Title:

Water Resilience through Citizen Science in the Internationalization of Research and Innovation.

Venue

Hotel Meliá Las Dunas en Cayo Santa María*****

The Buenavista Biosphere Reserve was declared by UNESCO in 2000 and now covers over 310,000 hectares in the centre of Cuba’s northern coast. The area consists of sand and rock beaches, various types of forest, archaeological sites and complex cave systems which show fascinating wall paintings by the indigenous people who lived here.

Date

October 20-22, 2025

Background

Citizen science offers a critical avenue for strengthening water resilience through more inclusive governance and the pursuit of water justice. Engaging local communities in the monitoring, assessment, and management of water resources democratizes knowledge production and enhances the legitimacy of decision-making. These initiatives extend the spatial and temporal reach of water quality data, mitigate information asymmetries, and enable marginalized groups to participate meaningfully in governance processes. Integrating community-generated knowledge into institutional frameworks supports the development of adaptive and equitable water management strategies, fostering governance systems that are both responsive to climatic uncertainties and attuned to social equity.

General Objective

To foster interdisciplinary and international research and innovation for water management applications, we aim to share recent developments and best practices in the use of citizen science to support water governance and water justice. We also aim to build international collaborations and to develop concept notes for joint application for research and capacity development projects.

Themes

Citizen science for water quality

Water governance

Water justice

Internationalization of research and innovation

The workshop will consist of sessions presenting scientific work, sessions for sharing experiences, and lessons learned.

Scientific committee

Dr. Yanelys Delgado Triana, (UCLV, Cuba)

Dr. Afnan Agramont Akiyama (VUB, Belgium)

Dr. Jaqui Goldin (UWC, South-Africa)

Dr. Lucas Melgaço (VUB, Belgium)

MSc. Rafael Matamoros Garcia (UCLV, Cuba)

Lic Beatriz Lorenzo Yera (UCLV, Cuba)

Dr. Paul Muñoz (VUB, Belgium)

Dr. Lamberto Moisés Alvarez Gil (UCLV, Cuba)

Dr. Ann van Griensven (VUB, Belgium)

Important dates:

Abstract submission: 30/06/2025

Acceptance of papers: 15/07/2025

Submission of papers and presentations: 30/07/2025