DATE / TIME:

2018/08/26    09:00 - 10:30

Location:

Stockholm, Sweden

Co-Organisers: UNU-FLORES, United Nations University-Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH), Global Water Operators’ Partnerships Alliance at UN-Habitat, Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA e.V.), IRIDRA

Image: brytta, MHLE/iStockphoto; Design: Claudia Matthias/UNU-FLORES

Speakers:

• Fabio Masi (IRIDRA)
• Alexander Wolf (BORDA)
• Nidhi Nagabhatla (UNU-INWEH)
• Paula Kehoe (San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, on behalf of GWOPA at UN-Habitat)
• Kurt Brueggemann (UNU-FLORES)

Chair and Moderator: Tamara Avellán (UNU-FLORES)

The implementation of the water- and interrelated SDGs calls for joint action by various stakeholder groups empowered by the provision of data, information, and knowledge on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) through modern easy-to-use information and communication tools.

The objective of the event is to understand how information tools need to be designed to optimise and increase the use of multifunctional nature-based solutions. It will address the design and implementation of online platforms which can support scientists and practitioners in their contributions to the SDGs related to Water & Sanitation, Urban Resilience, Energy, and Water & Food Security. It will explore how a Nexus Approach to managing water, soil, and waste contributes to achieving interrelated SDGs.

Each representing a different perspective, speakers will give a short statement. The panel will discuss opportunities and challenges associated with using wetlands as nature-based solutions for addressing pollution abatement, along with other ecological services and benefits with a focus on the design and use of information and knowledge tools designed to facilitate SDG goals and targets implementation. The audience will play a major role in this seminar. Participants are encouraged to share their views, experiences, and questions.

Bring your mobile devices! A highlight of the event will be the global launch of the Constructed Wetlands Knowledge Platform. During his talk, Kurt Brüggemann will introduce the alpha version of the Platform and invite the audience and panel speakers to discuss how the platform can be used in various settings. Participants are encouraged to test the Platform on site for the first time and provide real-time feedback through an online survey.

• 9:00–9:15: Keynote speech: “Wetlands Beyond Pollution Control – Thoughts on a Circular Economy”, by Fabio Masi
• 9:15–9:45: Panel discussion
• 9:45–10:25: World Café addressing 5 questions on each topic of the presenters (2 x 20 min discussion)
• 10:25–10:30: Wrap-up by Chair

Exhibition Booth

You will also have the opportunity to learn more about the research and activities of the United Nations University in the UN Water exhibition area at World Water Week. Scholars from UNU-FLORES and the UNU Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH) will be available to provide information and answer your questions. Be sure to come say hello!

Background

World Water Week is the annual focal point for the globe’s water issues. It is organised by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) and will this year address the theme “Water, Ecosystems, and Human Development”.

Experts,practitioners, decision makers, business innovators, and young professionals from a range of sectors and countries come to Stockholm for World Water Week to network, exchange ideas, foster new thinking, and develop solutions to the most pressing water-related challenges of today.

Related Websites and Publications:
Event Website
Book on wetlands from UNU-INWEH
Fabio Masi´s publication on wetlands in a circular economy
World Water Development Report 2018 on “Nature-based solutions for water”