WaterNet sessions feedback report

Moloto, Manare Prisca; Kiala, Zolo; Ghosh, Surajit; Pattinson, N.; Clifford-Holmes, J.

WaterNet sessions feedback report

Autores

Moloto, Manare Prisca

Editor

International Water Management Institute
CGIAR Accelerator for Digital Transformation

Descripción

The International Water Management Institute (IWMI), through the CGIAR Accelerator for Digital Transformation and funded by Enabel, hosted two technical sessions during the 26th WaterNet/WARFSA/GWP-SA Symposium held from October 28 to 31, 2025 in Lusaka, Zambia. The sessions were organized with UNICEF’s Youth Agency Marketplace (YOMA) and the Limpopo Watercourse Commission (LIMCOM). Representatives from Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa and Zimbabwe participated. The sessions presented practical digital solutions that support data collection, validation and use in the Limpopo River Basin. Session 1 focused on citizen science tools and digital platforms. These included miniSASS, YOMA, WaterCopilot and the Limpopo River Basin Digital Twin. Participants discussed youth engagement, data quality checks, community participation and the role of citizen science in early warning systems. Session 2 introduced the Digital Twin and WaterCopilot as core elements of a transboundary digital ecosystem. The tools powered by artificial intelligence integrate 3D mapping, satellite and citizen science data supporting forecasting, scenario analysis, reservoir operations, and decision-making. Member states highlighted the importance of consistent data sharing, improved coordination and accessible digital platforms. Priorities for this session included policy frameworks for transparency, capacity-building, usability improvements and standardized reservoir operation rules. IWMI and GroundTruth also led a field excursion. Participants applied low-cost monitoring methods and learned how these methods link to digital systems such as the Digital Twin and Water Copilot. Overall, the sessions demonstrated how the Citizen Science for Water Management project is supporting data-driven, inclusive and coordinated water management in the Limpopo River Basin.