Rivers, deltas and estuaries are part and form specific ecosystems composed by ecological and physical characteristics, humans and human activities, plants and animals.

These ecosystems have been rapidly changed due to human interventions, often planned according to economic interests without a systemic approach considering the various actors affected. The event gathers international experts from different fields (ecology, biology, anthropology, urban planning, history, heritage conservation, architecture, water management, hydrology and artists) to reflect upon current and future challenges for water bodies. The aim is to start the construction of a shared toolkit of methodologies and approaches to tackle water related challenges. The conversation will be based on the audio-video material (30 minutes ca) created by the core partners through Water Walks along several water basins all over the world. The discussion will be held in front of an audience of students and water practitioners

Co-Host:

Carola Hein UNESCO Chair Water, Ports, and Historic Cities;
Karl M. Wantzen, UNESCO Chair River Culture;
Marta Gutman, Dean Bernard and Anne Spitzer School at the City College of New York | CUNY

• Introduction

Carola Hein UNESCO Chair Water, Ports, and Historic Cities;
Marta Gutman, Dean Bernard and Anne Spitzer School at the City College of New York | CUNY

• Visioning of international River Walks (30 Min) and discussion: what are the challenges faced by river bodies?

Karl M. Wantzen, UNESCO Chair River Culture

• Presentation of Methods

Eriberto Eulisse, Wamu-Net;
Maarten Ouboter, Water Authority Amstel, Gooi en Vecht (AGV);
Ellen Schultz, Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center;
Katherine Daniell, ANU Institute for Water Futures;
Diana Morales Irato, Deltares and Valuing Water Initiative;
Sylvia Amann, Inforelais;
Bonnie Harken, President Nautilus International Development Consulting.

• Discussion: How to combine those methods to tackle water challenges?
  
• Conclusion

Carola Hein UNESCO Chair Water, Ports, and Historic Cities;
Karl M. Wantzen, UNESCO Chair River Culture.