As part of the Bonn Water Lecture series, this online seminar has been organized by the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) and the Center for Development Research (ZEF) at the University of Bonn, Germany.
It brings together experts to share their views on the nexus between water-energy-agriculture-health-environment systems for resilient and sustainable futures in light of the global pandemic.

Facilitators: Luna Bharati, IWMI; Jonathan Lautze, IWMI

Speakers:

One Health: Water Related Aspects
Prof. Mariele Evers, University of Bonn

Resilient Infrastructure
Dr. Jeff Opperman, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), USA

Water-Energy-Food Nexus for Resilience and Sustainability
Prof. Stefan Uhlenbrook, IWMI

The speakers will present and discuss: (i) examples of inter-sectoral water management approaches for optimal health for humans, animals, plants and the environment; (ii) potential for and barriers to upscaling successful examples of nexus systems and resilient infrastructure; and (iii) the way forward.

Background:

Covid-19 has exposed vulnerabilities in existing systems. Most governments are currently focused on developing immediate response plans – overwhelmingly focused on containing health risks. Nonetheless, as the impact of the virus slows, there is recognition of the need for better post-pandemic systems – a world that might be characterized by a ‘new normal’, which is more resilient to future shocks. Precisely how the new normal is realized remains to be seen. However, there is strong ambition to build more resilient and sustainable systems that can withstand future shocks and disruptions while supporting sustainability in all its dimensions (environmental, economic and social). In the context of water management, at least three aims need better attention and integration: (i) health aspects of water management need to be mainstreamed, (ii) water infrastructure needs to be resilient, and (iii) the water-energy-food nexus needs implementation with sustainability and resilience at its center. To foster progress toward realization of these aims, this webinar will include presentations on how the ‘One Health’ approach can be incorporated into water management, how the use of resilient infrastructure can become standard practice, and how the water-energy-food nexus approach can strengthen the focus on sustainability and resilience.

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