The Indian Institute of Technology Madras is taking a significant step towards addressing the critical issues of water security and climate adaptation by hosting the Water Security and Climate Adaptation (WSCA) Conference from October 4 to October 7, 2023.
Coordinated by the esteemed Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre (ABCD Centre) within the institute, this conference aims to bring together experts, scientists, engineers, policymakers, and industries to shed light on the imperative need for sustainability in managing water-related challenges.
The Conference’s Purpose:
The central purpose of the WSCA Conference is to foster the exchange of knowledge and expertise, focusing on best practices related to climate change adaptation and water security. The goal is to accelerate research initiatives aimed at advancing sustainable solutions for climate adaptation while promoting effective water resource management. Through this, India aims to make significant strides toward achieving its sustainable development goals.
The Role of DAAD Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre: The DAAD Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre is at the forefront of addressing “Water Security and Climate Adaptation” through education, research, and training. By facilitating the integration of scientific insights with policy and private sector engagement, the Centre strives to enable sustainable solutions for climate adaptation.
Inaugural Session Highlights:
During the inaugural session, Chief Guest T Balasubramanian, Former Director and Dean of Annamalai University, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration among water professionals, healthcare experts, and policymakers to ensure stress-free water availability in the coming decades. Professor T Balasubramanian also stressed the significance of raising awareness about the prevention of water pollution.
Conference Chair SA Sannasiraj, from the Department of Ocean Engineering at IIT Madras, outlined the conference’s theme, which revolves around “Adaptation and Mitigation through Sustainable Development” to address future water security challenges. This theme aligns with global trends that prioritize self-sufficiency and sustainability across various sectors.
Key Focus Areas of WSCA 2023: The WSCA 2023 conference centers its discussions and deliberations on “Adaptation and Mitigation through Sustainable Development.” This strategic focus aligns with global efforts to achieve self-sufficiency and sustainability. The conference will emphasize the role of governance and policy in implementing cutting-edge technologies and practices to tackle climate change adaptation effectively.
Focus Areas Include:
A. Novel Technologies for Climate Change Adaptation:
- Water Treatment
- Wastewater Treatment
- Reduce, Recycle, and Reuse
- Coastal Water Body and Infrastructure Protection
- Waste Management and Resource Recovery
- Re-imagining Traditional Knowledge
B. Best Practices:
- Nature-Based Water Excess Management
- Sustainable and Equitable Deficit Management
- Risk Evaluation, Mapping, and Building Resilience
- Water-Energy-Food Nexus
- Adaptive Planning, Design, and Implementation of Water Infrastructure
C. Governance and Policy:
- Financing Climate Resilient Water Infrastructure
- Inclusive and Participatory Adaptation and Mitigation Measures
- Institutional Structures and Capacity Building
- Examples of Good Governance
- Socio-Economic Hydrology
- Blue Economy
- Transboundary and Conflict Negotiation and Agreements
The WSCA Conference 2023 hosted by IIT Madras represents a crucial initiative in addressing the multifaceted challenges of water security and climate adaptation. By promoting knowledge exchange, sustainable practices, and policy-oriented discussions, this conference aims to accelerate India’s progress towards a more resilient and climate-ready future. With a comprehensive focus on governance, technology, and best practices, the conference serves as a pivotal platform for shaping the future of water resource management in the face of climate change.