The ferry trip from Nynäshamn to Visby and Almedalen took less than three hours, but that was more than enough time for even casual observers to see evidence of what’s ailing the Baltic. Driftlines of algae cut diagonally with the wind across our course, creating a geometric pattern stretching out in all directions to the horizon.  I had heard about the algae problem and its causes from my colleagues at SIWI, but seeing it first hand drove the problem home.

As an American with professional roots in public policy and issues advocacy, I came to Almedalen with certain expectations about the types of discourse I would find.  I was not disappointed, especially in regard to the level of interest in environmental issues.  During the first part of the week, our Swedish Water House seminars attracted capacity audiences to discuss topics such as corporate water footprints, water in the middle east, water and climate...and the Baltic.

That programme lineup proved to be well integrated with the robust agenda of environmentally-themed sessions throughout the week. I was impressed by the diversity of the audiences at our seminars and especially by the informed questions they posed to our speakers and panels.  The discussions struck an uncommon balance of intensity, civility, and humor...precisely the kind of civic engagement that can drive productive solutions in a progressive democracy.

I departed Visby in mid-week after a brief stay of just over 48 hours. But on the boat returning to the mainland, I felt slightly more optimistic that, with the concern and focus I had witnessed during Almedalsveckan, there might be hope for the Baltic after all.
 

by: Michael McWilliams, Stockholm International Water Institute

It’s a cold rainy day here in the ancient city of Istanbul as the 5th World Water Forum heads into its second half.  The media has served a dual role as observers and participants in the proceedings, often injecting well-informed questions to spark discussions at main sessions and side events alike.

The Swedish Water House delegation has certainly gotten its share of attention. 

Readers of this morning’s edition of the Daily News & Economic Review – Turkey’s highly regarded English language newspaper - read of comments by SIWI Executive Director Anders Berntell at yesterday’s panel on Food, Water, and Energy. The article titled “Better Management of Water” also featured a prominent solo photo of Anders as he made his remarks. Earlier in the day, Anders recorded an interview about trading water with Radio Free Europe to be broadcast today at several times across most European countries. On Monday, Anders sat with a lead economic writer for The Economist to inform a major focus feature now in development at the London-based publication.
 

SIWI's Anders Berntell in the panel on Food , Water and Energy. Photo by Mehmet Kacmaz © NarPhotos

Dr. Anders Jägerskog arrived here in Istanbul late yesterday, and had barely stowed his gear when he sat for a lengthy recorded interview with the Middle-East correspondent for The World – the popular news and analysis radio program jointly produced by PRI for National Public Radio in the United States and by the BBC. Anders engaged the correspondent in a lively, wide-ranging discussion about the role that water plays in many of the region’s issues.

Four days down, four more to go. We expect the focus to sharpen as the forum moves toward its conclusion.

by Michael McWilliams, Communications Director, SIWI