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	Charles Fishman Author of The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water NEW: Listen to Terry Gross’s interview with Mr. Fishman on National Public Radio’s Fresh Air [37:58 audio clip].

As awareness of the importance of water to our future grows, so too does recognition of the challenges of managing this vital resource. However, with new challenges can come opportunities to respond — opportunities for both action and innovation.

From February 28 to March 3, 2011, the Canadian Water Network convened Connecting Water Resources 2011: Responding to the Opportunities. More than 300 participants attended this national conference to listen to presentations and panel discussions by leading international researchers and practitioners from diverse fields of water management, industry, finance, policy and governance. The event not only provided participants with critical insight into leading-edge research and practice, but it also showcased the national and international researchers and practitioners who are responding to opportunities for best water management.

The conference provided a venue for a national and international dialogue that focused on three key questions –

• What is the state of knowledge in water management?
• What are the key Canadian and global opportunities to respond?
• Who are the innovators, catalysts and first-adopters that are creating opportunities and implementing solutions?

Both plenary and concurrent sessions were structured to highlight compelling examples innovative water management in Canada and abroad. Speakers commented on Canada’s capacity to lead water innovation, and on what the Canadian water management and innovation landscapes will look like in the future.

Keynote speakers offered a diversity of expertise, and ranged from world-class researchers, political leaders, private sector financial and economic leaders to innovative water managers and global water stewards. Panel discussions and question-and-answer sessions fostered a rich exchange of ideas.

The cross-section of examples of leading water management clearly illustrated that, to be successful, innovation in water management will need to occur in many forms: at both large- and small-scales, across regional, national and international levels, and include social and technological innovations with the public, private and non-profit sectors. The collective issues, trends and opportunities identified in plenary sessions were well attended, ensuring that lively discussion carried through to concurrent sessions and networking events.

Read about media coverage of Connecting Water Resources.