Session 1: Water Imbalances
(Conveners: M. Taniguchi, K. Saito)
Wet regions such as Monsoon Asia suffer with the problem of “too much water�Ewith associated natural disasters including flooding and typhoons. On the other hand, this abundance of water fosters and contributes to the sustainability of societies in the wet regions. Conversely, the regions which were birthplaces of the four great civilizations of the world are currently arid regions with the problem of “too little water�E It is clear that the most important issue related to the sustainability of societies in these dry regions is the degree to which water can be secured. Variations of water distribution over time and space due to climate change and human activities are also related to the rise and fall of civilizations. “Virtual water�Eis another example of the cause of water imbalances due to increases in human activities on the earth. The movements of virtual water often occur through export and import of foods and materials from “too little water�Eareas to “too much water�Eregions. Recent water cycle imbalances due to human activities are transboundary in nature and thus of global significance. In this session, we will address the sustainable society from the point of view of water imbalances. We suggest that the conversion of water management change from a dependence only on economic markets to one based on human security and adaptation depending on the region’s needs and culture.

Dynamic interactive system involving humans and nature around water
(convener: T. Watanabe,Y.-I. Sato and T. NAKANO)
Humans have been controlling water resources by means of modern technology, such as the construction of dams and huge irrigation systems.However, such approaches often cause new problems in remote areas.For instance, irrigation in the upper stream of a river has often caused insufficient water supply in its lower reaches. Furthermore, irrigation has frequently caused saline soil problems in arid areas throughout history. In this session, we will attempt to grasp the problematic phenomena around water use and its management as a dynamic interactive system involving both humans and nature. In this manner we should be able to develop strategies for a better life with water.