As we just saw, water has long been embedded in spiritual practices. Several scholars and practitioners argue that a renewed thinking of water systems as more than technical (infra)structures should also acknowledge such spiritual and historical practices. The lessons we can learn from historical sites and practices can benefit contemporary water management.

Below are two short essays written by scholars or professionals who express their personal experiences and provide insights into how they connect world views and water management today. We recommend that you read these, looking for values that you recognize and may support in your own area.

• • World Views and Water Management, by Frans Wijsen
  • Water as a Cause for Celebration, by Bart Schultz

The call for a renewed attention to spiritual practices around water as an inspiration for the future is also at the heart of the work of the heritage institution ICOMOS NL. Watch this film clip from Henk van Schaik.

What other relevant historical practices can you think of?