The final annoucements and details are going around for the 7th International Conference on Water Sensitive Urban Design but as its scheduled for the 21-23 February 2012 you’d better check it out quickly.
Understanding the nexus between sustainable urban water management and the vitality, liveability and prosperity of urban communities is one of the most significant challenges of the 21st Century. Many urban communities are now faced with rising temperatures, longer and more severe droughts, more frequent and devastating floods and increased levels of water borne pollutants; all of which diminish the liveability of our urban areas and degrade our natural environments.
Our cities and communities need to become water sensitive; where water is managed within our urban areas to provide maximum value for a range of functions and users, including the natural environment. A water sensitive city is resilient and is able to cope with extended periods of drought and intense rainfall. A water sensitive community appreciates the scarcity and value of potable water supplies and supports the use of other water sources to enhance amenity, minimise heat island effects and improve their quality of life.
Building a water sensitive community cannot be achieved with traditional urban water management approaches alone. To meet to this challenge, an integrated approach is necessary; we should strive to effectively link the myriad design and implementation cultures of the different disciplines involved in urban water management.
