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Carola Hein, Hilde Sennema, Gül Aktürk, Tianchen Dai, Kaiyi Zhu, and Paolo De Martino

Water has served and sustained societies throughout history. Understanding the complex and diverse water systems of the past is key to devising sustainable development for the future with regard to socioeconomic structures, policies, and cultures. Today, past systems form the framework for preservation and reuse as well as for new proposals.

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Water has served and sustained societies throughout history. Understanding the complex and diverse water systems of the past is key to devising sustainable development for the future with regard to socioeconomic structures, policies, and cultures. Today, past systems form the framework for preservation and reuse as well as for new proposals.

In this course, you will learn how to identify the spatial, social and cultural aspects of water heritage in your environment. You will investigate real situations, assess specific issues and evaluate the impact of potential measures, following existing expertise on water heritage and water management traditions as a model for your own practice.

By examining examples of water heritage from around the world, and by interacting with fellow learners, you will learn to implement globally sustainable approaches and tools such as the UNESCO Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Completing this course would be of great benefit to:

  • professionals working in water management (such as water boards, water districts or port authorities etc.), heritage, or planning processes that include water related issues;
  • master students of urban planning, architecture, heritage, or landscape;
  • anyone living in a city or rural area where water management issues occur and with an interest in improving their living environment.

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Analyze and visualize different water systems and explain their cultural importance and relevance
  • Determine the social and cultural attributes and societal value of water heritage over time and across space
  • Unpick the interdependencies and conflicting values and interests of the different stakeholders involved in creating water heritage systems
  • Navigate barriers caused by value conflicts among stakeholders in proposing solutions to the challenges water heritage and water systems are facing
  • Construct an sdg/hul-based approach to decision-making in water systems for the benefit of all relevant stakeholders
  • After taking this course you will be able to:

Syllabus

In week 1, learners discover the complexities of water culture in daily life. By identifying different water systems in their own environment, learners will become aware that water is not only a basic need, but also a spatial network and a carrier of meaning, social values, and memories. By recalling their own experiences and memories with water, they will learn how waterscapes influence space, society, and culture.
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In week 2, through exploring different historical water systems, learners will assess how societies in the past and present have valued water. They will learn about the spatial imprint of historic water systems, their change over time and their relation to institutional and cultural practices. Learners will be asked to research the history of their own case study waterwork, and its functional and spatial development over time.
In week 3, learners recognize which stakeholders and groups are important in the creation of water systems in the past and in the present. They learn how these stakeholders relate to each other and what shared or conflicting interests they have, then apply this analysis to their own case study.
In week 4, learners discover the challenges that waterworks are facing, as they identify dualities of water and culture, and differentiate between values, needs and interests in water systems. In addition, they learn to distinguish conflicts of values among different stakeholders, across different cultures and institutional levels in contemporary society.
In week 5, learners analyze sustainable solutions and strategies for water systems. They are introduced tothe UNESCO HUL method, as an integrated approach connecting global and local contexts. Learners will also engage with water heritage in line with sustainable developments through examples that implement this approach. Having been inspired by the solutions and approaches, learners will be asked to look into their own local cases for local initiatives.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Focuses on understanding the cultural and historical significance of water systems and structures
Develops a comprehensive understanding of water heritage using a UNESCO Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) approach
Facilitates the understanding of the role of stakeholders and their conflicting interests in water systems
Taught by an experienced team of instructors from internationally recognized universities
Requires learners to have a basic understanding of water management, heritage, or planning processes
Does not require prior knowledge or experience in water heritage specifically

