Starting May 29th: Water Systems Design: Learning from the Past for Resilient Water Futures
Explore the design and management of water systems through analyzing the successes and failures of water systems of the past. Bring your own case to the course and apply what you have learned to your own context to ensure the long-term resilience of water systems in the light of the challenges of climate change.
Recent events and disasters have made water management professionals realize that the current application of technology and economic measures might not be sufficient in light of the challenges of climate change. Ensuring drinking water supply and irrigation while protecting against floods and droughts requires long-term thinking and a comprehensive approach. How can we learn from the spaces and practices of the past to improve current water systems design and common practices?
This innovative course offers a unique approach for water management specialists who want to think outside the box and move towards designing long-lasting, resilient and sustainable water systems.
The approach is built upon the following pillars:
Learning from successes and failures of the past
Many water systems of the past were sustainable. What can we learn from them? You will identify past interventions, both the good (irrigation systems, stepwells, polders for subsistence, etc.) and the bad (laws preventing equal access to water, polluting practices, dams destroying ecosystems, etc.) and apply them to a future design.
Increasing water awareness among diverse stakeholders
Realizing the role of water in our environment and our interaction with it (from objects to landscapes) can inspire you to develop new ways of thinking and innovations of water systems design, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Designing future sustainable systems through value-based approaches
Recognizing spatial, social and cultural values is key to improving decision-making and engagement among water professionals and their stakeholders. You will find new ways to build coalitions and to design more sustainable solutions.
Join the course.
