A perspective from the water science community

This briefing from the International Institute for Sustainable Development outlines the water science community's perspective on the role of water in the green economy, emphasizing that water security is fundamental to food and energy production and requires integrated management to address climate and land-use change.

• The green economy requires a transformation in water management to ensure food, water, and energy security, as these are currently threatened by land-use change and climate change, which result in water supplies that are less secure and more volatile.
• Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) is identified as a proven process for balancing economic, environmental, and societal needs, serving as a practical starting point for managing a climate-resilient green economy.
• While the Millennium Development Goal for improved water access was achieved, the document argues for the establishment of new water targets concerning quality, supply, use, and climate resilience, supported by investments in monitoring and earth observations.
• Because water flow ignores political boundaries, the document advocates for polycentric governance models and collaborative, integrated water management as essential tools for new partnerships and transboundary peace-building.
• The transition to a green economy may occur via bioeconomies providing renewable chemicals, fibre, and energy. The Lake Winnipeg Bioeconomy Project is cited as an example of how water management can link nutrient and hydrologic cycles to create industrial feedstock and increase food security.

APA

International Institute for Sustainable Development (n.d.). A perspective from the water science community. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/role_of_water_green_eco_rio20.pdf

Chicago

International Institute for Sustainable Development. A perspective from the water science community. n.d. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/role_of_water_green_eco_rio20.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=A perspective from the water science community |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/role_of_water_green_eco_rio20.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopmentndperspective, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{A perspective from the water science community}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/role_of_water_green_eco_rio20.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }