowerment, local ownership, and the appropriate protection and use of indigenous knowledge, maximizing impact, and a whole-of-government approach. Under this Strategy, the United States will focus its efforts on those countries and geographic areas where the needs are greatest, and where U.S. engagement can best protect our national security interests.
الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية · 2017-01-01