Acting beyond boundaries to address urban water challenge “You
cannot optimize water in cities without looking at the natural
water basin or catchment areas which are serving them” said Dr
Mark Smith, Director of the IUCN Water Programme during a recent
workshop at the UN World Water Day conference in Cape Town. From
20 to 22 March experts and scientists met in Cape Town, South
Africa on the occasion of World Water Day to discuss solutions
addressing the global urban water challenge. During the
workshop, participants explored an integrated approach to
providing access to water and sanitation in urban areas. In
particular they focused on the urban connection with surrounding
ecosystems, agriculture and industrial services, climate change
and the role of business. “Cities, business and agriculture need
to act beyond their own boundaries, to address shared risks and
opportunities to optimize urban water and invest in building
more resilient basins” said Joppe Cramwinckel from the World
Business Council for Susta