"The Green Deal for a Sustainable Future" was the theme of the 2021 digital edition of the European Development Days (EDD21) on 15-16 June, a European Commission event. GWP was represented at a high-level panel on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), and at a discussion on the role of water as a connector in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Both discussions highlighted integration between sectors as key to improving water governance.
To celebrate World Water Day 2021 and show what Valuing Water means in practice across the world, we have invited some of our Water ChangeMakers to share their stories about the way they have made smart decisions that reflect the multiple values of water– from the mountains of Peru, to the plains of Tanzania.
The impacts of climate change manifest through alterations in the water cycle, exposing ecosystems and the livelihoods of people to increased variability in water availability and increased exposure to water-related hazards. These impacts are expected to intensify over time, posing a significant threat. The impacts of climate change in the water sector also hinder economic and social development, emphasizing the need for countries to integrate water security and climate resilience strategies into their development plans.
CWP Benin has just released a new film on its work aiming at processing invasive aquatic plants, the water jacinth. The CWP is planning to collaborate with a Nigerian entrepeneur that is developing and promoting green energy and biofuel, SMEFUNDS. The aim is the production and marketing of ethanol gel.
GWP and Wuhan International Water Law Academy are co-organisers of a 6-part series called the "Transboundary Freshwater Security Governance Train." The second session took place on 16 February on “Ecosystems, International Law, and Transboundary Water Cooperation”. The event gathered over 100 participants, led by a panel of international experts who agreed that ecosystems protection has been gaining increased political acceptance and technical understanding in recent years.
GWP's annual Network Meeting 2019 is coming up. Based on the successful participation of so many Partners at last year’s meeting, an online ‘Follow the Sun’ consultation will be held on 25-26 June. GWPSA's consultation will take place on the 25th June 2019 from 12:00-14:00.
World Wetlands Day is celebrated on 2 February every year to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. The 2021 theme shines a spotlight on wetlands as a source of freshwater and encourages actions to restore them and stop their loss.
12 August marks International Youth Day - the 2019 theme is “transforming education”, highlighting efforts to make education more relevant, equitable and inclusive for all youth. GWP launched its Youth Engagement Strategy in 2015 and has since then been actively pursuing various youth initiatives. Coinciding with International Youth Day, GWP's new Youth Engagement Specialist, Rianna Gonzales, takes up her new position in the GWP secretariat in Stockholm, Sweden. She describes the youth sector as “an explosion of energy and hope."
GWP-Med is leading communication and dissemination efforts in the Horizon 2020 REXUS project, which is employing participatory processes to engage stakeholders in framing WEFE Nexus challenges and jointly developing actionable solutions.
