Water is a critical resource for Finland’s comprehensive security and economic competitiveness, yet its strategic importance is not sufficiently reflected in decision-making. A new Science in Action publication from the Strategic Research Council’s WaWe programme presents practical measures that decision-makers can take to strengthen water security and enhance societal resilience.
Interconnected water risks
Floods, droughts, deteriorating water quality, and disruptions to water infrastructure form an interconnected set of risks. These risks can simultaneously affect essential societal functions, including water services, food security, energy production, industry, and logistics.
At present, water risk management is largely sector-specific. This limits anticipation and preparedness and can lead to reactive and costly responses.
Water security requires proactive governance
The publication emphasizes that strengthening water security requires a shift toward proactive and cross-sectoral risk management. A key priority is the development of a shared situational awareness that integrates information on water resources, infrastructure, and critical societal functions.
The strategic importance of water must be recognized more clearly and integrated into security-of-supply and national security policies. This would enable decision-making to be based on a more comprehensive understanding of risks and dependencies.
Water expertise also supports economic growth
Sustainable water resource management is not only a security issue but also an important competitive advantage. Water resources and related expertise can strengthen Finland’s position in international markets, create new business opportunities, and attract investment.
Healthy aquatic environments and strong water-sector expertise provide a foundation for sustainable economic growth and enhance Finland’s attractiveness as a place to invest and operate.
WAWE programme develops solutions for water security
The WAWE programme develops research-based solutions to improve water security and provides evidence to support decision-making.
One of the programme’s projects, Safe Water for All, produces information on the national situational picture of water production and the risks associated with drinking water. The project identifies threats and drivers of change affecting water services and develops solutions to safeguard water quality and availability in a changing operating environment.
Further information
Read more in the Science in Action online publication: