Helming also believes that the concrete solutions for resolving a Posted December 6, 2001

ONN--The international community has realized the need for dialogue in the area of integrated water management and the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI) is there to provide it. Defining themselves as a "platform for dialogue" the SIWI is a scientific, technical and awareness-building organization that aims to contribute towards international efforts in combating the international water crisis.
The SIWI is here at the International Conference on Freshwater to promote their organization. "We want to make it attractive for people to come to Stockholm," said Stephanie Blenckner, a project manager of SIWI. "We see ourselves as a mediator or a facilitator," she said and they hope to show the delegates this, in order for them to enlist the help of the organization in solving their water problems.

SIWI is funded by the Swedish government. They are a secretariat and administrative organization that works with a network of researchers in different countries.

Each year they hold a forum entitled the Stockholm Water Symposium. "For this event we try to bring together, on a discussion platform, researchers, decision makers and industry," said Blenckner. Next year the Symposium will be held from August 12 to 15. During the Water Week SIWI will organize workshops and have plenary discussions. By taking out key questions raised in the plenary session, they will write reports on concrete projects. Due to their funding from the Swedish government they are able to invite delegate who would otherwise not be able to attend.

In addition to the Symposium the SIWI awards the Stockholm Water Prize. This is awarded annually to honor outstanding achievement science, engineering, technology, education or public policy related to the protection of the world's water resources. The prize is given to an individual, organization or company for their contributions to the field. The prize is worth $150,000. To encourage young people the organization also gives out the Stockholm Junior Water Prize that is worth $5,000 and is awarded to youth under the age of 20 for their contributions in the area of water conservation. SIWI uses these awards as a way to highlight and promote certain areas of water conservation.

These awards are not the only way they feel they are bringing the global water crisis in the limelight. They encourage dialogue and according to Blenckner, "We try and motivate and provide information and a basis for exchange, so that they feel that they share their problem with others. And they feel that they have a part in the solution."

As in every other case SIWI also encounters challenges. Their's are of a psychological kind. Blencker told Conference News Daily that the greatest problem they face is, "to shift the traditional conceptions of people. To make them think differently and think creatively." SIWI also has to encourage people to listen to the "other side." "It is very important for people to see the other side as well," she said.

With some sceptisism Blencker hoped that the summit of Johannesburg 2002 would give water issues its deserved weight. Her hesitation stems from her feeling that the agenda of that summit might be too broad.