At the upcoming COP29 held in Baku, Azerbaijan, Meeting of Waters will to construct an immersive environment for collaborative activities and live demonstrations, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the essence of "water." Attendees will have the chance to delve into and express the feelings that water evokes, drawing inspiration from our ancestral and spiritual roots.
In collaboration with the Hydrology, Water and Cryosphere program of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Meeting of Waters aims to raise individual and community awareness about water through these immersive experiences while, also high-lighting scientific and political perspec-tives, paving the way for practical solutions.
Water, as one of the fundamental building blocks of life, carries profound significance in the world’s many religious and philosoph-ical beliefs. It is revered as a symbol of puri-fication, renewal, and the very essence of life itself. Despite the fact that at least two thirds of the world population adheres to a religious belief system, the portrayal of water, nature, and the environment has been stripped of its spiritual and cultural significance, reduced to purely scientific and economic terms. However, water is not just a natural resource or economic com-modity; it is a living, multi-dimensional source of life that permeates nearly every aspect of human culture and history. By weaving faith into discussions about water, we can reinstate its rightful position as the lifeblood of culture and the cornerstone of societal civilization, thereby underscoring humanity's ethical duty to cherish and safe-guard this invaluable resource and blessing.
Water is also a symbol of abundance and prosperity, reflecting human culture and social advancement. The impact of climate change has led to an increase in water-re-lated disasters and crises, emphasizing the critical need for heightened attention to the protection and management of water resources. In Azerbaijan, its coastal loca-tion and rich marine resources present numerous opportunities for cultural and trade exchanges. However, the country's heavy reliance on extraction, particularly for fracking natural gas in the oil and industry sector, poses a significant risk of pollu-tion to fresh water sources and the Caspian Sea. The transition to a post-fossil fuel economy in Azerbaijan will be reliant on the presence of healthy water systems, as water plays a vital role in the country's land-scape and agriculture. The threat of desert-ification due to disrupted water cycles is of significant concern. Despite having the world's largest inland body of water, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan is experiencing a decrease in its water level, which is impact-ing local biodiversity. The rejuvenating and life-sustaining essence of water is of utmost importance for the region.