In the Anthropocene, water resources are under unprecedented stress. It has become more important than ever to not only thoroughly understand the hydrological cycle but also its interactions with other complex physical systems and social dimensions to address water-related challenges and develop actionable, sustainable solutions. To do this effectively, we need to move beyond a “science-as-usual” approach and leverage transdisciplinary knowledge involving multiple actors, including scientists, policymakers, local communities and indigenous peoples, NGOs and local associations, media, and businesses. Each of these actors brings a unique perspective and expertise, and we must empower and value their contributions with practices such as co-creation, to arrive at integrated solutions for complex water management issues. This vision is within the framework of the IAHS HELPING (Hydrology Engaging Local People IN one Global world) decade aiming to empower bottom-up approaches that involve local stakeholders and more importantly local know-how. In this context, co-creation can be defined as an iterative and collaborative process centered on water-related management challenge(s) and/or hydrological question(s) that integrates different forms and origins of knowledge aiming to address complex societal issues. Such approaches are common in policy creation and public services development but up until now have been under-described, -formalized, and -utilized in the context of water resources management and hydrological sciences.
Therefore, this session welcomes studies on co-creation approaches in hydrology and water resources management. More specifically, we welcome studies including, but not limited to: experiences and case studies of participatory and co-creation approaches applied to hydrology and water resources management; co-modelling approaches and socio-hydrological studies involving participation of stakeholders; meta-analyses, review of other experiences, and literature reviews; critical geography, political ecology, new conceptual frameworks, and other critical approaches to co-creation and stakeholders involvement in water resources decision making.
Co-organized by the Working Group on Co-Creation of Water Knowledge of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences: https://iahs.info/Initiatives/Scientific-Decades/helping-working-groups/co-creating-water-knowledge/
Seifu Tilahun