CMNS 137

Sandford is Global Water Futures Chair in Water and Climate Security at the United Nations (UN) University Institute for Water, Environment and Health. In a talk entitled “The Okanagan Basin Water Board: The Next 50 Years,” Sandford will discuss the OBWB – its challenges and successes – over the past 50 years and in the context of 21st century global water policy. He will look ahead to the next 50 years with the coming storm of climate change, political and social turmoil, rapid population growth and the need for a clear vision and strategic direction for the OBWB. Finally, Sandford will describe the transformational moment we find ourselves in, and give insights into what we can do to weather the storm.

Siegel is a New York Times bestselling author, international water activist, and Senior Fellow at the University of Wisconsin’s Center for Water Policy. Siegel tells the inspiring story of how Israel has become a world-leader in water management, governance, and water innovation, exporting more than $2.4 billion USD in water technology and equipment annually and recycling more than 90% of its wastewater. This, despite 60% of the country being desert. Siegel will reflect on the state of water management in the U.S. and globally, and provide lessons for the future of water management and governance, including in Canada’s most water-stressed region, the Okanagan.