Aquatic Ecosystems Beyond Borders Conference

Loughs Agency will host an International Symposium on Transboundary Water Management which will take place on Thursday 12th and Friday 13th September 2024 in the Everglades Hotel, Derry~Londonderry.

This prestigious gathering brings together leading experts, policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and stakeholders from around the globe to address one of the most pressing environmental and geopolitical challenges of our time: the management of transboundary water resources. As we navigate an era marked by increasing biodiversity loss, water scarcity, climate change, and population growth, the need for cooperative, sustainable, and equitable water management across borders has never been more critical.

Transboundary water bodies, which include Foyle and Carlingford as well as 286 river basins and numerous aquifers spanning international borders worldwide, are vital sources of freshwater for millions of people. However, their shared nature often leads to complex governance issues, as different countries may have conflicting interests, policies, and levels of dependence on these waters. Effective management of these resources is essential not only for ensuring water security but also for fostering environmental sustainability and maintaining ecosystem services.

This symposium provides a unique platform for dialogue and collaboration, featuring a diverse array of presentations and panel discussions. The agenda covers a broad spectrum of topics, from innovative management frameworks and legal instruments to the role of technology in enhancing water and species monitoring, and data sharing. We will also delve into case studies that highlight both successful cooperative initiatives and persistent challenges, offering valuable lessons and insights.

Moreover, the symposium hopes to serve as a collaborative platform for new ideas, knowledge sharing, networking and partnership building. By bringing together varied perspectives and expertise, we aim to foster synergies that can lead to more resilient and adaptive transboundary water management strategies. We encourage participants to engage actively, share their experiences, and explore opportunities for cross-border cooperation that can drive progress towards improved water quality, better protected and managed ecosystems, and mitigate conflicts through collaborative governance.

Through this symposium, let us embrace the spirit of collaboration and shared responsibility. Loughs Agency believe that together, we can pave the way towards a future where transboundary waters are managed not as sources of division, but as catalysts for shared ecosystem services and sustainable developmentSustainable Development is a development approach that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It balances economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being to ensure long-term sustainability. It’s often described as having three main aspects: • Economic Sustainability: This means making sure we grow the economy without using up natural resources or hurting the environment.
• Environmental Sustainability: This means protecting the environment, including all the different kinds of life on Earth, for future generations.
• Social Sustainability: This means making sure everyone has a fair chance and that life is good for everyone.
The concept was popularized by the Brundtland Report and is central to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs). More.