Exploring the Social Aspects of Water-related Heritage

UNESCO Chair Water, Ports, and Historic Cities|UNESCO-ICQHS

Join us for a discussion  as we dive deep into the fascinating aspect of water-related heritage, uncovering its social significance

Water is a precious resource that sustains life on Earth and plays a crucial role in shaping human societies and cultures. The way people interact with water is deeply influenced by social, cultural, and historical fabrics, and this has given rise to a rich diversity of water-related practices, beliefs, and knowledge systems around the world. However, the importance of these social aspects of water heritage is often overlooked in mainstream water management and conservation practices, which tend to focus on technical solutions and economic considerations.Over the past years, this “water folly” took its toll on the socio-environmental integrity of water systems in many arid countries, where anthropogenic droughts, hydro-migrations, territorial tensions, water bankruptcy, or hydro-political collapse are prominent. Many societies are suffering from “thirst” rather than “water shortage”, the thirst that has been inflicted by a problematic relationship between society and water allocation systems. In light of this paradigm change, there has been growing recognition of the need to incorporate social perspectives and Indigenous knowledge into water management and conservation efforts. Indigenous knowledge, which encompasses a wide range of local knowledge and practices developed over generations, offers unique insights into the social and cultural dimensions of water heritage. By integrating Indigenous knowledge with scientific and technical expertise, it is possible to develop more holistic and culturally appropriate approaches to water management and conservation.Exploring the social aspects of water heritage through Indigenous knowledge concepts, contexts, and approaches is therefore a crucial area of research and practice. This involves examining the diverse ways in which water is valued, managed, and celebrated by different communities around the world, and understanding the underlying cultural and historical factors that shape these practices. It also involves engaging with Indigenous knowledge holders and local communities to co-create solutions that are rooted in their unique perspectives and experiences.This approach has the potential to transform the way we think about and manage water resources, moving beyond purely technical solutions towards more culturally sensitive and socially just approaches. By recognizing the social and cultural dimensions of water heritage, we can not only improve the sustainability and resilience of water systems but also contribute to the preservation and celebration of cultural diversity around the world.

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Exploring the Social Aspects of Water-related Heritage

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Exploring the Social Aspects of Water-related Heritage

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