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CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT IN WATER AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES |  |
TAMPERE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY |
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CADWES - Approaches and projects Research approaches The CADWES team argues that the bias in favour of a positivistic approach and natural sciences in water research results in inadequate answers to wider water governance challenges and institutional and management issues. Water research should be expanded to include diverse multi-, pluri-, cross-, and inter- disciplinary approaches in cooperation projects, while individuals could be encouraged to seek trans-disciplinary competence.[1] There seems to be increasing demand for institutional research and know-how in international water projects. In recent years courses focussing on international water issues and operating policy have been taught, sometimes in co-operation with other universities. We also strive to participate in the international water sector and fresh water processes like World Water Forums[2]. The complexity of water management means that there is no way for a single discipline or approach to cover all research needs. Thus, we need a variety of theories, approaches, methods, and strategies. It is obvious that water - and particularly water services - are highly dependent on local conditions; not only in terms of natural resources but also due to wider socio-institutional conditions. Instead of promoting one-fits-all solutions, we should think of alternative ways of managing water services. The solutions should be based on visionary and strategic thinking while also utilising institutional memory and lessons learnt. In that context path dependence - negative or positive - is highly relevant. Developing and transition economies - like all countries, regions and communities - have their own conditions and needs, although some general principles and practices can also be identified. While the challenges and real needs of the "global village" are evident, the mainstream of science tends to divide into ever smaller segments. This may be an acceptable option, but certainly not the only one. Especially in such a complex field as water management, wider perspectives and research on institutional, management and policy issues are urgently needed. In water research - like in water resources and services management - we certainly need to achieve a balance between water quantity, water quality and water use priorities.[3] Sustainable and viable development unavoidably requires proper understanding of the pasts as a basis for formulating potential, probable and desirable futures. In this contex, history - the pasts - has a high relevance.[4] [1] [Source: Hukka J.J, Katko T.S., Mattila H.E., Pietilä P.E., Sandelin S.K. & Seppälä O.T. 2007. Inadequacy of positivistic research to explain complexity of water management. International Journal of Water. Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. Vol. 3, no. 4. pp. 425 ? 444. DOI: 10.1504/IJW.2007.016325.] [2] [Source: Water services management: CADWES team at TUT. pp. 64-65. http://www.ymparisto.fi/download.asp?contentid=50897&lan=en.] [3] [Source: Hukka J.J., Juuti P.S., Katko T.S, Mohamed A., Nyangeri E-N. & Seppälä O.T. 2005. Science for Water Services and Related Institutions. pp. 61-91. In: Hietanen O. (Ed.) The University partnership network for international development, UniPID. Finnish Development Knowledge. FFRC Publications 6/2005.] [4] [Source: Katko T., Juuti P. & Rajala R. 2009. Writing the history of water services. Physics and Chemistry of the Earth. Vol. 34, pp. 156?163. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pce.2008.06.033, www.elsevier.com/locate/pce] Projects View Framework Programme 1984 - 2010 (updated 30.9.2010) (pdf, 0,1 MB) View International Educational Activities of TUT (updated 30.9.2010) (pdf, 0,15 MB) |
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