SWWW 2018 Outcomes // Using Information Tools on Multifunctional Nature-based Solutions to Achieve SDGs
The implementation of the water- and interrelated SDGs calls for joint action by various stakeholder groups empowered by the provision of data, information and knowledge on Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) through modern easy-to-use information and communication tools. The objective of the event was to understand how information tools need to be designed to optimise and increase the use of multifunctional nature-based solutions.
SWWW 2018 Panel // Using Information Tools on Multifunctional Nature-based Solutions to Achieve SDGs
The implementation of the water- and interrelated SDGs calls for joint action by various stakeholder groups empowered by the provision of data, information and knowledge on…
The SWWW 2018 Outcomes series provides access to key resources and highlights the main takeaways from panel sessions at Stockholm Water Week 2018 related to the water-energy-food Nexus.
This panel addressed the design and implementation of online platforms that can support scientists and practitioners in their contributions to the SDGs related to Water & Sanitation, Urban Resilience, Energy, Water & Food Security. It explored how a Nexus Approach to managing water, soil and waste contributes to achieving interrelated SDGs.
Speaker Presentations
- Dr. Tamara Avellán, CWetlands - Constructed Wetlands Knowledge Platform
- Dr. Alexander Wolf, BORDA – Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association
- Paula Kehoe, San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, Innovative Approach to Water Reuse
- Dr Fabio Masi, Wetlands beyond pollution control – thoughts on a circular economy
- Nidhi Nagabhatla, Multifunctional Wetlands as Nature Based Solutions
Conclusion
Fabio Masi in his keynote strongly urged that sustainable development calls for a new way of thinking water management. The typical dualism of water supply management vs wastewater management does not hold true anymore. Fabio Masi, Alex Wolf and Paula Kehoe each showed examples of Nature based Solutions that help overcome that divide by bringing decentralized wastewater treatment into the community and household that provides a direct source of fit-for-purpose supply.
Tamara Avellán, Nidhi Nagabhatla and Alex Wolf demonstrated how information tools can help collate this global knowledge and provide benchmarks on design, financing, legal constraints and other data and information that is crucial when deciding about the implementation of technologies. CWetlands and mWater are two tools that try to fill the void in global level data collection on (nature-based) solutions for (waste)water management. These tools can evolve to build a community of practice beyond scientists and engineers to inform government and financing mechanisms.
The participants of the world café highlighted in particular the need of promoting an inclusive approach of both nature-based and decentralized solutions to overcome the challenges in rapidly urbanizing areas. They were particularly impressed about the success of using constructed wetlands within the headquarters of the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission that allowed to cut down the freshwater use by 60 %. City of San Francisco has established a streamlined permitting process and ongoing monitoring and reporting requirements to allow other buildings/districts in San Francisco to collect and treat water onsite and to ensure adequate protection of public health.
Recommendations
- Wastewater stream separation, on-site treatment, and building internal re-use should become a standard for all new housing projects worldwide to help achieve SDGs. Defining management/oversight requirements for protection of public health and understanding equity issues when deciding on centralized vs decentralized systems is critical to leaving no one behind.
- Nature-based solutions are in principle well suited for decentralized treatment of water with various degrees of pollution. Information tools can help delineate benchmarks for participatory or community-led planning, design, and operation and maintenance under varying local conditions. These tools can further collate information on the ecosystem services that NbS provide.
Tools
- Tool 1: CWetlands compiles data on constructed wetlands by systematically consolidating and curating them according to user needs and through users who provide their own data to the platform. Through web-based maps, it provides benchmarks on design, O&M and removal efficiency parameters according to wastewater type, climate or Human Development Index.
- Tool 2: 2030WaterSecure is aiming capacity development of states and stakeholders on water security agenda and tackling the 21st-century water challenges by employing state-of-the-art data, information and knowledge, various communication tool.
Resources
- UNU-FLORES, The Multifunctionality of Constructed WetlandsUNU-INWEH, Water Security and Nexus Project
- UNU-INWEH, Multifunctional Wetlands
- F. Masia, A. Rizzo, M. Regelsbergerb, The role of constructed wetlands in a new circular economy, resource oriented, and ecosystem services paradigm
- C. T. Avellan, R. Ardakanian, P. Gremillion, The role of constructed wetlands for biomass production within the water-soil-waste nexus
Original event
More information
#embed id=4085 class=list