Angola Country Water Partnership Launched

The Angolan Country Water Partnership (CWP) was officially launched in June 2007 by the Minister of Water and Energy, Mr. Jose Botelho DE VASCONCELOS in Luanda. Global Water Partnership Southern Africa (GWPSA) and Angola CWP were also honoured by the presents of the GWP Organisation Executive Secretary, Mr. Emilio Gabrielle and the GWPO Network Officer for Southern Africa, Mr. Ally Kerman, who are both based in Sweden .

The launch which was symbolised by a "ring of partners holding hands" to demonstrate everyone working together towards sustainable water resources management in Angola. The region was represented by the GWPSA Executive Secretary, Ruth Beukman.

Angola is the 12th CWP to be launched in southern Africa. Its launch is very significant in the SADC region because Angola is establishing a neutral national multi-stakeholder platform – which is now common in ALL SADC mainland state partnership. GWPSA is positive that this will facilitate both national and SADC processes, including those of transboundary water resources management and development.

Soon after the launch the CWP and the Department of Water Affairs worked on the development of an IWRM Roadmap for Angola - an activity GWP SA is conducting in partnership with UNEP Collaborating Centre on Water and Environment (UCCWater).