The results of a public consultation conducted under the Partnership offer a rich and diverse perspective on pressing global water challenges.

• What was the objective of this consultation?

The objective of this survey was to gather perspectives from stakeholders on the scientific scope of Water4All, water issues, and to orient the Water4All SRIA process.

• 162 participants: 31 countries, different continents, with diverse activities & profiles

While most responses came from European countries, voices from other countries such as Turkey, India, Ethiopia, Cuba, and Colombia emerged. It highlights the relevance of the issues discussed emphasises the universal nature of water-related challenges.

Universities and research institutes answered the survey at 63%. The other 37% came from different types of entities, such as governmental bodies, water-related industries, and civil society representatives, for instance. This illustrates the growing interest of different types of people in water issues.

A strong majority (83%) reported active involvement in water-related initiatives and programmes. It stresses the desire of many actors to be active and underscores the relevance of the Water4All initiative.

• Main results

The first urgent matters that have emerged highlight the importance of improving the management of freshwater resources, and the decision-makers as a barrier to progress. As the scientific community works to understand and tackle water issues, it shows that without the right decisions being taken, the objectives cannot be achieved. Decision-makers must be better informed and associated with the results of the scientific work. The Industry also plays a major role and a hand-in-hand work with the scientific community should be improved.

• Water4All themes assessed

The consensus on the significance of management and long-term sustainability emerged, and also on health priorities for the themes of the SRIA. It confirms the main results exposed above.

• 65%  rated as extremely significant "Theme 3: Water for the Future – Sustainable Water Management" 
• 53% followed closely "Theme 4: Water and Health" 

Sub-themes: some were consistently top-ranked among the most significant and urgent:

• Integrated water resources management, Behaviour and effects of contaminants of emerging concern, Resilience, adaptation and mitigation to hydroclimatic extreme events, Groundwater management and Innovative water tools and technologies for water quality.

• More areas to be taken into account

The survey stressed many other areas to be taken into account. As water is essential for nature, and human activities rely on water, the variety of issues is high. For instance, infrastructure security, conflict-related issues and transboundary cooperation were also mentioned. The findings also shed light on how stakeholders view the broader forces shaping water policy. 

• Learn more

The detailed results of the public consultation are presented in a report available here and will support the revision of the Water4All Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda to ensure it reflects the current priorities and expectations across the European and international water community.