Japan announces a new ODA Initiative: "Water and Sanitation Broad Partnership Initiative" (WASABI)

Fourth World Water Forum,
Mexico City, Mexico
March 20, 2006

(Note) Wasabi: Wasabi is a plant indigenous to Japan that can only inhabit locations where clean spring water flows. The underground stem has an intense, piquant flavor and is universally known for its use as a condiment on foods like sushi.

1. Japan is the largest donor on water and sanitation since the 1990s. Japan's ODA related to water and sanitation between 2000 and 2004 was $4.6 billion, constituting 41% of the bilateral donors' total. Under WASABI, Japan will strengthen its contribution on water and sanitation to contribute toward achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

   (Note) MDG Target 10 aims to halve, by 2015, the proportion of people without sustainable access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation.

2. WASABI particularly emphasizes three key approaches.

   A. Sustainability of water use

   Japan has historically dealt with water-related hazards such as floods, droughts and water pollution. Based on its experience, Japan attaches importance to promoting sustainability of water use. At the policy level, Japan will provide support to the formulation of integrated water resources management (IWRM) plans. In Indonesia, Japan has utilized its experience, expertise and technology to support IWRM projects for the Brantas River basin through human resources and infrastructure development. Japan will also promote sustainability of water infrastructure through support to its maintenance, management and operation.

   B. Human Security

   In the efforts to improve people's access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation, the human security approach, which seeks to empower the local people as "promoters of development" and to protect them from threats such as lack of access, water pollution, and natural disasters. Japan will incorporate the human security perspective in its ODA activities.

   C. Broad Partnerships

   Japan will make efforts to broaden partnerships with international organizations, other donor countries, local governments and NGOs, etc. This will improve aid effectiveness. As one example, the U.S.-Japan Clean Water for People Initiative has contributed significantly to providing safe water and sanitation to the world's poor.

Related Information (Japan's ODA)
Related Information (World Water Forum)