UNITAR Online Catalogue
Local Water Solutions for Global Challenges
Background
The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Scotland’s Centre of expertise for waters (CREW) at the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow) have jointly developed the e-Learning course «Local Water Solutions for Global Challenges», with the financial support of the Scottish Government. The goal of the course is to build capacity on sustainable water resource management and treatment. It is intended to provide a solid understanding of water governance, within the framework of the newly adopted Sustainable Development Goals. The training also introduces key technologies and techniques to build water resilience, and explores the close interactions between water, energy, food and climate change. This e-Learning course, targeting in particular local authorities in developing and least developed countries, will be facilitated by Pr. Kalin from the University of Strathclyde, and Mr. Rathjen, from the Scottish Government Water Industry Team.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Conceptualise Integrated Water Resource Management Challenges;
- Understand the linkage between SDG6 (Water and sanitation) and other SDGs;
- Conceptualise Water treatment technologies within Integrated Water Resource Management Challenges;
- Identify how water treatment plays a role in increased water resilience;
- Differentiate transboundary from national Integrated Water Resource Management Challenges;
- Grasp the importance of the science-policy interface;
- Conceptualise Integrated Water Resource Management Challenges within a Food-Water-Energy Nexus.
Content and Structure
The course is comprised of 5 modules that will be covered over the period of 5 weeks. The average workload per week is estimated at 3 hours.
- Module 1: Global Water Challenges
- Module 2: Innovative Technologies and Techniques for Increased Water Resilience
- Module 3: Governance Stewardship
- Module 4: Water Energy Food Nexus
- Module 5: Under development
Methodology
This course is delivered through UNITAR’s e-Learning Platform (Moodle). It comprises of 5 modules, each consisting of several lessons, a discussion forum and a quiz. The modules are structured to provide course participants with a sequential flow of learning materials in text and audiovisual formats.
Additional learning resources are provided, such as a glossary of acronyms and legal terms and a “cybrary” including case studies, policy documents, articles and links to other relevant contents. This course was developed by experts from the University of Strathclyde.
Designed to be asynchronous, the course offers participants the opportunity to access the learning materials and participate in discussions in a flexible manner. Those who face Internet connectivity issues can easily download the printable versions of the course materials. Throughout the course, an online facilitator guides the participants, providing support and addressing participants’ queries. In addition, two experts moderate the course delivering information, clarifying doubts and supporting participants through the different activities.