The SADC Groundwater Management Institute and the Buzi, Pungwe, and Save Watercourses Commission have taken a significant step forward in their collaboration. They sealed their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the globally recognized World Water Week in Stockholm, Sweden, held between 25 and 29 August 2024. This event underscores the international significance of their shared goals in groundwater management within the Southern African Development Community Region and ignites excitement for the unity and common purpose that will drive their future collaboration.
This Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aims to enhance and broaden the existing collaboration between SADC-Groundwater Management Institute and Buzi, Pungwe, and Save Watercourses Commission to facilitate the realization of the objectives set forth by both parties.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) will specifically focus on the following broad areas of collaboration:
- Facilitating transboundary cooperation to integrate and harmonize groundwater provisions between national and basin-level commitments.
- Updating protocols and agreements to address shared groundwater challenges.
- Promoting transboundary aquifer management in the riparian Member States and collaborating with relevant government authorities.
- Jointly finding solutions to shared groundwater challenges through meticulous transboundary analysis and strategic action plans, instilling confidence in the future of groundwater management.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between these institutes follows a longstanding partnership that culminated in previous successful collaborations, such as the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded “Management of Competing Water Uses and Associated Ecosystems in Pungwe, Buzi, and Save Basins (GEF-BUPUSA) Project.
“This MoU strengthens the collaboration framework between the two organizations and will aid in incorporating groundwater management into the BUPUSACOM River Basin Organization,” said Eng. James Sauramba, SADC-GMI Executive Director.
He further emphasized that surface water and groundwater are inseparable – integrating the two resources is critical for sustainable development. Sauramba said SADC-GMI’s mandate is to facilitate the integration of groundwater into River Basin Organizations and promote the coordinated use of surface and groundwater resources within our institutions. This MoU not only paves the way for immediate collaboration but also sets the stage for a promising future in groundwater management, filled with potential and optimism.
Commenting on this significant milestone, the BUPUSACOM Executive Secretary, Eng. Elisha Madamombe highlighted the historical focus on surface water in River Basin Organizations and said by signing this MoU, both SADC-GMI and BUPUSACOM aim to shift more attention to the groundwater component, paving the way for conjunctive water resources management for improved livelihoods. “Importantly, the collaboration between SADC-GMI and BUPSACOM will benefit the marginalized populations of the three riparians who rely solely on groundwater for domestic and agricultural needs,” Eng. Madamombe said.
Eng. Madamombe expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting that it will facilitate the exchange of experiences between the two institutes and bring hope for the future of these populations.
BUPUSACOM, also known as the Buzi-Pungwe-Save River Basin Commission, is a trilateral institution jointly established by Mozambique and Zimbabwe to oversee the integrated planning, sustainable development, and effective management of the water resources within the Buzi, Pungwe, and Save River Basins. These basins, paramount to both countries, require collaborative efforts for sustainable water resource management. The commission serves as a coordination platform for various stakeholders, aiming to address water-related challenges, promote equitable use of water resources, and facilitate cooperation to benefit the region’s socio-economic development and ecological sustainability.
The Southern African Development Community Groundwater Management Institute is established as the regional Centre of excellence in advancing equitable and sustainable groundwater management, with the mandate to provide comprehensive solutions to the diverse groundwater challenges across the SADC region to uplift livelihoods and foster socio-economic development. Through research, education, and practical initiatives, SADC-GMI aims to ensure equitable and sustainable use of groundwater resources.
Congratulations to the SADC Groundwater Management Institute and the Buzi, Pungwe, and Save Watercourses Commission on achieving this notable milestone. We anticipate these collaborative endeavors will benefit both organizations and their respective stakeholders.