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Water Works: Activating Heritage for Sustainable Development with these activities:
Follow tutorials on water conservation and sustainable water management
Following tutorials on water conservation and sustainable water management will help you learn about the importance of water conservation and how to implement sustainable water management practices.
Browse courses on Water Conservation
Show steps
  • Search for tutorials on water conservation and sustainable water management.
  • Follow the instructions in the tutorials to learn about water conservation and sustainable water management practices.
  • Apply the knowledge you learned from the tutorials to your own water use habits.
Review 'Engineering Hydrology' by K. Subramanya
Reading 'Engineering Hydrology' will help you understand the physical processes that govern water systems and the design of water-related structures.
Show steps
  • Read Chapters 1-3 to gain a foundation in hydrology and water resources engineering.
  • Solve practice problems at the end of each chapter to test your understanding.
  • Discuss the concepts with classmates or a study group to reinforce your learning.
Form a study group with other students in the course
Forming a study group with other students in the course will help you learn from each other and improve your understanding of the course material.
Show steps
  • Find other students in the course who are interested in forming a study group.
  • Meet with the other students to set up a regular study schedule.
  • Study together and help each other with the course material.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Volunteer with a local organization working on water conservation or sustainable water management
Volunteering with a local organization working on water conservation or sustainable water management will help you learn about the importance of water conservation and how to implement sustainable water management practices.
Browse courses on Water Conservation
Show steps
  • Find a local organization working on water conservation or sustainable water management.
  • Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Attend volunteer training and participate in volunteer activities.
Create a mind map of water heritage in your community
Creating a mind map will help you visualize and understand the different aspects of water heritage in your community.
Show steps
  • Brainstorm a list of keywords and concepts related to water heritage.
  • Organize the keywords and concepts into a hierarchical structure.
  • Draw connections between the different elements of the mind map.
Attend conferences and workshops on water heritage and sustainable water management
Attending conferences and workshops on water heritage and sustainable water management will help you connect with other professionals in the field and learn about the latest research and best practices.
Show steps
  • Find conferences and workshops on water heritage and sustainable water management in your area.
  • Register for the conferences and workshops.
  • Attend the conferences and workshops and participate in the discussions.
Practice identifying and analyzing water heritage sites
Practicing identifying and analyzing water heritage sites will help you develop the skills necessary to assess and manage water heritage in the future.
Show steps
  • Visit several water heritage sites in your community.
  • Observe the physical and cultural characteristics of each site.
  • Analyze the historical significance and social value of each site.
Participate in a workshop on water heritage assessment and management
Participating in a workshop on water heritage assessment and management will help you develop the skills necessary to assess and manage water heritage in the future.
Show steps
  • Find a workshop on water heritage assessment and management in your area.
  • Register for the workshop.
  • Attend the workshop and participate in the activities.

