By Jayne Johnson
Water is one of the most important natural resources in Florida.
The fourth annual UF Water Symposium, held last week in Gainesville, provided stakeholders with the opportunity to listen to individuals from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives discuss the technology, policies and science needed for a ensuring a future water supply.
PIE Center Director Tracy Irani and Research Assistant Erica Odera shared the PIE Center’s role in the Florida Water & Climate Alliance, a partnership between utility companies and scientists that uses climate science to support the decision-making process related to water supply in Florida.
Irani and Odera discussed creating collaborations for water use planning in an uncertain future. Major goals of the group include developing a united working group and identifying appropriate ways to use climate data and models in organizational decisions.
Two-way communication allowed scientific data to be translated into actionable information by sharing, discussing and evaluating ideas, Irani said.
“Very often, the goals and expectations of projects like this operate on the basis of one-way communication,” Irani said. “The goals of the project are articulated, the scientists who are leading the way determine what will happen in their project. In this case, we brought everyone to the table.”
FloridaWCA partners said they felt using climate data for planning was key because it allowed for better decision making, according to Odera. The partners learned the importance of listening to others when communicating, as well as preparing to stand by your point. The group devoted time to improving communication strategies within the group and account for different learning styles when encountering different opinions.
“When it came to using climate information in their job, there was a variety of different ideas,” Odera said.
Later in the session, PIE Center graduate students Courtney Owens and Caroline Roper discussed the changing role of Extension in water education.
Owens and Roper presented about the prominence of Extension around the state and how it could implement more effective educational water conservation programs.
“Water issues continue to attract political attention at the national, state and local levels,” Owens said. “Extension has a unique role in planning for the future and educating the public on water issues.”
Roper said Extension must start presenting its programs and information in a different way. For example, Extension agents could upload videos and programs online because people want easy access to information. Water is an issue all members of Extension are involved with.
“Providing information in a more effective way to the public can continue to grow the public’s engagement with the Extension service,” Roper said.
