The uPCycle team was pleased to contribute to the 11th GEF International Waters Conference (IWC11) in Bali, Indonesia, the Global Environment Facility International Waters principal forum for knowledge exchange and collaboration across transboundary water systems. Held under the theme "Shared Waters, Transformative Solutions: Enabling Systems Change", IWC11 brought together practitioners, governments, implementing agencies and international organisations to share experiences and explore solutions to complex environmental challenges.
In recognition of innovation and impact, the uPcycle project was delighted to be invited to deliver a plenary Pecha Kucha presentation sharing lessons on community engagement, knowledge exchange and lake restoration. The presentation provided an opportunity to showcase how partnerships between science, local communities and decision-makers can support environmental action and inspire collaboration across regions.
The team also delivered a clinic on transboundary lake management, creating space for discussion on shared challenges and emerging opportunities across the GEF portfolio. The session highlighted the potential of the Global Lakes Explorer as a tool for supporting knowledge exchange and decision-making across lake basins, while generating valuable dialogue on cooperation, restoration and the role of innovation in addressing increasingly complex environmental challenges.
Throughout the conference, the uPcycle exhibition booth served as a hub for discussion and networking with delegates from around the world. In recognition of the team's efforts to communicate project outcomes and engage participants, the exhibit was awarded the conference's Best Booth Award, selected by conference delegates.