22 March 2021
IIASA Water Security group is involved in several regional and global activities and initiatives focused on providing scientific knowledge needed to address the quest for water security. The group helps bridge science-policy-practice gaps related to water management and identifies solutions options that will ensure sustainable water futures.
As per the UN Water, the theme of this year’s World Water Day is valuing Water. Under the theme of Valuing Water, the 2021 campaign aims at generating a global, public conversation about how people value water for all its uses. The aim is to create a more comprehensive understanding of how Water is Valued by different people in different contexts so we can safeguard this precious resource for everyone. The value of water is much more than its price, see below five different perspectives highlighted by UN Water.
Valuing Water: Five different perspectives
1. Valuing water sources – natural water resources and ecosystems.
2. Valuing water infrastructure – storage, treatment and supply.
3. Valuing water services – drinking water, sanitation and health services.
4. Valuing water as an input to production and socio-economic activity.
5. Valuing socio-cultural aspects of water – recreational, cultural and spiritual attributes.
Highlights of IIASA Water Security Group Research and Activities
The IIASA Water Security group has continually been active in water science since the institute's inception in 1972. The group develops models and uses scenario-based approaches to support policymakers with sound scientific data and tools for responding to current and future global water challenges.
Credit: Adam Islaam | IIASA
Policy briefs
Cooperation and joint investments are key to sustainable development in the Indus basin
Sustainable development pathways to water, food, and energy security in the Zambezi basin
Water Games: A joint initiative by IIASA and the Centre for Systems Solutions
With the growing population and environmental degradation, we are at a point where around 60% of people do not have access to sufficient and stable freshwater resources. How to address different water challenges? How to safeguard water resources for the benefit of our livelihood, culture, and environment?
Games and Simulations can provide exciting and insightful ways to raise awareness, develop empathy, and explore the opportunities and limitations of achieving clean and accessible water for all. IIASA and the Centre for Systems Solutions have been collecting and describing such water-related games and their applications on the Water Games website for several years.
Join us to celebrate World Water Day and Sustainable Development Goal 6 to ensure clean water and sanitation for all. Visit the Water Games page on the Games4Sustainability website to find tools to promote change towards sustainable behaviors.
© Piotr Magnuszewski | IIASA
International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA)
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