Stockholm International Water Institute » Jan Lundqvist

On the Water Front – Selections from the 2010 World Water Week in Stockholm

admin — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:51:06 +0000

Each year, the World Water Week features a theme. In 2010, the theme was “Responding to Global Changes: The Water Quality Challenge – Prevention, Wise Use and Abatement”. As illustrated by the range of issues discussed in the articles in this volume, the World Water Week programme includes sessions that elaborate also on issues outside the scope of the theme.

Presentations and discussions during the World Water Week generate a remarkable level of energy and commitment. Based on the comments that we hear from participants, we are convinced that seeds are sown for improvements in water policy and management for the betterment of humankind and the life support system on which we all depend. This is a very stimulating response. However, 51 weeks will pass until the next opportunity arises in Stockholm to learn more and to inform each other about what has been achieved since last time. Together with other documentation from the World Water Week, On the Water Front provides an opportunity to recapture key features from the World Water Week throughout the year.

This edition contains a selection of articles that cover important scientific and policy issues.

On the Water Front – Selections from the 2009 World Water Week in Stockholm

admin — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:46:30 +0000

Together with other documentation from the World Water Week, On the Water Front provides an opportunity to recapture key features from the World Water Week throughout the year. This volume contains a selection of articles that cover important scientific and policy issues. They are written by colleagues who made presentations at workshops, seminars and plenary sessions during the World Water Week, August 16 22, 2009. With the analytical character and with appropriate illustrations and references, the texts in this publication are intended to play a role in the thinking and work of colleagues from research, governments, international, national and local organisations.
One important feature in the texts is an ambition to combine and merge new thinking, concepts and experiences with practice, in policy and in the field. The texts aim to illuminate the need for scientific findings in policy and in practice and vice versa; the need to formulate scientific enquiries and carry out scientific studies, which are relevant for policy and human endeavours.

Drainage Basin Security – Prospects for Trade-offs and Benefit Sharing in a Globalised World (the World Water Week Niche Report)

admin — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:42:20 +0000

Each year, the World Water Week addresses a theme that fits within a broader niche. This report looks back over the niche on Drainage Basin Security, which covered the years 2003 to 2007. This report reflects on the knowledge, experience and lessons learned over the course of the five years, and offer a set of key messages that emerged from the plenary sessions, workshops, seminars and side events.

Overeating, Hunger and Waste: Recipe for Worsening Food and Water Crises

admin — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:40:10 +0000

The world population has increased 50 percent over the last half century alone. That is a staggering 3 billion more mouths to feed. Never before have so many suffered from being overweight and obese. Both under nourishment and over eating are increasing. These questionable trends are linked with dire natural resources consequences: water and other natural resources are over-exploited, rivers are running dry, downstream ecosystems are suffocated and pollution loads are heavy in what little remains of water systems in regions worldwide.

Published in Water Front Magazine No. 3-4 2008.

Saving Water: From Field to Fork – Curbing Losses and Wastage in the Food Chain

admin — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:39:46 +0000

As much as half of all food grown is lost or wasted before and after it reaches the consumer. And this wasted food is wasted water too. To meet the challenge of feeding growing populations and the global hungry, massive reductions in the amount of food wasted after production are needed.

This policy brief calls on governments, businesses, consumers and other important actors in society to reduce by half the amount of food that is wasted by 2025 and outlines concrete steps to achieve this goal.

From Field to Fork – Wastage of Water in the Food Chain

admin — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:37:42 +0000

With rising population, urbanisation and higher incomes, food demand may double in the coming 50 years. Given the water scarcity and related environmental problems that are already occurring in many parts of the world, the corresponding increases in the pressure on water and land resources that will accompany these trends is a critical and grossly under-appreciated concern. For real solutions to the food, water and environment nexus, it is essential that we pay attention to the entire production to consumption process, that we understand what happens from field to fork.

Published in Water Front Magazine No. 3 2007.

On the Verge of a New Water Scarcity

admin — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:37:09 +0000

An unfortunate confusion regarding growing physical water scarcity distorts policy formulation and effective action programmes. The scale and magnitude of the challenge imply that water scarcity is everybodys business. This policy brief offers a set of distinctions and concludes with structured policy suggestions how to cope with and prevent the worsening water scarcity.

What Implications Does Economic Progress Have for Water?

admin — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:36:25 +0000

Gross domestic products (GDPs) are expected to increase worldwide. This, coupled with growing populations, means that demand for food, energy and other goods and services will also increase. What are the implications for water and land resources? And what are the options for ”de-coupling” – i.e. increasing GDP without increasing the pressure placed on land and water resources?

Published in Water Front Magazine No. 1 2007.

Vatten för våra liv! Och livet för vårt vatten?

admin — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:35:15 +0000

Varje dag, året runt, dör uppskattningsvis 3 900 barn till följd av smutsigt och förorenat vatten, bristande hygien och sanitära förhållanden. WHO uppskattar att totalt dör ca 1,6 miljoner människor en för tidig död genom brister i vattenförsörjning, undermålig sanitet och hygien (VSH). Sjukdomspanoramat är stort. Hälften av befolkningen i tredje världen lider av en eller, mera vanligt, flera sjukdomar som på ett eller annat sätt är relaterat till brister i VSH, t.ex. diarrésjukdomar, ascaris och trakom. Kan en förbättrad vattenförsörjning och vattenhantering reducera den djupa fattigdom som karakteriserar situationen i stora delar av världen?

Publicerad i 2006 års januarinummer av Infektionsläkaren.

Click here to read the article.

Let it Reign: The New Water Paradigm for Global Food Security

admin — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 16:34:12 +0000

Let it Reign highlights key facts, conditions and trends regarding water aspects of food production, consumption and ecological sustainability. It presents policy recommendations within governance, capacity building/awareness raising and financing in order to improve water productivity and increase the possibility to produce the food needed, improve diets, and raise consumer awareness – all in an equitable and ecologically sustainable manner.