Water Conservation Innovations in Africa Conferences
Water Conservation Innovations in Africa Conferences
In recent years, Africa has emerged as a hub for pioneering water conservation initiatives, with numerous conferences spotlighting innovative strategies to address the continent’s pressing water challenges. These gatherings have become pivotal platforms for knowledge exchange, fostering collaborations among policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders.
WISA Water Reuse Symposium
On November 22, 2023, the Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA) celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Water Reuse Division by hosting a symposium at the Radisson Hotel, OR Tambo in Johannesburg. The event, themed “Accelerated Action Towards Sustainable Water Recycling and Resource Recovery: Developing Climate-Resilient Communities,” aimed to promote safe water reuse practices in Southern Africa. It attracted professionals from various sectors, including industry, municipal environments, and academia, to share experiences and research on water reclamation and recycling. (wisa.org.za)
24th WaterNet/WARFSA/GWP-SA Symposium
From October 25 to 27, 2023, Zanzibar, Tanzania, hosted the 24th WaterNet/Water Research Fund for Southern Africa (WARFSA)/Global Water Partnership-Southern Africa (GWP-SA) Symposium. Under the theme “Accelerating Change: Fostering Innovation and Integration for Sustainable Water Resources Management in Eastern and Southern Africa,” the symposium provided a platform for policymakers, academics, and practitioners to discuss regional water issues and prioritize future research. (waterandchange.org)
UNESCO’s Focus on Water-Food-Energy Nexus
During Africa Climate Week on September 6, 2023, UNESCO hosted a side event in Nairobi, Kenya, titled “Science and Practice: Water-Food-Energy Nexus for Resilient Conservation Landscapes.” The session explored the interdependencies between water, food, and energy in the context of climate change, aiming to develop holistic solutions for sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. (unesco.org)
AWSISA Africa & Global South Water & Sanitation Dialogue
Scheduled for November 9 to 12, 2024, at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg, South Africa, the AWSISA Africa & Global South Water & Sanitation Dialogue aims to address water security challenges across the continent. The conference is expected to gather over 1,500 leaders, decision-makers, and professionals to discuss sustainable water management and sanitation infrastructure improvements. (awsisa-watersan-dialougue.org)
Innovations in Wastewater Management Seminar
On November 28 and 29, 2024, WISA, in collaboration with the University of South Africa (UNISA), the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), will host a seminar titled “Innovations in Wastewater Management: Strategies for Building Water Resilience.” The event aims to foster partnerships between academic institutions, the private sector, and the government, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in wastewater treatment and management. (wisa.org.za)
African Water Facility at World Water Week
In August 2023, the African Water Facility participated in the annual World Water Week organized by the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) in Sweden. Under the theme “Seeds of Change: Innovative Solutions for a Water-Wise World,” the event attracted participants from across the global water sector to develop solutions to the world’s greatest water-related challenges. (archive.africanwaterfacility.org)
Looking Ahead: Mining Water Innovation Conference & Exhibition
Anticipated in 2025, Johannesburg will host the Mining Water Innovation Conference & Exhibition, Africa’s only event dedicated to water resources in the mining sector. The conference will focus on sustainable and disruptive solutions for mine water management, treatment, closure, water characterization, and tailings management, aiming to optimize water usage and improve the efficiency of water resources in mining. (miningwaterfuture.com)
These conferences underscore Africa’s commitment to addressing water conservation challenges through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable practices, paving the way for a water-secure future on the continent.
