Proceedings of the 43rd WEDC International Conference

Understanding the role of Waterpans in building climate resilient communities

Waterpans in arid and semi-arid rural communities play an increasing role in water provision, not only for wildlife, agriculture and livestock, but also for domestic household usage.

Through anecdotes, we know reliance on these waterbodies is increasing due to climate change. But Waterpans are not well defined, due in part because in different countries and contexts, they have different names. This ambiguity means their role in water supply is hidden, understated and lacks understanding.

There are four critical areas where further understanding of Waterpans is needed: biogeochemical dynamics, social interaction, policy and public health.

This event will introduce Waterpans and their importance for climate-resilient communities. We also want to highlight the importance of Waterpans globally.

This event is intended for participants from the research, practice and policy communities. We want to ask attendees about Waterpans in their own countries, what are they called, what are used for? We will then initiate different activities in break out rooms, which address each of the main areas relating to our comprehension of Waterpans.

These activities will include adapting and developing a sanitation inspection form for Waterpans, tutorials on biogeochemical processes in Waterpans, a question led discussion on how formal policy combines with informal practices in Waterpans and developing an assessment on how to manage Waterpans including traditional and cultural practices.

Through this interactive process, we hope to improve the knowledge of Waterpans, and facilitate critical thinking of the role Waterpans play now and in the future for arid and semi-arid rural communities.