Rainwater Management in a Context of Sustainable Cities: Six Possible Roles of the University in Building Water Sensitive Communities

Abstract

The development of sustainable and climate resilient cities is inclusive of building water sensitive communities. Addressing rainwater management and blue-green infrastructure as part of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) requires an interdisciplinary approach and the involvement of a broad coalition of partners at the city level. There are six significant roles that universities in collaboration with municipalities, water management companies, enterprises, NGOs and public community could fulfill. Within the research area are three of the roles: research into the needs of city development; providing expert activities; and collaborative creation of innovation approaches to the field of rainwater management. Within the field of education and awareness are two additional roles: universities can guarantee specialized education; and universities could also be a partner in the lifelong learning and green marketing of the city. The final role would involve the advancement of university campuses as hotspots for the development of the city's blue-green infrastructure. These six roles will be presented through using the example of the University of West Bohemia's partnership with the city of Pilsen (Czechia) for building a water sensitive community.