The Global Network of Water Museums is a flagship initiative endorsed by the Council of UNESCO-IHP (Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme)

When Waters Speak #7

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When Waters Speak #7

co-hosted by The Global Network of Water Museums and UNESCO's Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme

Towards Water Cloud: Learning Resources for Inclusive Sustainable Futures

19 May 2025 • 2:00 - 3:30 pm CET

On May 19, 2025, WAMU-NET and UNESCO IHP hosted a webinar on Water Cloud - an online repository for water education - to discuss examples and innovations in water education.

As part of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP) anniversary series, this webinar explored innovative educational resources and tools for water management. Drawing from pioneering examples currently available on the platform, this session showcased how digital technology is transforming water education, knowledge sharing, and sustainable water resource management.

Overview

At its 5th International Conference in Porto (October 2024), the Global Network of Water Museums (WAMU-NET) launched Water Cloud, an innovative online repository dedicated to water education. This platform emerged from intensive collaboration throughout 2024, including a dedicated Education Working Group and a carefully curated selection process of educational tools. The platform's mission, “Resources for Inclusive Sustainable Futures,” reflects its commitment to providing centralized access to water education materials for students, teachers, and museum professionals worldwide. 
This webinar, co-hosted by WAMU-NET and UNESCO's Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme, showcased three pioneering examples currently featured on the Water Cloud pilot platform. As the first initiative to curate water museums' learning resources in a single, easily navigable platform, these examples demonstrate innovative approaches aligned with UNESCO IHP's commitment to water sustainability education. Distinguished speakers shared their experiences and insights, contributing to the platform's future development. 

Agenda

The session includes presentations followed by an interactive Q&A session where participants engage with the speakers and share their perspectives on water education innovation.


14:00 Welcome and opening remarks (Alexander Otte, UNESCO-IHP)
14:05 Lucrezia Gigante, WAMU-NET. Introduction to Water Cloud: a pilot project for online water-related educational resources
14:15 Ellen Schultz, Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center. Understanding the Urban Watershed Curriculum: Online Resources by Fairmount Water Works Interpretive Center, USA
14:25 Sara Ahmed, Living Waters Museum. Water Classrooms: Online Resources developed by Living Waters Museum, India
14:35 Margarida Filipe, Lisbon Water Museum. AquaQuiz: Online engagement developed by Lisbon Water Museum, Portugal
14:45 Roundtable
Potential developments and uses of ‘Water Cloud’. Transferability of museums’ resources and linkages with UNESCO and IHP with:
• Bernard Combes (Independent Expert)
• Joana Lessa (University of Algarve)
• Philippe Pypaert (Senior Consultant)
15:15 Audience Q&A
15:25 Closing remarks (Eriberto Eulisse, WAMU-NET)
Moderated by: Lucrezia Gigante (WAMU-NET)

Watch the complete webinar here