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The journey of water, from the mountain down to the sea
Water is a precious and irreplaceable resource, fundamental to life on our planet. Issues of access, poor quality, and contamination from industrial waste contribute to water depletion, from the source to the sea. Reflecting on the Glasgow Pact signed at COP26 in Scotland, the global community once again underscored the severity of climate change-induced extreme weather events, including droughts and floods that exacerbate water-related issues.
To address these pressing concerns, this year’s event ‘Water Resource: from the Dolomites to the Sea’ was held again at the mountain lodge of Rifugio Galassi, Belluno (Italy), from 26 to 29 June 2024. The initiative, launched in 2022, is led by the Municipality of Venice in collaboration with UNESCO through its Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, and other local organisations.
While some Italian regions - like Veneto, host of the event - are abundant in primary water resources, their glacier reserves are rapidly diminishing. Preserving these sources continues to be the collective responsibility of public and private stakeholders, as well as of the entire local community.
Water is life. It is the most important resource for humanity, intersecting with every aspect of our social, economic, and environmental activities. Achieving water security is not just a goal; it is a necessity.
The Dolomites World Heritage site, at the source
Gathered at 2,018 metres above sea level, representatives from the fields of science, research and culture convened to raise awareness on water complex issues affecting all. The event was an opportunity to call attention to the significance of water as a finite resource and the urgency of its sustainable management.
In particular, the UNESCO Regional Bureau highlighted the impact of UNESCO’s partnerships; this includes the World Water Assessment Programme (WWAP) and its 2024 on the role of water in fostering peace and prosperity. The presentation also focused on the efforts of the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of UNESCO (IOC), underlining the importance of water education globally.
This year, UNESCO supported the participation of Cesare Vanini, representative of the Po Grande Biosphere Reserve(Italy), that falls within the central tract of the Po River, in a basin significantly important for man’s activities. Vanini shared insights on environmental and hydrological monitoring at the site and the upcoming Memorandum of Understanding between 5 Italian Biosphere Reserves along the Po.
The event set the ground for participants’ discussion on actionable local steps to contribute to achieving SDG 6 to ensure access to water and sanitation for all. The impacts of human activity were tackled as well, notably on water quality and ecosystems, embracing plastic contamination and water education.
Resources for Future Generations
This third edition of the ‘Water Resource: from Dolomites to the Sea’ was commemorated with a dedicated strip about Droppy, a water droplet. In its journey from the Dolomites to the sea, it encounters UNESCO designated sites, challenges and opportunities along the way. The comic aims to be a simple tool for water education by highlighting the issues of the limited supply and quality of water, while emphasising the importance of its sustainable management by all actors, from source to sea.
The UNESCO Regional Bureau further fostered water education by supporting the participation of young actors. Among these, a representative from - Associazione Italiana Giovani per l’UNESCO, presented the plans for the Italian 91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ 2025, and through the UNESCO Chair 'Water, Heritage and Sustainable Development' at the Ca' Foscari University of Venice, 5 students joined the discussions. The management of natural resources today will shape the world we leave for future generations. Empowering youth will help build a strong foundation for tomorrow.
