Importance of investing in water economy highlighted

Water conference discusses nature-based solutions to watershed management

KARACHI:

The sixth two-day Karachi International Water Conference (KIWC), held at a local hotel, concluded on Tuesday with a focus on key issues related to the water crisis and climate. The conference featured discussions, presentations, and sessions with a diverse lineup of speakers and panelists from both Pakistan and abroad.

The conference kicked off with a parliamentary-style panel discussion featuring Seemi Kamal, Dr Agnamata Jacob, Dr Mark Smith, and other distinguished personalities. Noteworthy sessions on the first day included "Water Matters in Climate Change," chaired by Seemi Kamal and featuring Dr Adil Najam's keynote speech. The discussion continued with the topic "Global Water Challenges," led by Seemi Kamal.

The second session focused on water and economics, addressing critical topics such as "Why Water Matters for Finance: Investing in the Water Economy." Speakers, including Emilio Cattaneo, Maheen Rehman, Kazim Saeed, Francois Onimus, and Adnan Asdar, underscored the importance of investing in Pakistan's water economy.

The third session, "For Whom Water Matters: Denial of Justice," highlighted the establishment of water justice in a volatile land rights environment. Participants, including Muhammad Irfan, Rabil Akhund, Nazir Ahmed Memon Isani, and Shahab Asto, engaged in a meaningful discussion on this crucial topic.

Another session titled "Water Matters in Health and Nutrition: Unexplained Links" explored hidden connections between water quality and human health. Key speakers Dr Ghazala Mansoori and Dr Kulsoom Ahmed, alongside others like Dr Zulfikar Imrani, Sheikh Ali Hussain, and Dr Huma Baqai, delved into the subject

Read: South Asia worst in world for water scarcity: UN

The conference emphasised nature-based solutions to watershed management issues, with participants from ICIMOD, IDBLOMI, and Hisar Foundation. Moderated by Aafia Salam and Dr Humira Jahanzeb, this session was followed by "Women in Water: Examples of Action," featuring panelists Zahra Ali, Mehnaz Rahman, Dr. Lubna Ghazal, Nayab Raza, and Rana Ansar.

A film "Mangroves" by Tariq Sikandar Qaiser and Sohail Naqvi's WWF presentation, "Blue Economy Matters: Oceans, Wetlands, and Biodiversity," highlighted the significance of the blue economy. The day concluded with "Cafe of the Unheard: New Voices Matter," where mentors and participants discussed water issues often overlooked in mainstream discourse.

Through "Café of the Unheard: New Voices Matter," pertinent issues were comprehensively addressed, featuring participants such as Dr Pervaiz Ameer and Kausar Hashmi, Mark Smith and Aneeq Azam, Maham Meher and Areeba Syed, Dr Imran Ahmed and Moazzam Ahmed, and Barbara Schreiner. The session provided a unique platform to explore fresh perspectives and untold stories of water-related challenges, emphasising the importance of voices not typically heard in the broader conversation.