Shaping Berlin's Water Future – Together
What is the project about?
- People in Berlin and Brandenburg are coming together to engage with the issue of water.
- A participatory collection as a cultural knowledge base for a just socio-ecological transformation of water resources.
- Reflection on the Master Plan Water and its concrete measures.
Water is a central issue for the future of Berlin. A growing population is leading to increased demand for drinking water and rising volumes of wastewater. At the same time, the climate crisis and the phase-out of coal mining are posing major challenges to Berlin’s water supply. The State of Berlin’s Master Plan Water and a joint strategy by the states of Berlin and Brandenburg are responses to these challenges. However, it is also clear that these efforts can only succeed with the active involvement of the citizens of Berlin and Brandenburg.
The project “Water.Knowledge.Berlin” uses participatory events and a digital, interactive collection to provide access to cultural knowledge and diverse societal perspectives on the topic of water transition.
How do Berlin’s residents perceive the changes taking place in their city? How do they reflect on their own roles—especially in relation to the urban-rural dynamic?
By mapping ideas, interests, and areas of conflict in Berlin and Brandenburg, we add social voices to the ongoing debate between science, conservation, and politics. In cooperation with the Senate Department for Mobility, Transport, Climate and the Environment, current political measures are discussed, reflected upon, and, where necessary, expanded together with different population groups—thus creating the basis for active public participation in the necessary changes.
What is to be achieved?
The aim is to create a participatory collection as a foundation for knowledge-based environmental decision-making, enabling a just and shared water future in Berlin and Brandenburg.
In addition, citizens of Berlin and Brandenburg will have opportunities at events to exchange ideas with political decision-makers.
The results will then be incorporated into a policy brief.
How can you get involved?
Help shape the water future! We are looking for photos or videos of things, places, or events where you notice the water transformation in Berlin and Brandenburg. How does it affect your everyday life? What can be done?
- Create an account on the platform Changing Natures – Call Mind the Water. Voices from Berlin and Brandenburg.
- Upload a photo or video and share your water story with us!
- Respond to other contributions from your region.
- Engage in dialogue at our events with decision-makers from politics and administration about the water future in Berlin and Brandenburg.
Results to date:
All contributions can be viewed on the collection platform.