Team members of the Interreg Alpine Space project Waterwise recently participated in the closing event of the OSCE workshop series “Drops of the Future” (26/02-27/02), a series which focuses on the Water-Energy-Food Nexus in Central Asia and puts a specific emphasis on the involvement of youth, especially young women, in water-related decision-making processes.
The event consisted of an official welcome event at the famous Hofburg palace in Vienna where several ambassadors and representatives highlighted the importance of the water resources for Central Asian countries and communities. The participants then went to the BOKU River Lab premises where they held a stand in an exhibition bringing together various initiatives engaged in protecting water resources in Central Asia and around the world. Waterwise also engaged in a panel discussion on a forward-looking view on water, energy and food, more precisely on how Waterwise aims at accompanying solutions from the territories.
Waterwise assumed the role of a best-practice example, presenting our ongoing research project to bring sustainable management strategies for Alpine water resources to life. The event and Waterwise’s contribution, with a strong focus on co-designing those strategies, highlighted the importance of involving local stakeholders when addressing climate change.
A big interest for our colleagues there was to learn more on the ancient conflicts over water resources in Central Asia and the solutions that are or are not put in place today. These elements of reflexion may appear useful to consider the rapid changes of the water resources in the European Alps.
Visit OSCE‘s website to read more about the event.