Career center

Learners who complete Water Works: Activating Heritage for Sustainable Development will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Water Resources Engineer
Water Resources Engineers are responsible for the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of water resources systems, including water supply, wastewater treatment, and flood control. This course would be helpful for Water Resources Engineers by teaching them how to analyze and visualize different water systems, determine the social and cultural attributes and societal value of water heritage, and unpick the interdependencies and conflicting values and interests of the different stakeholders involved in creating water heritage systems.
Water Quality Scientist
Water Quality Scientists are responsible for monitoring and assessing the quality of water, and for developing and implementing strategies to protect and improve water quality. This course would be helpful for Water Quality Scientists by teaching them how to analyze and visualize different water systems, determine the social and cultural attributes and societal value of water heritage, and unpick the interdependencies and conflicting values and interests of the different stakeholders involved in creating water heritage systems.
Environmental Engineer
Environmental Engineers are responsible for protecting the environment from pollution and other harmful substances. This course would be helpful for Environmental Engineers by teaching them how to analyze and visualize different water systems, determine the social and cultural attributes and societal value of water heritage, and unpick the interdependencies and conflicting values and interests of the different stakeholders involved in creating water heritage systems.
Water Treatment Plant Operator
Water Treatment Plant Operators are responsible for the operation and maintenance of water treatment plants. This course would be may be helpful for Water Treatment Plant Operators by teaching them how to analyze and visualize different water systems, determine the social and cultural attributes and societal value of water heritage, and unpick the interdependencies and conflicting values and interests of the different stakeholders involved in creating water heritage systems.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators are responsible for the operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants. This course would be may be helpful for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators by teaching them how to analyze and visualize different water systems, determine the social and cultural attributes and societal value of water heritage, and unpick the interdependencies and conflicting values and interests of the different stakeholders involved in creating water heritage systems.
Urban Planner
Urban Planners are responsible for planning and designing cities and towns. This course would be helpful for Urban Planners by teaching them how to analyze and visualize different water systems, determine the social and cultural attributes and societal value of water heritage, and unpick the interdependencies and conflicting values and interests of the different stakeholders involved in creating water heritage systems.
Water Resources Manager
Water Resources Managers are responsible for managing water resources, including water supply, wastewater treatment, and flood control. This course would be helpful for Water Resources Managers by teaching them how to analyze and visualize different water systems, determine the social and cultural attributes and societal value of water heritage, and unpick the interdependencies and conflicting values and interests of the different stakeholders involved in creating water heritage systems.
Landscape Architect
Landscape Architects are responsible for designing and planning outdoor spaces. This course would be helpful for Landscape Architects by teaching them how to analyze and visualize different water systems, determine the social and cultural attributes and societal value of water heritage, and unpick the interdependencies and conflicting values and interests of the different stakeholders involved in creating water heritage systems.
Heritage Conservationist
Heritage Conservationists are responsible for protecting and preserving historical and cultural resources. This course would be helpful for Heritage Conservationists by teaching them how to analyze and visualize different water systems, determine the social and cultural attributes and societal value of water heritage, and unpick the interdependencies and conflicting values and interests of the different stakeholders involved in creating water heritage systems.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists are responsible for studying the environment and its interactions with humans. This course would be helpful for Environmental Scientists by teaching them how to analyze and visualize different water systems, determine the social and cultural attributes and societal value of water heritage, and unpick the interdependencies and conflicting values and interests of the different stakeholders involved in creating water heritage systems.
Historian
Historians are responsible for studying the past and its impact on the present. This course would be helpful for Historians by teaching them how to analyze and visualize different water systems, determine the social and cultural attributes and societal value of water heritage, and unpick the interdependencies and conflicting values and interests of the different stakeholders involved in creating water heritage systems.
Geographer
Geographers are responsible for studying the Earth and its landforms, climate, and human population. This course would be helpful for Geographers by teaching them how to analyze and visualize different water systems, determine the social and cultural attributes and societal value of water heritage, and unpick the interdependencies and conflicting values and interests of the different stakeholders involved in creating water heritage systems.
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants are responsible for helping organizations to improve their sustainability performance. This course would be helpful for Sustainability Consultants by teaching them how to analyze and visualize different water systems, determine the social and cultural attributes and societal value of water heritage, and unpick the interdependencies and conflicting values and interests of the different stakeholders involved in creating water heritage systems.
Sociologist
Sociologists are responsible for studying human society and its interactions. This course would be may be helpful for Sociologists by teaching them how to analyze and visualize different water systems, determine the social and cultural attributes and societal value of water heritage, and unpick the interdependencies and conflicting values and interests of the different stakeholders involved in creating water heritage systems.
Anthropologist
Anthropologists are responsible for studying human cultures and societies. This course would be may be helpful for Anthropologists by teaching them how to analyze and visualize different water systems, determine the social and cultural attributes and societal value of water heritage, and unpick the interdependencies and conflicting values and interests of the different stakeholders involved in creating water heritage systems.

Reading list

We've selected six books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Water Works: Activating Heritage for Sustainable Development.
Provides a global history of water politics, examining the ways in which water has been used and contested throughout history. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the political dimensions of water management.
Provides an integrated perspective on water resources management, examining the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of water management. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex challenges of water resources management.
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the role of nature-based solutions in water management. It explores the different ways in which nature-based solutions can be used to address water-related challenges and offers practical guidance on how to implement nature-based solutions.
Provides a global perspective on water planning and management, examining the different approaches to water planning and management in a variety of countries. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities of water planning and management.
Provides a cultural history of water, examining the ways in which water has shaped human history and culture. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the deep and varied significance of water to human life.
Provides an overview of the world's water crisis, examining the challenges of water scarcity, pollution, and climate change. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex challenges of global water management.

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