Paper Submission
We invite researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to submit papers on the following topics related to water security and management.
Conference Sub-Themes
Achieving water security—the reliable availability of an acceptable quantity and quality of water for health, livelihoods, ecosystems, and production—is a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development. In Africa, this is not just a resource issue but a core determinant of poverty reduction, public health, gender equality, and economic resilience.
This sub-theme moves beyond traditional water resources management to explore the intricate linkages between water security and the broader sustainable development agenda.
We seek contributions that address how to build equitable, resilient, and inclusive water systems that can underpin sustainable societies and economies in the face of growing demand, climate variability, and global change.
Key Topics
- Measuring and Monitoring Water Security: Developing robust indicators and frameworks.
- Water as a Catalyst for SDGs: Analyzing interlinkages between water security (SDG 6) and other goals.
- Equity and Inclusion in Water Access: Addressing challenges for marginalized communities and gender dimensions.
- Economics of Water Security: Exploring financing mechanisms and valuation of water.
- Innovative Governance and Institutional Frameworks: Models for integrated decision-making.
Climate change is fundamentally altering the global water cycle, exacerbating hydrological variability and amplifying extreme events. Africa faces disproportionate risks due to its high dependency on climate-sensitive sectors.
This sub-theme addresses the critical intersection of climate change and water security, focusing on robust strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities.
Key Topics
- Climate Hydrology and Predictive Modeling: Improving accuracy of climate projections.
- Impacts on Water Resources Systems: Assessing effects on surface and groundwater.
- Extreme Events Management: Early warning systems and preparedness plans.
- Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for Adaptation: Ecosystem-based approaches for resilience.
Over 60% of Africa's freshwater resources are transboundary, making cooperative management a necessity for regional security.
Effective governance of shared waters offers an opportunity for dialogue and collaborative development.
Key Topics
- Water Diplomacy and Hydro-Politics: Negotiation processes and international law.
- Benefit-Sharing Approaches: Optimizing and sharing benefits like energy and agriculture.
- Institutional Mechanisms: Evaluating River Basin Organizations (RBOs).
- Data and Information Sharing: Transparent exchange of hydrological data.
Water resources are under threat from complex pollutants, from pathogens to microplastics.
Effective water quality management is a cornerstone of public health and ecosystem vitality.
Key Topics
- Emerging Contaminants: Detection and fate of pharmaceuticals and microplastics.
- Diffuse Pollution: Strategies for agricultural runoff and urban stormwater.
- Remediation Technologies: Sustainable solutions for wastewater treatment.
- Monitoring Technologies: Real-time sensors and remote sensing.
Rapid urbanization is straining water systems. This sub-theme champions a shift towards circular water management.
Targeting sustainable water supply and safely managed sanitation for all.
Key Topics
- Resilient Water Supply: Diversification of sources and smart technologies.
- Circular Economy: Recovering energy and nutrients from wastewater.
- Equitable Access: Pro-poor tariffs and gender-responsive solutions.
- Sanitation Safety Planning: Risk-based management for public health.
Harnessing natural ecosystems to address water challenges. Moving beyond conventional \"grey infrastructure\".
Key Topics
- Wetlands for Regulation: Flood attenuation and flow maintenance.
- Wetlands for Purification: Natural filtering of sediments and nutrients.
- Implementation & Governance: Community-led projects and PES schemes.
Digital transformation of the water sector through IoT, AI, and big data.
Creating smarter, more responsive, and sustainable water systems.
Key Topics
- Smart Sensing: Real-time data collection via satellites and drones.
- AI and Machine Learning: Forecasting demand and predicting extremes.
- Digital Infrastructure: Smart meters and digital twins for utilities.
Water and energy are inextricably linked. Economic growth is driving demand for both.
Key Topics
- Hydropower Resilience: Multi-purpose reservoir operations.
- Energy for Water: Solar and wind for pumping and treatment.
- Integrated Planning: Joint water and energy resource planning.
Intact and healthy ecosystems are the foundation for water security.
Sustainable management of processes that generate and filter freshwater.
Key Topics
- Ecosystem Services: Quantifying roles of forests and grasslands.
- Environmental Flows: Maintenance of aquatic ecosystem health.
- Ecological Infrastructure: Protecting critical recharge zones.
The Red Sea as a vital corridor and common asset for regional integration.
Fostering a collective identity around peace and shared prosperity.
Key Topics
- Regional Blue Economy: Sustainable fisheries and maritime tourism.
- Environmental Security: Joint marine conservation areas.
- Socio-Economic Development: Job creation and balanced distribution.
Important Dates
Review Process
- Double-blind peer review process
- Evaluated on originality and significance
- Constructive feedback provided to authors
- Accepted papers included in proceedings
Ready to Submit Your Paper?
Review the topics above and submit your manuscript through our secure online submission system. Please ensure your paper adheres to the formatting guidelines.
Technical Support
For issues related to the submission portal or manuscript formatting:
papers@aws-2026.orgCMT Help Center
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