Utility Training: Climate Adaptation and Mitigation in African Urban Water and Sanitation

This in-person 4-day training utility course, "Climate Adaptation and Mitigation in African Urban Water and Sanitation," is designed to equip (middle) management staff from water and sanitation operators, and other relevant organizations, with the essential skills and knowledge to address the impacts of climate change on water availability, quality, and sanitation services. With climate change posing significant risks to infrastructure investments, the course focuses on integrating climate resilience into planning, operations, and policy-making, providing participants with practical tools to adapt to and mitigate these challenges.

The training is jointly organised by the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, the WaterWorX Programme/Vitens Evides International - VEi, and GWOPA. 

Participants will be introduced to the vulnerabilities of the urban water cycle due to climate change, with particular emphasis on the challenges faced by water utilities. The course will guide participants through a critical paradigm shift: moving from traditional forecasting and planning methods to scenario-based design. This new approach accounts for the deep uncertainties in future climate conditions, allowing for more flexible and resilient planning and operations.

A core objective is to strengthen participants' ability to conduct comprehensive climate vulnerability and risk assessments for water and sanitation projects and to mainstream climate resilience in their investment portfolio, as well as in their operations. Tailored for decision-makers rather than technical experts, this course provides actionable insights and leadership strategies to help mainstream climate resilience in their organizations. 

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the effects of climate change on the urban water cycle, identifying key vulnerabilities and impacts.
2. Analyze and evaluate risks and vulnerabilities in water supply, wastewater, and stormwater systems, using appropriate assessment frameworks.
3. Demonstrate the use of practical tools for conducting climate vulnerability assessments, applying them to real-world scenarios.
4. Integrate climate adaptation strategies into both operational and strategic levels within their organizations, ensuring a holistic approach to resilience.
5. Apply scenario-based design principles to develop flexible and resilient water management plans that address future uncertainties.