In July 2025, the project “Water as a vital element and our common future – discourses on sustainable development in the context of the climate crisis,” funded by the “zukunft.niedersachsen” program of the Lower Saxony Ministry of Science and Culture (MWK), was launched at the IDN.
The aim of the project is to raise social and municipal (water) awareness with regard to the national water strategy. To achieve this, solutions must be identified, particularly for the city and region of Hanover, in light of the challenges posed by the climate crisis and planetary boundaries already exceeded, such as those affecting freshwater systems. The United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), serves as a guiding principle. A "water guide" for the city and region of Hanover will be developed as a central product and made available to the general public as a brochure and via the project website, which is yet to be developed.
Two panel discussions at the Leibnizhaus Hannover, aimed at the general public, will explore the topic from different perspectives for our shared future. The first discussion in January 2026 will focus on current scientific research findings. The second panel in March 2026 will address innovative approaches for future-oriented Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). At a closing event in August 2026, the Water Guide will be formally presented to the general public at the Leibnizhaus.
Merle Biermann, Lara Brede and Alicia Strauß are working on the project under the direction of Prof. Dr. Christiane Meyer.
