Asia, Pacific lifts 2.7 bln people from water insecurity, but ecosystem decline threatens progress: ADB report

MANILA, Dec. 9 (Xinhua): More than 60 percent of Asia and the Pacific's population, about 2.7 billion people, has been lifted from extreme water insecurity over the past 12 years, but these hard-won gains are threatened by accelerating environmental decline and a major financing gap, according to a new Asian Development Bank (ADB) report.

The Asian Water Development Outlook (AWDO) 2025, published on Tuesday, finds that renewed political commitment, targeted investments, and governance reforms since 2013 have driven this progress.

But ecosystem decline, climate risks, and funding shortfalls for water investments threaten to plunge billions back into water insecurity.

Wetlands, rivers, aquifers, and forests that sustain long-term water security are deteriorating fast. Extreme weather events threaten a region that already accounts for 41 percent of the world's floods. In recent weeks, parts of Southeast and South Asia have been hit by devastating floods.

The AWDO estimates that 4 trillion U.S. dollars through 2040, or 250 billion dollars a year, is needed to meet the region's water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) needs alone.

"Asia's water story is a tale of two realities, with monumental achievements on water security coupled with rising risks that could undermine this progress," said ADB Senior Director for Water and Urban Development Norio Saito.

"Without water security, there is no development. This report shows we need to act urgently to restore ecosystem health, strengthen resilience, improve water governance, and deploy innovative finance to deliver long-term water security, especially for the neediest communities," Saito added.

The AWDO assesses water security across five dimensions: access to clean water and sanitation for people living in villages and cities; the availability of water for key economic sectors, such as agriculture; the condition of rivers and other natural ecosystems; and protection measures against droughts, floods, and other water-related disasters.

The AWDO notes that progress can be sustained if nature is protected and integrated into water systems through national river health monitoring, stronger pollution controls, and better watershed protection.

Stronger governance systems that prioritize prevention will improve climate resilience, and water systems will be more effective if subnational bodies are given the resources and authority to manage them.

The report says that efforts must be inclusive, engaging women and young people, if investments are to succeed.

The report finds that current spending on WASH infrastructure covers less than 40 percent of the estimated 250 billion dollars needed every year, leaving an annual shortfall of more than 150 billion dollars.

AWDO is a comprehensive assessment of water security in Asia and the Pacific issued every three to six years.