News
Introduction
The World Water Congress of the International Water Association (IWA) will take place in Copenhagen, Denmark, between 11 and 15 September 2022, under the theme “Water for smart and livable cities”.
As part of this major event, the 7th International Forum of Water Regulators will also take place. It is important to remember that the first edition of this Forum was held in Lisbon, in 2014, organized by ERSAR.
It is considered opportune to send five messages to regulators of water and sanitation services around the world, and in particular to those who will participate in this 7th Forum.
1st message: Perceiving regulation as an important component of public policy
The first message is that regulation is an important component of public policy for water and sanitation services and has a strong interaction with it. It is not possible to implement a public policy without good regulation, just as regulation is ineffective if there is no good public policy. Regulation plays a key role in policy implementation, as it is the component that can best control or influence all other components. It is essential that regulators understand this and assume this role as a key component of public policies, acting proactively, competently and equidistant from the various interests, in accordance with the law and approved national strategies.
2nd message: Reinforce the effectiveness of the behavioral regulation of management entities
The second message is the need for regulators to reinforce the effectiveness of the traditional role of regulating, monitoring, reconciling and, if necessary, sanctioning the behavior of water and sanitation services management entities, through good legal and contractual, economic, service quality, drinking water quality and user interface. Regulating all management entities with efficiency and equal treatment is essential to be effective in achieving their objectives and earning the respect of all regulated parties.
3rd message: Reinforce the effectiveness of the structural regulation of the sector
The third message is the need for regulators to strengthen the regulation of the water and sanitation services sector as a whole, through an active contribution to its good organization, to adequate legislation, to the necessary information and to the training of professionals . Regulators must be proactive and not follow, they must set the pace and not be dragged along by it, they must be present and not hide in absences.
4th message: Reinforce the efficiency of the regulators’ internal governance
The fourth message is the need to consolidate in the regulators an internal organization of great effectiveness and efficiency, in view of the objectives, mission, mandate, powers and scope of intervention. To this end, regulators must have highly competent human resources, highly motivated and with great team spirit, under strong, clear and recognized leadership.
5th message: Empower regulators for future challenges
The fifth message is the need for regulators to know how to face the sector’s future challenges, identifying what they are and how they should be addressed in time. To do so, they must promote knowledge and transmit it more effectively to policy makers, executives and water professionals. They must spread it among citizens and society. Regulators who only think about the present and the short term certainly do not have a future.
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LIS-Water Association
Lisbon International Centre for Water
NIPC: 515905623
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The vision of Associação LIS-Water – Lisbon International Center for Water is to contribute to a better world through better water governance. It thus promotes more effective, efficient and resilient water supply and wastewater and rainwater management services, within the framework of sustainable development objectives.
These water services are essential for the well-being of citizens and for economic activities, with a clear impact on improving public health, environmental sustainability and mitigating risks, namely arising from climate change.. They generate benefits in terms of job creation, economic growth, increased social stability and reduced conflicts, contributing to a more developed, peaceful, equitable and healthy society.
LIS-Water’s mission is thus to reinforce public policies, regulation and management of water services for the benefit of society, integrating the best knowledge in management, economics, engineering, law, social sciences, communication and other relevant areas.
Together with its partners, the association intends to make available and produce the best and most up-to-date knowledge at an international level and to transfer it continuously to decision-makers, water professionals, industry and society.
In this way, we will make our contribution towards achieving the great goals of humanity regarding better water governance, for a better world.
The Board of Directors
President of the Board of Directors
Member of the Board of Directors
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The members of LIS-Water represent the main players in the water sector in Portugal.
Public institution for research and scientific and technological development in Portugal, one of the largest civil engineering laboratories in the world.
Non-profit entity, formed by the National Association of Portuguese Municipalities, to carry out information, training, research, technical advice, international cooperation on relevant topics for Local Authorities.
Business association that represents and defends the collective interests of private companies that intervene in the environmental sector, acting as a dynamic player in the development of the market in the environmental sector.
Network of entities that aims to develop synergies and maximize potential for the development of the water sector in the world, promoting alliances and partnerships between national institutions and nations committed to the sustainable use of water and the enhancement of water resources.
The AdP Group is responsible for the integrated management of the urban water cycle, providing services to Municipalities, which are simultaneously shareholders of the companies managing multi-municipal systems, and directly serving the population through municipal water supply and sanitation systems.
