Collaboration for clean water
International water researchers came together at the University of Leeds to create solutions to global water challenges.
Water researchers from across the globe attended the workshop led by Professor Laura Carter and Dr Gabriela Lopez-Gonzalez: "Enhancing Global Cooperation for Clean Water: Strategies to Manage Contaminants and Sustain Ecosystem Services."
The event aimed to foster collaboration and develop a shared vision for sustainable water quality management on a global scale.
Participants took part in meaningful discussions, shared their expertise, and worked towards common goals in managing water quality regionally and globally.
Pollution is a global threat
Initiatives to improve water quality are critically important, as pollution is a significant global threat to ecosystems, public health, and the climate.
The United Nations has identified pollution as one of the core components of the Triple Planetary Crises, alongside climate change and biodiversity loss.
Sessions at the event focused on sharing regional water quality challenges and insights on effective, equitable water management strategies.
These included the need to tailor research and regulations, bring together diverse international networks, and identify future water quality challenges.
A collaborative event
The 14 international participants presented their regional perspectives on water quality and contaminant pollution to help create a global picture of water management.
Early-career researchers Dr Andrea Garduño Jiménez, Dr John Nightingale and Dr Osiris Diaz Torres joined as rapporteurs and supported the delivery of the activities.
Professor Nick Plant and Professor Joseph Holden set the scene for the workshop, followed by a keynote address from Ambassador Dr Blanca Jiménez Cisneros, who shared insights into water management, climate change and science diplomacy.
As part of the workshop, participants began drafting manuscripts for publication, which will focus on the alignment of global clean water initiatives with regional challenges.
water@leeds, University of Leeds International Strategy Funding, Pro Dean Internationals, and Nature Water supported the event.
