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Sustainable Development Goals 6.5.1
Degree of integrated water resources management (IWRM) implementation
SDG 6.5.1 – Degree of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Implementation
Pakistan Water Partnership (PWP), in collaboration with national stakeholders and international partners under the SDG 6 IWRM Support Programme, has been supporting Pakistan’s monitoring and reporting on SDG Indicator 6.5.1 – Degree of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) Implementation. SDG 6.5.1 measures the extent to which IWRM is implemented at national and other relevant levels, with a focus on four key dimensions: the enabling environment, institutions and participation, management instruments, and financing. The indicator provides an important framework for assessing progress, identifying gaps and strengthening coordinated and sustainable water resources management.
In Pakistan, PWP has played a facilitating and convening role in the national SDG 6.5.1 monitoring process by bringing together relevant government institutions, technical agencies, academia, civil society and other water-sector stakeholders. National stakeholder consultations and workshops have provided a platform for reviewing the status of IWRM implementation, validating available information, discussing progress and challenges, and identifying areas requiring further action. The first national stakeholder consultation for SDG 6.5.1 was held in Islamabad in December 2017, providing an important foundation for Pakistan’s initial assessment and subsequent reporting.
The process was further strengthened through subsequent rounds of national consultations and monitoring, including the 2020 and 2023 reporting cycles. The 2023 global data collection round specifically included SDG 6.5.1, with countries requested to review and update their IWRM implementation status through a participatory consultation and validation process.
Through these activities, PWP has contributed to strengthening dialogue and coordination among stakeholders on IWRM, while supporting evidence-based assessment of Pakistan’s progress towards SDG Target 6.5: “By 2030, implement integrated water resources management at all levels, including through transboundary cooperation as appropriate.” The process also helps identify institutional, policy, technical and financial gaps and provides a basis for strengthening national action towards more coordinated, inclusive, climate-resilient and sustainable water governance.
The SDG 6.5.1 process is not limited to reporting an indicator; it is intended to encourage continuous dialogue, coordination and action among stakeholders to accelerate the implementation of IWRM. PWP remains committed to supporting this multi-stakeholder process and contributing to Pakistan’s efforts to advance integrated, participatory and sustainable water resources management in line with the 2030 Agenda and national water priorities.
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Sustainable Development Goals 6.6.1
Water related ecosystems
The Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6.6.1 focuses on protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems, including wetlands, rivers, lakes, groundwater and other freshwater ecosystems, which are essential for water security, livelihoods, biodiversity and climate resilience. In Pakistan, the Pakistan Water Partnership (PWP), in collaboration with national and international partners, has contributed to advancing the understanding, monitoring and implementation of SDG 6.6.1 and promoting stronger attention to the conservation and sustainable management of water-related ecosystems.
As part of these efforts, PWP has facilitated national consultations, technical discussions and stakeholder workshops during different phases of the SDG 6.6.1 process, including engagements held during 2017–2020 and subsequent activities in 2023 and onwards. These consultations brought together representatives from government institutions, technical organizations, academia, civil society, development partners and other relevant stakeholders to discuss the status of Pakistan’s water-related ecosystems, key challenges, data and monitoring needs, and opportunities for ecosystem protection and restoration.
The work has also contributed to strengthening awareness and coordination around ecosystem-related targets under SDG 6, particularly through improved stakeholder engagement, knowledge sharing and identification of priority areas for action. Special attention has been given to the pressures facing Pakistan’s rivers, wetlands, lakes, groundwater systems and other water-dependent ecosystems, including climate change, water scarcity, pollution, land-use change and increasing demand for water resources.
PWP continues to support dialogue and collaboration among relevant stakeholders to promote integrated water resources management, ecosystem restoration, climate resilience and sustainable water governance. Through these efforts, the Partnership aims to contribute to evidence-based planning and policy development and to strengthen Pakistan’s progress towards SDG 6.6.1 and the broader objective of ensuring sustainable and resilient water resources for present and future generations.