| چکیده انگلیسی مقاله |
The recent IPCC report highlights the effects the world is facing due to the climate crisis. Torrential rainfall in city areas causes floods and infrastructure damage, heatwaves in built-up areas makes life unbearable, extended droughts lead to water shortage and uncontrolled fires disrupt society. These challenges are expected to be intensified. Both global thinking and local action is urgently required to overcome these catastrophes. These phenomena are all related to rainwater. There are many proven cases throughout time and space that these challenges can be mitigated by proper and wise rainwater management. Site specific solutions for site specific water problems have been found most effective and they are well reflected in their own nature-based traditions and cultures. Some may have been forgotten in favour of technology and energy intensive solutions. It is necessary to share the knowledge and experiences to benefit the mankind. In today’s world, with reducing economic volumes of water per person, we can not afford to waste rainwater. There should be a revolutionary change of thinking about the rainwater management. Instead of draining rainwater away as has been the practice in our cities, rainwater should be buffered, collecting and storing it for effective use later, as drinking water source, for agriculture, for ecosystems, for society at large. The Rain City is defined as a city where all the citizens understand the importance of rainwater for the functioning of society (now and in the future), where government makes city-wide plans and regulations for the collection of rainwater. Municipalities may offer financial incentives for promoting the initiative. It is heartening to see that more and more cities are gradually taking up the rain city concept. The Rain City concept should be applied in all cities and villages. Experiences that have shown cities or areas to become rain-resilient can be shared. The technology, policy and culture of rainwater management to make it work, we will debate in an inclusive process that aims to benefit and protect all. We strongly recommend the following to the relevant stakeholders. A) A paradigm shift should be adopted for rainwater to be collected, buffered and utilized rather than be drained away. B) Citizens should understand the importance and role of rainwater in their living environment and its link to water resources. They should be encouraged to find wise ways to utilize rainwater. Rain cools the city, it makes trees and shrubs grow, it augments the aquifer and enhances local biodiversity, thus contributing to managing the effects of the climate crisis. C) Water experts and business can further develop rainwater management technology for easy access and application in a variety of ways. D) Each central and local government should integrate the rainwater management (at domestic, city or district level) in its policies, strategies and operations and provide financial incentives for taking such measures. E) International organizations, programs and initiatives related to climate crisis should support this Rain City Initiative, taking a long term view and support the initiative through traditional and innovative rainwater resilience enhancing measures. F) International Rainwater Youth Network should be launched to raise youth’s awareness on rainwater and to share the traditions and cultures of rainwater management from all over the world. |
