GFSRC

(Event details are subject to change and updates will be posted as necessary)

Youth Sustainable Water Resources Education and Hub Development in APEC Region

Introduction

    Water resources management is fundamental to human life and livelihood. Multiple economies throughout the APEC region have suffered increasingly from both shortage (drought) and in excess (flood prone areas) scenarios, as evidenced by increased frequency of extreme events in recent years. Management of unpredictable water related risks is becoming more critical due to population growth, depletion of water resources and the impact of climate change. These challenges necessitate broader education of the population and collective responses at all levels, national, sub-regional, regional and global. Experiences of countries from the APEC region can play a critical role in promoting regional cooperation for addressing challenges and finding solutions to water-related issues. To focus educational attention on this urgent issue, “Youth Sustainable Water Resources Education and Hub Development in APEC Region” project is hence proposed to build best practices of water-responsible entrepreneurship for youth agriculturalists in the APEC region. 

    This project enhances physical, institutional and people to people connectivity through regional workshops, seminars, technical conferences and the project website. The project is also well linked to “human capital development”, especially in the form of education and capacity building for youth and their cooperation, as well as cross border education cooperation as the APEC community gathers to tackle water-related issues. By educating toward high water use efficiency, especially in agriculture, which at present is the largest user of water, the project will play a major role towards building sustainable and resilient communities. Furthermore, training on water use efficiencies will aid in attaining food safety and security as more will be produced from minimal water usage. Sustainable agriculture development is interlinked with water, and will also be attained through educating people on water management. Overall, this project promotes innovative development, interconnected growth and shared interests in the APEC region.