Australia has valuable expertise in managing water scarcity, drought and floods—and practical experience in engaging communities in complex water reform that balances many potential values of water.
Through partnerships and collaboration with Australian and international allies, our Indo-Pacific Partners are creating healthier communities and more sustainable livelihoods, while building resilience to future stresses.
With climate risks escalating, our work in water and climate across the region forms a vital part of the Australian aid program.
Our approach
- AWP Mission: Through trusted partnerships, mobilise Australian water sector expertise to address demand from the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
- AWP Vision: Enhanced sustainable and climate-resilient management of water in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
Partnership is central to our approach. The Australian water community, Indo-Pacific Partners and International Allies all make up our Water for Development Community.
We draw on the strengths and knowledge of these partners—but reciprocity and joint problem-solving are equally important. We continue to learn and innovate through our partnerships and communicate our learnings back to our community.
Our Theory of Change articulates how we work with partners to achieve our long-term development outcomes. When we work with an Indo-Pacific partner, it is through one of three tiers of engagement—each with a different level of expectation around outcomes, ambition and impact.
Origins and growth
In May 2015, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) established the Australian Water. Partnership through the Australian international development assistance program, DFAT has funded consecutive grants until 30 June 2024, totalling over AU$60 million.
People and governance
AWP is managed by eWater Group – an organisation, jointly owned by all Australian governments, to provide creative, science-based, and trusted water management expertise and tools to meet Australian and international needs.
We manage funds from the Australian Government’s international development assistance program with integrity, quality, transparency and accountability. This is achieved through structural separation between eWL’s business divisions, oversight and advice from independent committees and robust internal processes.
Our people are critical to our impact, and we are proud of the diverse, knowledgeable and committed team represented by our senior management and staff, in-country coordinators, and Expert Review Panel.
Our Team
The AWP team comprises the General Manager, senior management, operational staff, and regional coordinators. The Mekong Coordinator (based in Phnom Penh) provides support and a direct line of contact between the senior management team and in-country partners.
Our General Manager and senior management team meet regularly with DFAT’s Climate Integration and Water Section on matters relating to strategic planning and reporting.
Funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is currently the sole funder of AWP. Primary engagement is through the Water Security Section of DFAT’s Climate Change and Sustainability Division in Canberra which provides the connection with DFAT Posts, regional staff and water specialists.