SIWI World Water Week in Stockholm, the IUCN Leaders Forum in Geneva and Join For Water International Conference.
Learning and sharing at international conferences
To further our knowledge-building goals, Join For Water participates in international conferences. Three conferences were attended in the fall.
Key takeaways from SIWI World Water Week
This year, there was a notable increase in (indigenous) community representation. Communities are calling for action, not just dialogue. In addition, the water community has made significant progress over the past five years, with improved global connectivity and access to data. However, the key to success lies in thinking beyond traditional approaches, integrating diverse knowledge, and adopting innovative governance models. A recurring theme was the importance of reliable data in water management. Despite advances in technology, many regions still struggle with inaccurate or incomplete data, especially in terms of spatial data and buffer zones around water sources. Effective use of data is essential for decision-making that is both practical and sustainable.
Key takeaways from IUCN Leaders Forum
The IUCN forum broadened our perspective by highlighting the intersection of water management with broader environmental conservation efforts. The forum explored the use of innovative conservation financing mechanisms, such as biodiversity credits and funds, though there is a growing consensus that they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, a more diversified approach to financing conservation initiatives, including water-related projects, is necessary. A good part of the evening sessions was dedicated to young entrepreneurs showcasing the creativity and passion for solving a nature conservation challenge. This reinforced the importance of fostering youth involvement in global environmental efforts as changemakers.
Key takeaways from INBO’s General Assembly
The assembly focussed on water resources management and climate change, and more particularly on how (transboundary) watershed management can be organised to adopt to climate change. Our Participant’s main conclusion: water governance, watershed planning, building information systems for decision-making, and sustainable financing cannot be organised without recognizing and acting upon the effects of climate change.
Join For Water also participated in COP29 in Baku to further its mission of ensuring water remains central to global climate discussions. Learn more here
Knowledge Management at Join For Water
Join For Water organized its own international conference in September 2024. We identified the basic principles of our knowledge management strategy:
- Collective ownership: Knowledge is not just ours; it belongs to all the stakeholders we work with.
- Transparency: We prioritize transparency in how we gather and share knowledge.
- Inclusive access: We strive to ensure that knowledge remains accessible to all relevant stakeholders, particularly those most impacted by water challenges.
- Integration of different types of knowledge: We recognize the importance of combining scientific data with local and indigenous knowledge to create more holistic and sustainable solutions.