Water Culture 2009 1 Key message Cultural diversity

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Water & Culture 2009 1

Water & Culture 2009 1

Key message • Cultural diversity = wealth of knowledge, views & practices which are

Key message • Cultural diversity = wealth of knowledge, views & practices which are a source of inspiration for sustainable water management Water & Culture 2009 2

What is culture? Values and beliefs Traditions, rituals and practices Symbols and artefacts Water

What is culture? Values and beliefs Traditions, rituals and practices Symbols and artefacts Water & Culture 2009 3

Impact: both ways Culture Water management Water & Culture 2009 Water management Culture 4

Impact: both ways Culture Water management Water & Culture 2009 Water management Culture 4

Water: • A source of life • A source of inspiration • A source

Water: • A source of life • A source of inspiration • A source of power • A source of conflict or of cooperation • A source of sustainability Water & Culture 2009 5

Water; A source of life • “Where there is water, there is life” •

Water; A source of life • “Where there is water, there is life” • “Water means wealth” • Cultures have adapted themselves to the environment in which they live Water & Culture 2009 6

Water; A source of life • Lessons learned: – “Revival” of old traditions and

Water; A source of life • Lessons learned: – “Revival” of old traditions and cultural practices, eg Karez systems Water & Culture 2009 7

Water; A source of life • Lessons learned: – water = people’s identity –

Water; A source of life • Lessons learned: – water = people’s identity – water has important social/cultural functions – New plans should fit into the local context Water & Culture 2009 8

Water; A source of inspiration Water & Culture 2009 9

Water; A source of inspiration Water & Culture 2009 9

Water; A source of inspiration • Lessons learned – Water has a key role

Water; A source of inspiration • Lessons learned – Water has a key role in beliefs and rituals – Water wisdom # wise water management – Much water wisdom has been lost Water & Culture 2009 10

Water; A source of inspiration • Religions are rethinking their roles to meet the

Water; A source of inspiration • Religions are rethinking their roles to meet the present needs • More action oriented • Religion: an alley for sustainable water management? Water & Culture 2009 11

Water; A source of power • Hydropower • Political power – causes and catalysts

Water; A source of power • Hydropower • Political power – causes and catalysts of the global water crisis. Water & Culture 2009 12

Water; A source of conflict or of cooperation? • Water conflict => access to

Water; A source of conflict or of cooperation? • Water conflict => access to resources • Water management = interest management • Water cooperation: Rhine, Nile, Mekong Water & Culture 2009 13

Yemen, Marib dam Water & Culture 2009 14

Yemen, Marib dam Water & Culture 2009 14

Cultural Impact of water systems Water & Culture 2009 15

Cultural Impact of water systems Water & Culture 2009 15

Forming a cultural bridge for successful and sustainable water management Water & Culture 2009

Forming a cultural bridge for successful and sustainable water management Water & Culture 2009 16

• Interested to learn more? • Please read our book: Water a way

• Interested to learn more? • Please read our book: Water a way of life • Available at: www. crcpress. com Water & Culture 2009 17