The DCU Water Institute delegation participated in a landmark INITIATE workshop in Ben Guerir and Marrakech, Morocco, bringing together researchers from Canada, Australia, Africa, and Europe. This inaugural event marked a significant milestone in fostering international collaboration to address global water challenges.
PhD researchers Asmaa Yaqoob (School of Law and Governance) and Ume Habiba (School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering) showcased their work on gender equality in water governance and water reuse, sparking interdisciplinary dialogue among participants. Yan Delaure (School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering) moderated the workshop session on “My passion for research”.
The robust program featured insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and strategic planning to enhance collaboration across cultural, national, and academic boundaries. The workshop concluded with concrete action plans to sustain the platform’s momentum ahead of the next meeting in Montpellier, France.
A highlight of the workshop was a visit to the Agdal Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic royal olive farm. Organized by the University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P) and the International UNESCO Centre on Water from the University of Montpellier, the visit offered participants a glimpse into Morocco’s innovative water management techniques. These include remote sensing, underground drip irrigation, and water usage monitoring—essential practices for addressing increasing water stress.
The DCU delegation returns with strengthened global partnerships and new ideas to advance sustainable water solutions, aligning with the INITIATE platform’s mission to bridge research and practice for a water-secure future.
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