How can urban planners promote water literacy and awareness among urban residents and decision-makers?

2 Water education and engagement

Water education and engagement are essential to foster water literacy and awareness among urban residents and decision-makers. Water education can involve formal and informal learning opportunities, such as school curricula, public campaigns, exhibitions, and workshops, that inform and inspire people about water issues and solutions. Water engagement can involve participatory and collaborative processes, such as consultations, dialogues, co-design, and stewardship, that involve and empower people in water management and decision-making.

4 Water innovation and technology

Water innovation and technology are important to enhance water literacy and awareness among urban residents and decision-makers. Water innovation refers to the creation and adoption of new or improved ways of managing and using water in urban areas. Water technology refers to the tools and devices that facilitate water management and use. Water innovation and technology can include solutions such as smart meters, sensors, apps, dashboards, and games, that provide information, feedback, and incentives for water conservation and efficiency.

5 Water culture and identity

Water culture and identity are influential factors that shape water literacy and awareness among urban residents and decision-makers. Water culture refers to the values, beliefs, norms, and practices that relate to water in urban areas. Water identity refers to the sense of connection and belonging that people have with water in urban areas. Water culture and identity can be influenced by history, geography, religion, ethnicity, and lifestyle. They can also be nurtured and transformed by water-sensitive urban design, water education and engagement, water governance and policy, and water innovation and technology.

6 Water resilience and sustainability

Water resilience and sustainability are the ultimate goals of promoting water literacy and awareness among urban residents and decision-makers. Water resilience refers to the ability of urban areas to cope with and recover from water-related shocks and stresses, such as floods, droughts, and contamination. Water sustainability refers to the ability of urban areas to meet their current and future water needs without compromising the environment or future generations. Water resilience and sustainability can be achieved by implementing and integrating the strategies and examples discussed above, and by continuously monitoring and evaluating their outcomes and impacts.