The WATER-FOLKS PROGRAM is a Citizen Science initiative by KSCSTE-CWRDM for individuals, especially those from Kozhikode Corporation, who have a passion for water science and environmental stewardship. This program aims to engage participants in a transformative initiative, empowering them to actively contribute to water research, monitoring, and conservation efforts for Kozhikode city The WATER FOLKS PROGRAM is an outcome of the Water4Change (W4C) research program, co-funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and the Indian Government Department of Science and Technology (DST) as part of the Cooperation India the Netherlands program

Objectives:

Vision: Empowering the citizens of Kozhikode city to become stewards of water science and environmental sustainability, driving transformative change towards a water sensitive Kozhikode city. Acting as a knowledge exchange social platform, we strive to facilitate collaboration, inspire innovation, and foster a sense of collective responsibility in managing our water resources effectively

Mission: The WATER-FOLKS PROGRAM is committed to engaging individuals in citizen science initiatives, fostering innovation, and building capacity in water science and management. Through comprehensive training, research opportunities, and community involvement, we aim to:
1. Innovation and Solutions: Explore innovative solutions to water-related problems of Kozhikode city, leveraging the collective expertise and creativity of the Citizens
2. Capacity Building: Citizens will receive comprehensive training in water science methodologies, data collection techniques, and the use of modern technologies for water monitoring and management.
3. Research Opportunities: Engage in real-world water research, contributing valuable data and insights to ongoing scientific studies aimed at addressing local water challenges.
4. Community Involvement: Empowering citizens as a catalyst for positive change in the community by raising awareness about water issues, conducting educational outreach, and inspiring others to take an active role in water conservation.
5. Knowledge platform and Data repository: Connect with a diverse community of fellow Citizens, water experts, and environmental advocates. Collaborate on projects, share experiences, and build a network of like- minded individuals and democratizing water data for all

The Water4Change (W4C) research program is co-funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) and the Indian Government Department of Science and Technology (DST) under the Cooperation India – the Netherlands programme. The research program addresses the complex challenges to urban water systems faced by fast-growing secondary cities in India and the sustainability transitions that are needed for short- and long-term mitigation of, adaptation to and coping with urgencies and uncertainties. The program embraces water as a necessity for life that is both an agent and catalyst of positive transformative changes that are needed to proactively deal with and respond to these challenges. The study is being conducted by researchers from India and the Netherlands through four work packages.

The main research aim is to deliver an integrative and fit-for-purpose methodological framework and roadmap approach for the water sensitive cities vision, based on the smart combination of existing technologies and policy options and the co-creation of transformative actions (spatial, ecological, socio-cultural, economic, and governance innovation-driven). The framework will be based on a review of current activities, techniques, and social behavior in determining the use of instruments and technologies in urban water systems regeneration, thereby testing their limitations and potential for future development.

CWRDM is a premier R & D institution in the water sector established by the Government of Kerala. Recognising the need for catering to the R & D needs in the field of water management, the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM) was established as an autonomous research organisation by the Government of Kerala, under its Science and Technology Policy in February 1978. The Centre was amalgamated with the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment (KSCSTE) in its Silver Jubilee Year-2003..

CWRDM has substantially contributed to the scientific hydrologic studies and water management in the region. Starting with the establishment of data management system for the region, CWRDM has tackled different problems pertaining to watershed development, wetland management, water management for agriculture, forest and urban hydrology, estuarine management, groundwater development, water quality management, water related environmental issues, irrigation and drainage issues, etc. About 180 projects have been completed and more than 1500 scientific papers and 1300 research reports have been brought out. The institution regularly conducts several training courses to address the needs of Government Departments, NGOs, Local Bodies, etc. .