The 10th edition of the International Waters Conference was hosted by the Government of Uruguay, in Punta del Este, from 23-26 Sep 2024, under the theme, "Transformative actions and impacts for the water and ocean SDGs: The GEF IW response to the global challenge".

 

The IWC of Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the key learning and exchange event for projects funded by the GEF in the focal area of International Waters. The GEF’s International Waters (IW) is the world’s largest funding mechanism for multi-country collaboration on freshwater and the ocean.

 

The IWC-10 had more than 400 participants, comprising GEF IW project managers, institutional stakeholders from beneficiary countries, non-governmental and civil society organizations, transboundary and regional management institutions, UN agencies, Development Banks and Intergovernmental Organisations, and the private sector.

 

Dr. Krishnan participated in the Conference representing the GEF-funded BOBLME Phase II Project being implemented by BOBP in collaboration with SEAFDEC and IUCN in the BOB region. Collectively the participants represented about 100 active GEF IW projects, from 80 countries and various GEF Agencies which aim to facilitate cross-sectoral and portfolio-wide learning & experience sharing.

 

The IWC-10 was an interactive training and experience-sharing event, where challenges were discussed, solutions highlighted and good practices showcased. The four-day Conference started with a plenary followed by multiple parallel interactive sessions, thematic Workshops, panel discussions, talk shows, IW Clinics, etc. The Conference summarized the impact achieved and also generated ideas for new projects.

 

Other attractions of the IWC-10 included the Technical Session wherein participants were taken to GEF IW project sites in Uruguay and networking dinners in exotic locations.