Implementation of Resilient Urban Water Strategies

The New Urban Agenda (NUA) clearly states the need for ensuring the equitable access to physical and social infrastructure. The request for an early inclusion of design and planning of those basic services was made. Based on many years of experience we are offering our expertise in addressing this request with a particular focus on water and sanitation. We are strategically structured team of experts targeting the implementation of this specific component of the NUA promise.Infrastructure is that critical component of urban design and planning that needs to be addressed to enable healthy and inclusive urban growth. This Side Event aims to contribute a concrete set of recommendations related to resilient urban infrastructure and its crossover with public space as a highly performative system. These innovative and decentralized systems target formal and informal settlements in the developed and developing world alike. This event is closely related to the onset of the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation GSAPP Books’ new series 'Urban Innovations'. The first book in the series titled 'Water  Infrastructure’ is focusing on equitable deployment of resilient systems. The organizers of the event are the authors of the book. This event is planned as a continuation of our work starting from the officially recognized PrepCom 1 Parallel Event and Side Event at the HQ in the NYC, through the PrepCom 2 Side Event in Nairobi, where the draft of the publication was released, leading to the recent launch of the final publication during the PrepCom 3 Side Event in Surabaya. Innovations associated with resilient infrastructure are becoming increasingly important as we face global vulnerability due to increased population growth, rapid urbanization, and the effects of climate change resulting in sea level rise, changing precipitation patterns, increased storm frequency, flooding, droughts and extreme temperatures. We have identified the following seven risks that affect the viability of many urban settlements:
1. Sanitation and water pollution
2. Climate change/ Coastal flooding/ Sea Level Rise (SLR)
3. Inland (Terrestrial/ Riverine) Flooding/ Polluted Stormwater Runoff
4. Drought/ Water Supply
5. Failing/ Aging Infrastructure
6. Water Pollution from Solid Waste including e-Waste
7. Urban and Suburban Soil Sealing