Multi-Stakeholder Workshop Report Underscores Critical Role of Natural Ecosystems in Water Security Amid Climate Change

On World Environment Day, the report titled "Securing Water in Times of Climate Change through Natural Ecosystems Management" underscores the critical need for collaborative and integrated water management strategies to combat desertification and enhance drought resilience. Aligning with this year's theme, "Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience," the report emphasizes the interconnectedness of land and water resources in the context of climate change.

Developed through a joint workshop organized by W-CReS (WOTR Centre for Resilience Studies), the Department of Environment and Climate Change, Government of Maharashtra, and the India Climate Collaborative (ICC), the report offers a strategic guide for diverse stakeholders to address escalating water challenges intensified by climate change.

"As the first rains arrive in many parts of India, this report serves as a timely call to action," says Marcella D’Souza, Director, W-CReS. "Without effective water management, we cannot combat desertification or build resilience to drought. The workshop and this report demonstrate the power of collaboration in finding nature-based solutions to secure our water future."

The report highlights three critical water systems:

• Riverine systems: Smaller working units within larger river basins.

• Rainfed/groundwater-dependent systems: Areas with predominantly rainfed agriculture, supplemented by seasonal irrigation from wells and borewells.

• Command/canal irrigation systems: Canal networks carrying water from dams for irrigation.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of these systems, the workshop brought together 75 diverse stakeholders, including government officials, investors, researchers, media, and practitioners.

A unique outcome of this workshop is the creation of a set of specific recommendations tailored to each of the stakeholder groups. These focus on plugging gaps in the existing ecosystem and creating a guide for each stakeholder to meaningfully contribute to solutions.

The report is available for download at: https://wotr-website-publications.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/MultiStakeholderWorkshop_WCReS.pdf