The 4th River Conference for Regeneration of Riverine Ecosystems held at Hotel Ashiana Hill View conference hall on March 21-22, 2024 drew attention to the pressing need for action on World Water Day 2024. Aligned with the International Day of Action for Rivers and World Water Day, the event gathered 150 participants from diverse organizations and locations, including 52 partners committed to river conservation efforts worldwide.

The conference organised by Water Initiatives Odisha and the Foundation for Ecological Security (FES) was co-partnered by Caritas India under the Global Program, spearheaded a momentous gathering focused on the restoration of riverine ecosystems.

Caritas India Global Program supported this initiative as a follow-up of the We4Resilience conference to facilitate systematic and regular exchanges among various stakeholder groups, fostering dialogue through congresses, workshops, and further education programs. Besides, the event acted as a learning macro-level platform for Civil Society Organisations across India to draw action plans and recommendations on sustainable development and reviver conservations. The event convened 150 participants from diverse organizations and locations, including 52 partners committed to river conservation efforts worldwide. Seven members team from Caritas India participated in this conference to share their experiences and insights.

With a focus on achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030, the conference emphasized the importance of accelerating progress in water conservation and management. Participants highlighted the critical role of youth in preserving and rejuvenating river systems, advocating for socio-economic, ecological, and cultural resilience to climate change through river commons conservation education.

Dr. Mukund Deshmukh from Caritas India shared insights on the intricate interplay between water security, food, nutrition, and livelihood security. Dr. Mukund’s presentation delved into the multifaceted challenges faced by vulnerable communities, particularly the Korku Tribes of the Satpura Region. He highlighted the transformative potential of initiatives such as soil and water conservation in bolstering alternative livelihood options and mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change. He emphasized the crucial role of water resources in enhancing resilience and promoting sustainable development among marginalized populations.

Dr. Haridas V.R. Climate Justice lead of Caritas India underscored the imperative of watershed-based interventions for enhancing riverine ecosystems. Drawing attention to a spectrum of challenges including encroachment, deforestation, and chemical pollution, Dr. Haridas advocated for targeted micro-interventions aimed at protecting tributaries and distributaries. His presentation emphasized the importance of adopting holistic approaches to water management, encompassing sustainable land-use practices and community-driven conservation initiatives. He urged stakeholders to prioritize the conservation of vital water sources, highlighting the critical role of collective action in safeguarding the ecological integrity of river systems. Mr Peter Barla, Global Program Coordinator from the Dhemaji district, Assam also shared the resilient building activities being undertaken under the program.

The conference concluded with a clarion call for action, urging stakeholders to accelerate progress towards achieving SDG Goal 6 and promoting initiatives and innovations in water conservation and management. As communities worldwide grapple with the repercussions of water stress and environmental degradation, gatherings like the River Conference serve as beacons of hope, rallying stakeholders to safeguard our most precious resource – water – for future generations.