Advancing sustainable food systems and enhancing water security through supporting ecosystem-based approaches: Insights from the Step Change initiative Last month CDKN had the pleasure of attending a learning review of the Step Change initiative which brought together multiple project partners to reflect on progress, surface synergies and outline pathways for collaboration between projects to amplify impacts across research, policy and practice.

From frost to flow: An exemplary community-led initiative for water supply in Ladakh, India Damini Rathore of ICLEI South Asia highlights the success of a pilot project to supply water to remote areas in Ladakh, India during winter. The initiative sets an example for how to provide a constant water supply and has established the critical role of smart water management systems.

Four ecosystem-based adaptation projects with a social and gender perspective begin in Latin America Four CDKN-supported Knowledge-to-Action (K2A) projects began activities recently, two in Colombia and two in Ecuador. These K2A projects are part of a small grants programme (US$ 50,000 per project) that aim to sustainably protect natural resources in these countries while considering the effects of climate change and promoting ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) and gender and social inclusion.

Revitalising Alappuzha's canals with community collaboration: A case study of urban transformation in Kerala, India For World Water Day 2024, Damini Rathore of ICLEI South Asia analyses the roles of appropriate technology, capacity development and community engagement in a case study of urban transformation in the city of Alappuzha, in southern India.

Fog catchers: Improving Mexico’s climate resilience using traditional knowledge In Oaxaca, Mexico, a climate resilience project adopts fog catching and ancient Waru Waru techniques to combat water scarcity. The initiative embraces local and indigenous wisdom to alleviate drought impacts, illustrating innovation's pivotal role in adaptation amidst limited resources. This story is part of a series celebrating the locally-led solutions supported by the UNDP implemented - Adaptation Fund Climate Innovation Accelerator programme.

Water for peace, or water for war? Notes on weaponisation of water for World Water Day 2024 Barbara Schreiner, Executive Director of Water Integrity Network, emphasises the urgent need to confront the weaponisation of water, a violation of human rights and international law. Addressing root causes, promoting accountability, and fostering cooperation are crucial in safeguarding water as a source of peace, not conflict.

Reflections on SOCAP and the private sector world of impact investment Karen Hildahl from FFLA-CDKN Latin America shares her learnings from impact investment private sector perspectives relevant to locally-led adaptation, gender equality and social inclusion and Water Funds in Latin America.

Opportunity: Water Changemaker Awards 2023 The Water Changemaker Awards 2023 seeks to scale up innovative climate finance and technologies for a water secure world. The awards will identify and promote the most promising and innovative water and climate resilient solutions. Submit your application before 31 August 2023.

CDKN at the UN Water Conference The UN 2023 Water Conference took place from 22-24 March 2023 in New York and online. The conference raised awareness of the global water crisis, while deciding on concerted action to achieve internationally agreed water-related goals and targets. CDKN co-organised three virtual events. Find out more below.

Elevating the role of water resilience in food system dialogues Ensuring resilient food systems and sustainable healthy diets for all requires much higher water use, however, water resources are finite, geographically dispersed and volatile under climate change. A new paper co-authored by CDKN CEO Shehnaaz Moosa highlights the role of water use in the food system and how good governance is central to achieving water-resilient food systems.

Local voices from the global South: Community action at the centre of resilient water solutions The UN 2023 Water Conference took place from 22-24 March 2023 in New York and online. CDKN co-hosted a virtual side event with Fundación Avina to bring local voices from the global South to the fore in communicating water solutions to reduce climate change vulnerabilities.