IWRM-net

Members of IWRM-net attended this event in Brussels, organised by the Institute for socio-ecological research (DE) and the European Water Partnership. The discussion centered around the idea that integrated water research still remains an exception rather than the rule. The meeting explored requirements for integration and methods to achieve this and looked to facilitate the discussion.

The issue of stakeholder involvement was considered important. By involving the decision-makers in the research, the research has a better chance of influencing change and action. One presentation even laid down a challenge that too many researchers write papers and do not do things in an applied manner. We were reminded that IWRM is a management tool rather than a philosphy for research, but integration is not rewarded in research. The system for research is not geared to applied and integrated outputs.

IBM challenged the number of business people involved in the survey for the workshop. The Member of the European Parliament noted that water is normally kept out of the politics as its a difficult issue and a real gap in politics, and often influenced by Northern European countries. Adaptation needs to be applied to a relevant territories. The challenge was laid down that allocation of scarce resources is not science, its policy and should remain that way, but the science policy interface must be improved. Our knowledge based society must make better use of its knowledge.

Challenges were also set about how EU FP6 functioned, with efforts rewarded in research but not results. How can accountability be built into research so that better results are delivered right down to the local level?

Stephen Midgley, Michiel Blind and Marie-Perrine Durot attended the workshop. for more information or discussion on the issues raised please get in touch.