World Water Week started back in 1991 in Stockholm, it has become the main event to discuss the water issues across the globe and has become the pivotal event of the year to reflect and make a difference to the water issues we have globally. It is organised every year by Stockholm Internalize Water Institute (SIWI). Back in 2017, over 3,300 individuals and around 380 convening organizations from 135 countries participated in the Week.
Poor water management and strained ecosystems cause poverty and violent conflicts, and to avoid a global water crisis, more nature-based solutions are needed. Each year the event focuses on a new theme, in 2018, World Water Week will address the theme “Water, ecosystems and human development”. Previous themes have consisted of, Minimising Harmful Fluxes from Land to Water, Water and Food Security, Water for Development and many more important issues that affect the globe.
Additionally they offer a recognised prize to an individual who has made a difference to the water crisis. The Stockholm Water Prize is the world’s most prominent award for outstanding achievements in water-related activities. The prize honours women, men and organisations whose work contributes to the conservation and protection of water resources, and to the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants. All who have made extraordinary water-related achievements are eligible.
This year’s main focal point of discussion has been for nature based solutions. Many of the speakers expressed their confidence for nature based solutions and the possibilities they were able to achieve from nature. An example is the work of Stockholm Water Prize winners Professors Bruce Rittmann and Mark van Loosdrecht. Bruce Rittmann said in an interview about this; “Microorganisms live in water and when we use microorganisms we are making water a key part of the solution to many of our environmental challenges.” He added: “We want to have a merging of environmental and economic interests. We don’t want to make pollution control and environmental protection just a cost to society, we want to turn that also into a generator of resources and economic value”.
Are you following world water week? What has been your highlight so far? Tweet us @Highfieldrec to let us know!
Looking to speak to one of our expert consultants?
Simply fill out the form below and we will get in contact with you.
"*" indicates required fields
