Proper water management helps countries achieve inclusive and green growth. At the local level, recent changes in demography and landscape, from urbanization to climate change, have increased the demand for water while degrading water supplies. At the global level, ongoing financial, food, and energy crises have amplified local water challenges. Traditional approaches to water management must be adapted to respond to this changing landscape.
The WPP is one of the World Bank's most important tools for providing client countries with innovative solutions to water security challenges. The WPP 2011 Annual Report offers examples of how WPP activities are strengthening the World Bank's water lending portfolio; securing access to water in a changing climate; and sustaining long-term water availability and quality toward achieving inclusive green growth. Results and impacts across the Bank's six regions are described, including a special focus on Africa.
