Panel C: Bridging Silos with Data: Fostering Transdisciplinary Collaboration for Water Security and Sustainability

10.10.2025 13:30 – 15:00
Conference Hall #1
Moderation: Lars Ribbe

The primary objective of this panel is to highlight the benefits using shared data to foster genuine collaboration. By illustrating how a data-centric, transdisciplinary approach can overcome fragmentation, the panel aims to equip participants with the knowledge and motivation to build more connected, effective, and adaptive water governance systems.

To achieve this, the panel will address the urgent need to break down the barriers that hinder effective water security strategies in the face of climate change and showcase how data can serve as a powerful connector, enabling transdisciplinary collaboration and leading to more integrated and resilient water management.

The panel is structured in three focused discussion rounds:

1. The first round will highlight “The Problem of Silos” exploring how fragmented policies, isolated disciplines, and disjointed data sets create critical vulnerabilities. We’ll discuss real-world examples of these challenges.
2. Next, the conversation will shift to “Data as a Connector,” demonstrating how sharing data across disciplines—from hydrology and ecology to public health and urban planning—can unify disparate efforts. This round will explore practical ways to make data more accessible and interoperable.
3. Finally, the session will culminate in “From Data to Decision,” focusing on moving beyond simple collection to strategic action. We’ll explore how to transform raw data into actionable insights and establish a decision-driven monitoring framework that directly informs policy and resource allocation for a more sustainable water future.