June Edition
A new edition of "Connecting the drops" comes to life as another month passes by for Water Science Policy. Much has been done during June and most of it will continue to develop backstage until the time is right for us to show-and-tell. However, here are some of the topics we would like to remind you of, while we prepare everything that is to come:
In a world grappling with water-related challenges, India and Pakistan are presented with an opportunity to secure their threatened rivers through cooperation. This partnership could help future-proof their valuable water resources. Meanwhile, Chile's response to water scarcity sets an example for Mexico, as the former's new mining regulations prioritise sustainable water usage. Dhaka, however, continues to grapple with wastewater issues, as the city's struggles with sewage management persist. In India, invisible dangers lurk in the groundwater, highlighting the need for comprehensive monitoring and protection measures. Additionally, the water industry is urged to consider the impact of electricity usage, as induction ovens, heat pumps, and electric vehicles can have significant implications for water conservation.
We discuss matters such as the "Azure system", a barrier that is collecting litter at the Portoviejo River in the province of Manabí, Ecuador, preventing it from reaching the ocean, and at the same time gathering valuable data on the type of waste generated in this region. And finally, we take a look behind the scenes at the SomoS OcéanoS team in La Paz, Mexico where hard work is being done with the hope that its final result provides you with knowledge on the connections between ocean governance, marine science, economy, society and climate change.
Enjoy!
India and Pakistan can future-proof their threatened rivers
As India and Pakistan face imminent renegotiation of the Indus Water Treaty, it's crucial to adapt to the changing dynamics. Here are three key points to consider:
1 - Climate Change Impact: Climate change has drastically affected the region's rivers, a factor not addressed in the original 1960 agreement.
2 - Balancing Development and Preservation: With rapid urbanization and increasing demands on water resources, both countries are among the most water-stressed globally.
3 - Sub-Basin Level Management: Shifting focus from a singular holistic approach to a sub-basin level can lead to impactful interventions.
Let's prioritize dialogue, joint development, and sustainable water management for the prosperity of both nations and the environment.
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Water scarcity drives new mining regulations: Will Chile serve as a blueprint for Mexico?
Water scarcity presents challenges for the mining industry, especially in Mexico and Chile.
Recently, Mexico passed an amendment to restrict water usage for mining based on availability, while Chile implemented similar legislation.
To tackle the?water scarcity?challenge, mining companies in Chile have been actively pursuing desalination projects. These initiatives have allowed them to meet their water demands sustainably, ensuring continued operations while minimizing environmental impact.
In response to Mexico's proposed amendment, the country is now poised to enhance its focus on innovative solutions such as water reuse and desalination. By investing in these technologies, Mexico aims to secure its water supplies and support the growth of its mining sector while promoting responsible resource management.
Thank you?Ethan Edwards?and?Bluefield Research?for this interesting piece.
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The poo predicament: Why Dhaka's wastewater woes persist
In a city of 21 million residents, less than 1% of wastewater is safely managed, posing significant health and environmental risks.
This study highlights the successes and failures of different sanitation policies in Dhaka.
Should households be treated as citizens with basic rights to public and environmental health or as customers within a?sanitation?market?
Authors of this research and publication are?Andri Heidler,?Sharmin Khan Luies?Abul Kamal,?Mahbub-Ul Alam,?Christoph Luthi, and?Olivier Crevoisier.
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Invisible dangers in India's groundwater
India could not be sustained without large volumes of?groundwater. But water quality has often been overlooked. Fluoride, arsenic, and iron are present in many parts and can have devastating health impacts.
To address the issues, NGOs are actively raising awareness about water contaminants and the health impacts. They are also providing education to find safer water sources and how to use hfilters.
领英推荐
Thank you?Sunderrajan Krishnan,?Lalit Sharma?and?Karl Zimmermann.
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Induction ovens, heat pumps, and electric vehicles: Why the water industry should care about electricity
Water plays a crucial role in electric power generation, with substantial amounts utilized throughout the process. However, as the power sector moves towards renewable energy, the water requirements are expected to decrease, presenting an opportunity for improved water management.
Thank you?Ethan Edwards?and?Bluefield Research.
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More from our team...
The Azure system at the Portoviejo River
Rivers are the arteries of our planet…
Many communities rely on their rivers as a source of food, recreation, transport, and religious ceremonies. But they also transport?80% of marine plastic debris to the oceans from land-based sources (Li et al., 2016; Horton et al., 2017), especially in areas where solid waste management and wastewater treatment are deficient or not suitable.
The Portoviejo River, located in a small city that bears the same name, in the province of Manabí in Ecuador, flows into the Pacific coast and it is known for transporting mismanaged waste.
Therefore,?Ichthion Limited?installed their "Azure system", a barrier that is collecting litter, preventing it from reaching the ocean, and at the same time gathering valuable data on the type of waste generated in this region.
The British-Ecuadorian start-up is working on developing high-end technologies and truly scalable solutions to reduce the flow of plastics into the world’s oceans and working with the local communities.
After the Azure system collects the waste, the operators are in charge of separating, classifying, and weighing it, so that the recyclable material is?recycled and the rest is taken to the landfill.
There are many people doing small things in small places that sum up and are improving water sources and our planet.
Thank you to our very own?Andrea Milena Osorio Baquero!
For more of her photos visit the original post here.
SomoS OcéanoS
Many people rely on the ocean for their food, work, and well-being. However, only a select few are involved in environmental governance and decision-making.?This is a shortcoming that simultaneously harms people, the economy, and marine biodiversity.
SomoS OceanoS works towards improving the management of?ocean?resources, encourages local participation in environmental decision-making and shares knowledge on the importance of coastal and marine conservation using accessible science communication. This is because decision-making is most effective when all types of stakeholders are included, and when everyone involved is well-informed.?
An important decision that will soon be made in?La Paz,?Mexico, is about future of the Marine Zone of Espiritu Santo Archipelago National Park. The revision of its management plan?is due in 2023-2024. This is highly significant as it will determine the conservation approaches, economic activities, spatial provisions and regulations within the area over the coming decade.?
We hope that wherever you are reading this from, you enjoy the newspaper and that it provides you with knowledge on the connections between ocean governance, marine science, economy, society and climate change.
Follow the project on Instagram and learn more about paper parks.
And of course check out the Behind the scenes, put together with the amazing?Veronica Relano,?Kseniia Goniaeva,?Jose Reyeros Sanchez,?Ana Julia Leon,?Chris Fischer,?lindaloca and many more.
You're now up to date. Thanks for reading! Don't forget to follow and share.
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Folks Water Science Policy - you guys are doing some brilliant work in raising right causes and reporting. A small suggestion - let us get writings of Howard Dryden and Alpha Lo in your work also to expand the organization further from those who started it and make it bigger and global movement. There are others who write water stories and Alpha Lo is connected with them and has taken podcast interviews there which can be a feature also here.