Trend Observatory on Water
Analysing challenges and opportunities for development cooperation
The Trend Observatory on Water of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) aims at informing RésEAU members, Cluster Green affiliated networks, and partners about relevant emerging trends and innovative approaches.
Find the Trend Sheets below and visit the Trend Observatory's website for Trend News and Podcasts
Trend Observatory on Water - Webpage
Trend Sheets
Global developments such as climate change, population growth, economic development and urbanisation put increasing stress on the use and management of the world’s water resources - however, they may also come along with opportunities for increased water sustainability! The same holds true for other Mega-Trends, such as digitalisation and new forms of economic activity like shared or circular economy approaches. Identifying and assessing emerging challenges and opportunities in the water and related sectors is becoming ever more important in order to adequately respond to current and future water-related problems.
- Trend Sheet no. 11 - Building Resilience by addressing WASH in migration
28.10.2025 - Trend Sheet no. 10 - Green laws and policies for a more sustainable water future
17.06.2025
Trend Sheet no. 9 From data to decision: digital pathways in water governance
Trend Sheet no. 8 - Rivers drowning in plastics – an underestimated risk?
Trend Sheet no. 7 - Trillions needed for access to safe water: Trends in funding and financing a water secure future
Trend Sheet no. 6 - Managing the invisible – Trends in sustainable groundwater development
Trend Sheet no. 5 - Water viewed from space – remote sensing for sustainable water management
Trend Sheet no. 4 - Thirsty food systems – How can we feed the world with limited water resources?
Trend Sheet no. 4 - Sistemas alimentarios sedientos –¿Cómo podemos alimentar al mundo con recursos hídricos limitados?
Trend Sheet no. 3 - Cómo aprovechar los principios de laeconomía circular para afrontar los desafíosdel sector del agua y otros sectores
Trend Sheet no. 3 - Capitalising on circular economy principles to tackle challenges in the water sector and beyond
Trend Sheet no. 2 - Pisando hielo fino: cómo adaptar la gestión delos recursos hídricos a los efectos del cambioclimático en la criósfera de las montañas
Trend Sheet no. 2 - On thin ice – adapting water resourcesmanagement to climate change effects onthe mountain cryosphere
Trend Sheet no. 1 - Digital technologies help reducing inequalities in water security
Trend Sheet no. 1 : Las tecnologías digitales ayudan a reducir las desigualdades en la seguridad del agua