Our Approach
We are capacity developers – we enhance and foster skills and knowledge in individuals, communities and organisations to drive systemic and lasting change. We do this by employing a diverse range of strategies that have at their heart, integrated water management (IWM) and leadership development.
Managing the whole-of-water cycle
Healthy and resilient water systems are fundamental to sustainable development and human well-being. Water is intricately linked with food and energy systems, with industrial land and resources use, with ecosystem health, and with ecosystem services including essential water-linked human needs, such as WASH, food production, and cultural values. Managing water sustainably means seeing all of these linkages, understanding how they impact each other, and considering trade-offs in making management decisions.
Water is also not equitably distributed due to local, regional and global water cycle, environmental and climatic contexts. Over 60% of the Earth’s freshwater supply is found in just 10 countries. We also know that water scarcity affects more than 40 per cent of people around the world – approximately 3 billion people; two-thirds of whom reside in one of the five major emerging national economies.
In 2011, 41 countries reportedly experienced water stress – 10 of which were close to depleting their supply of renewable freshwater. By 2050, the UN projects that at least one in four people will be affected by recurring water shortages. Understanding how to protect and restore water-related ecosystems and manage the whole-of-water cycle is essential to mitigating water scarcity and sustainably managing water.
Why are we focused on IWM and water leadership?
IWM approaches are necessary to achieving positive, coordinated and sustainable development of water for people, environments and economies. Leadership is required to bring about the transformative changes we urgently need for IWM to become the norm and to underpin sustainable development. We are focused on stimulating and managing change in the water sector and other sectors where water plays an important role.
Fostering a culture of collaboration
Fundamental to our success is our ability to work beyond institutional boundaries and to draw expertise from our global network. We draw from some of the world’s best and most experienced researchers and practitioners, in relevant disciplines, to design solutions that address current and future water management challenges.
Since our beginnings we have worked tirelessly to foster a culture of collaboration between Australian and international researchers, educators, and practitioners, and to actively engage with leaders from local communities, governments, industry and non-government-organisations.
We are now supported by a global network of partners and associates, providing a scope of expertise and experience rarely found in a single, water-dedicated organisation.
Research
Education
Training
Engagement
Our Approach
Our Impact
Our People