Islamabad: Mr. Kelly Ryan, Public Diplomacy Officer, US Embassy, Islamabad, emphasizing the importance of water conservation said, “When we talk about water conservation, it is about more than just reducing water consumption. In fact, it also includes wastewater treatment, improving the permeability of cities and protecting existing water resources.
The two-day hackathon titled “Water-Wise Urban Future: Co-Creating Solutions for Water Conservation in Cities of Pakistan” was jointly organized by the School of Leadership Foundation (SoLF), Institute of Urbanism (IoU), with support from the U.S. Embassy Islamabad from 25 to 26 May 2024. Speakers at the forum highlighted that various solutions have been implemented in different urban areas of the country, including rainwater harvesting, underground recharge and storage wells, constructed wetlands and wastewater treatment plants. However, for these initiatives to effectively address urban water challenges, such solutions need to be improved through collaborative efforts involving public, private and community stakeholders. Efforts should also focus on increasing the adoption of urban and community protection practices.
Ms. Mariyam Irfan, Executive Director of the School of Leadership Foundation (SoLF), emphasized the critical role of collaborative efforts in scaling effective water conservation solutions. She emphasized the importance of integrating community participation with public and private sector initiatives to achieve sustainable urban water management. “Through our collective efforts, we aim to support the water future, empower communities to adopt innovative conservation practices and contribute to the resilience of our cities,” she said.
Dr. Ejaz Ahmad, Senior Program Fellow at the IoU, emphasized the importance of grassroots environmental education for sustainable water use in communities. He pointed to the success of project-based learning at the Green Urban Development School, a collaboration between the IoU, SoLF and the US Embassy, in engaging youth in implementing water management solutions in cities.
Mr. Sardar Khan Zimri, Director General of Water Management, CDA said, “If rainwater harvesting systems and underground recharge wells are implemented at the household level in Islamabad, we can not only save water but also reduce the risk of urban flooding by 25-40% in Islamabad. “
The two-day Hackathon served as a catalyst to foster collaboration on climate-smart interventions that support urban water conservation. She also highlighted the vital role of youth-led initiatives in promoting sustainable solutions and highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive policies and coordinated efforts across sectors.
