The 2nd International Sociohydrology Conference

Integration of hydrological knowledges: Physical, social and human hydrology
Makoto Taniguchi 
Research Institute for Humanity and Nature, Japan

Water values which consist of resources, environment, culture, circulation and others, have been changed through the social transformations such as agricultural civilization, industrialization, green revolution, urbanization, and globalization. As easy-to-understand values such as efficiency and simplicity are spreading in Anthropocene, the view of water as resource is becoming stronger. On the other hand, the view of the environment and culture is becoming weaker. This may be caused by disconnection of the values of water between humanity, society and nature.
  Water is also connected with other resources and environment such as food and energy. The 70% of fresh water is consumed by agriculture production, and more than half of the cost for water allocations and treatments is energy sector. Therefore, water is highly connected with food and energy, as well as economy and environment through global trade. These invisible causality and connections through water among productions and consumption have been increased “externality” of the water in Anthropocene, then internalization of the water is necessary as nexus including the tradeoff and synergy for sustainable society by connecting nature, society and humanity.
Some examples of the integration of hydrological knowledges are discussed as 1) physical, 2) social and 3) human hydrology. The first example is the linkage of 1) water quality in the canals which is caused by micro groundwater flow in Bangkok, 2) protection of the temples from the flooding, and 3) human belief as religion. The second example is the connectivity of 1) earthquake and flooding as disasters in Japan, 2) water use and supply in emergency situations of society, and 3) human norms which are visualized during the disasters. The third example is the linkage of 1) groundwater as resources and environment, 2) protection of water resources by narratives, and 3) connection between selfishness and altruism.
It is important to connect three relationships among nature, society and humanity. The relationship between A) humanity and society on the water can be categorized by internal and external as well as individual and collective. IPBES report on the value assessment show the different world views of relationship between B) humanity and nature, such as living “from”, “in”, “with” and “as” nature. Relationships between C) society and nature on the water can be classified by anthropocentrism and ecocentrism as well as individual and collective.
World views of the water show the basic values and norms depending on the different humanity-nature-society relationships with different values between anthropocentrism and ecocentrism as well as human-nature separationism and non-separationism. Upstream communities usually do not concern the downstream, however downstream communities care and demand to the upstream. To integrate physical, social, and human hydrological knowledges including the concepts of near-far water and fast-slow water, it is important to make linkage between individual and collective as well as interior and exterior of the human being, society, and nature, based on the values, behaviors, culture, and system.

Toward a Transdisciplinary Praxis: Sociohydrology for Long-Term Resilience in Human-Water Systems
Günter Blöschl
Vienna University of Technology, University of Bologna

Abstract:
This keynote lecture synthesizes the discussions of the conference, focusing on the need for a paradigm shift in the way we approach water resource management. Emphasizing the long-term coevolution of human and water systems, the lecture explores how sociohydrology can inform both theory and practice by integrating diverse perspectives from hydrology, social sciences, economics and policy.
As the complexity of water-related challenges continues to increase, particularly in the context of climate change and urbanization, it is crucial to adopt a longer-term, systems-oriented view that acknowledges the feedback loops and emergent phenomena that shape water availability and quality. This perspective aligns with the Panta Rhei philosophy, which promotes understanding water systems as dynamic, interdependent processes that evolve over time in response to both human and environmental factors.
The conference brings together diverse schools of thought, ranging from quantitative, sociohydrological modelling that emphasizes system dynamics and predictive capacity, to more qualitative, spatially oriented frameworks drawn from critical geography and participatory action research. This multiplicity of approaches is necessary to address the multifaceted nature of water problems, which span both the physical and social dimensions. By combining these perspectives, the conference highlights the potential of sociohydrology to bridge the gap between scientific understanding and real-world decision-making, fostering more adaptive and context-sensitive solutions to water challenges.
One of the key insights from the conference is the importance of understanding phenomena - patterns and behaviours that emerge from the complex interactions within human-water systems. The lecture explores how phenomena, such as the unintended consequences of human interventions, can be identified and analyzed through systems thinking and causal loop diagrams. These phenomena are often driven by both positive and negative feedback loops, and their recognition is essential for building predictive models that support effective water management strategies. By framing water challenges as phenomena, sociohydrology offers new ways to anticipate and mitigate the risks associated with water system disruptions.
Equally important is the recognition that addressing water-related challenges requires a holistic approach that incorporates both qualitative and quantitative methods. Participatory approaches, involving stakeholders and affected communities in the research process, are essential for ensuring that sociohydrological models are relevant, legitimate and reflective of local knowledge. The lecture emphasizes the value of integrating social science perspectives with natural science methodologies to create more comprehensive and inclusive models of human-water interactions.
The conference also highlights the need for improved data governance in sociohydrology, with a focus on ensuring that data is Findable, Accessible, Interoperable and Reusable (FAIR), while also addressing issues of equity and justice. As emerging technologies, such as citizen science and remote sensing, offer new opportunities for data collection, it is crucial to ensure that these data are used in ways that promote fairness and inclusivity in decision-making processes.
Finally, the lecture calls for a global-local approach to water management, recognizing the interconnectedness of local water systems with global phenomena such as climate change, trade and migration. The complex, transboundary nature of many water issues necessitates collaborative solutions that incorporate both local knowledge and global perspectives. By fostering a transdisciplinary praxis that integrates science, policy and society, the conference aims to catalyze a new era of sociohydrology that is more resilient, adaptive and equitable in addressing the pressing water challenges of the 21st century.