Author: Lilli Scott is a graduate student earning her Master of Public Affairs from the University of Iowa.
The keynote speakers and breakout sessions throughout the conference were nothing short of inspiring. Two main themes were introduced by the first day opening speakers, Dr. Brandi Janssen and Dr. Kaoru Ikuma,
- Connections to water run deep in every culture. We must embed these connections in our work.
- Solving wicked problems* is going to take a collaborative and integrated approach to engage a variety of disciplines and stakeholders.
I noticed these themes carry over into the following breakout sessions and panels over the course of the conference. From David Cwiertney and Eric Gidal’s presentation of the Blue-Green Action Platform — bridging the gap between arts and science — to the Wicked Problem Panel posing tough questions about climate-resilient watersheds. It was inspiring to listen to experts in the field and hear about the work they are doing to improve the water in our state and beyond.
It can be daunting to learn about wicked problems such as water quality issues and climate change. How can we as individuals even begin to address these issues? With the conclusion of this conference, I feel as though I am walking away with new tools in my belt to take on these challenges. One simple step we can take to make a change as individuals is to connect with and be aware of the water around us.
Building connections with our community and our water will help us participate in and contribute to collective solutions. We can share information about private well testing grants with our neighbors, adaptation strategies in our local hazard mitigation plans, request nitrate testing kits from the Izaak Walton League, or share ideas about water recycling in our community water systems.
As V Fixmer-Oraiz touched on in the Wicked Problem Panel, resilience can be achieved through connection, and we all have the power to connect. While we may not all be out restoring watersheds for a living, we can still be good watershed stewards and neighbors. As the theme of the conference reads, “Life Depends on Water. Water Depends on You (Us).”
*Fifty years ago, two design theorists developed the term “wicked problem” to describe problems that are difficult to solve because of their complex and interconnected nature. In the world of water, a shared critical resource for all, natural and human pressures create water quality and water quantity concerns.