'Realising the benefits of Scotland’s waters'
…what has Scotland's water ever done for us? …what can we do for Scotland’s water?
World Water Day, held annually on 22nd March and proudly hosted by the Hydro Nation International Centre, focussed on the importance of freshwater. This 2022 World Water Day event brought together Scotland's water sector and water users to understand the benefits of Scotland's water as a resource and the key issues in its management.
In aid of Scotland's vision to be the worlds first Hydro Nation, and meeting commitments following COP26, it asked: what can we, as individuals and communities of practice, do to protect this precious resource, and how should Scotland's water community effectively communicate and engage with wider society? These questions were discussed through a series of thematic sessions and unique insights from policy, research, practise, and person experience.
This event included:
- thought provoking talks from the science, policy and industry communities - see 'Talks' tab below
- panel discussions and Q&A
- dedicated networking sessions
- World Water Day Poster exhibition - see 'Articles' tab below
- an event live-stream with interactive polls and virtual content, and much more!
See the full programme here and policy note here, containing the key messages from the day.
For general enquiries please contact: enquiries@HNIC.scot
Explore the leading-edge research of the Hydro Nation Scholars in a virtual poster session. The research of the next generation of Scotland's water leaders covers a wide range of contemporary waters issues, from pollution control to climate resilience, health and wellbeing.
Explore the Blue-Green agenda and how Scotland is responding to the complex challenges of surface water flooding
Highlights the contribution of the knowledge and research sector in supporting water policy to deliver better societal and environmental outcomes.
Learn more about Scotland's work with key international partners on key water issues aligned with our Sustainable Development Goals.
Water has always been a deep well of artistic inspiration. Take some time to meander through this virtual exploration of the role of water in contemporary Scottish art and design, featuring works from:
- Dovecot Studios.
- Lesley Banks, artist-in-residence at Scottish Canals.
- The Travelling Gallery
Learn more about the efforts of Scotland's publicly-owned water utility to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2040.
Discover how the work of Scotland's first Hydro Nation Chair, Professor Andrew Tyler and research fellows, will help Scotland's water sector achieve and go beyond Net Zero emissions.
Discover how Scotland supports innovation in the water sector that contributes to reducing emissions and the development of a low-carbon economy.
Hydro nation activities reach far and wide. Explore the library to find out more.
Karen Dee, Wastewater service strategy general manager, Scottish Water
There is a strong connection between wellbeing and blue green spaces. What are the steps that we are taking to improve community access through creating blue green spaces in urban environments, and improving our rivers to make it easier to create that connection and encourage people to enjoy these spaces and the resultant benefits?
Systemic progress requires partnerships which is why we’ll work closely with Scottish Government, Scottish councils, Scottish Water, environment and community groups to deliver an even better water environment for our nation.
Water and wastewater services can be resource intense. To achieve net zero emissions we must minimise resource intensity across the managed water cycle and maximise the sustainable value of our assets, services and landholdings.
Transitioning to a circular economy offers us an exciting opportunity to realise, retain and recover value from water. A Circular Economy water sector would see us do more and support our transition to net zero, providing best value for us all and providing a climate safe future for current and future generations.
The benefits of engaging communities in the development of blue-green projects will be underlined and why engagement should aim to deliver wider societal benefits and hear from a community how they feel about being involved in its design and delivery.
The regeneration of North Glasgow shows that canals can be used to mitigate flood risk and tackle health inequalities. How do we export this knowledge to not only improve the lives of millions of people, but contribute to widespread use of canals as a nature-based solution to climate change?
The Hydro Nation Chair, Andrew Tyler, describes the launch of a 5 year plan to help deliver a route map net zero in Scottish Water by 2040.
Link to the live stream of the full World Water Day 2022 event
Water Words Posters
The theme of World Water Day 2022 is groundwater. Groundwater is invisible, but its impact is visible everywhere, keeping rivers flowing in summer and supporting water supply. In the driest parts of the world, it may be the only water people have.
