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“If only water resources management could be explained in the way that you explained it, then it would be understood.”
It was these words from the Mayor of Cebu that opened Marie Dianne Rallon’s eyes. Implementing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) systems in the Philippines was suffering from lack of understanding.
Marie, who had recently taken the Human Rights-based approach to Integrated Water Resources Management course, was in conversation with the Mayor and other government representatives to address the political issues that often interfered with the people’s rights to water.
[Marie explains political atmosphere]Marie recognized that IWRM creates the safe space for multi-sectoral collaboration, even across political party lines, so she embarked on a mission. Marie decided to leverage her significant communication skills to get water actors to work together.
[Marie mentions the rights to water angles – accessibility, affordability]The river basin control office put in place to manage the Central Cebu Protected Lansdcape is now integrating IWRM approaches, with Marie’s support.
Marie is now advocating for government funding to be allocated specifically to water issues. She is also planning to create a library of water resource material for training government officials.
[Marie speaks about change not being linear]