The history of WANI started in 2000 with the World Water Vision, based on recognition that water is the basis for all living ecosystems, envisioned in a world in which adequate water is provided to meet basic human needs in an equitable manner and in harmony with nature.

In 2000, the World Water Vision, based on recognition that water is the basis for all living ecosystems, envisioned a world in which adequate water is provided to meet basic human needs in an equitable manner and in harmony with nature. In the same year, IUCN published the  Water and Nature – Vision and Framework for Action. Based on wide consultation over the preceding two years with organisations ranging from grassroots, community-based organisations to international agencies, the World Water Vision put nature at the centre of the emerging global agenda on water and development. Its message was very clear: to achieve a sustainable society that cares for its resources, we must establish a fundamentally new paradigm for the use, development and conservation of water resources.

With global consensus on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), transformation to sustainability must be embedded in development and universal goals for reducing poverty. The key element of the new paradigm advocated in the Water and Nature Vision was identified as implementing IWRM using an ecosystem approach within river basins. 

The Water and Nature Initiative (WANI) was IUCN’s response to the global agenda on water and development in 2000 and the call to move from vision to action. WANI’s main goal was: “Mainstreaming of an ecosystem approach into catchment policies, planning and management.” 

WANI was structured around six strategic objectives:

• Component 1 - to demonstrate ecosystem management in river basins
• Component 2 - to support wise governance of water resources and wetlands
• Component 3 - to develop and apply economic tools and incentive measures
• Component 4 - to empower people to participate in sustainable water management
• Component 5 - to improve knowledge to support decision making
• Component 6 - to learn lessons to raise awareness on wise water use

Under the ‘demonstration logic’ of WANI, demonstration sites were set up to contribute directly to the implementation of IWRM at river basin and national levels using a process of ‘learning-by-doing’. Demonstrations projects were not limited to testing of IWRM implementation, but were also a focus for the learning, partnerships and empowerment needed to catalyse change. Demonstrations were strengthened by the value of IUCN as a network, bridging members and partners in governments, NGOs and local community organisations to influence policy change.

It was recognised from the outset that the budget for WANI was small relative to the many billions invested annually in water management. The underlying intent of WANI was to use innovative and well-targeted activities to guide future investments and, most importantly, to be a catalyst for wider change needed to make the future of water and development sustainable.

For more photos of the WANI team since 2002, click here.