The International Water Resources Association (IWRA) Awards for 2025 were presented on Tuesday in Marrakech during the 19th World Water Congress.
These awards recognize individuals and organizations whose work has significant and lasting impacts on water resource management, supports innovative solutions, and promotes sustainable practices for the benefit of communities and ecosystems worldwide.
On this occasion, the “Ven Te Chow Memorial Prize” was awarded to Cecilia Tortajada, Professor at the School of Social and Environmental Sustainable Development at the University of Glasgow in Scotland.
The IWRA established this award to honor its founder and first president, hydrologist Ven Te Chow. This prize pays tribute to his legacy and highlights remarkable contributions in the field of water resource management.
As for the “Crystal Drop Award,” it was given to Claudia Sadoff, an independent advisor and member of the Board of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Pacific Institute.
This award recognizes outstanding contributions to the global water sector and improvement of its status.
Regarding the “Water Drop Award,” it was conferred upon Hassan Tolba Aboelnga, a researcher at the University of Applied Sciences in Cologne and an international expert in water security and climate resilience.
This award is presented to a student or young professional (typically under the age of 35) who has made an innovative contribution to the water sector.
During the award ceremony, the IWRA also announced the names of the winners of the Best Article Award for the years 2023 and 2024.
In a statement to MAP, IWRA President Yuanyuan Li indicated that these distinctions aim to promote and encourage scientific innovation in the field of water.
He noted that it is also about “attempting to build a link between science and practice to address water-related issues and challenges.”
For his part, Hassan Tolba Aboelnga expressed that he was “very happy” to have received the “Water Drop Award,” emphasizing the importance of innovation for implementing a proactive and integrated approach in the water sector to face the challenges posed by climate change.
He also highlighted Morocco’s expertise in water resource management and water security.
Held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the 19th World Water Congress, co-organized by the Ministry of Equipment and Water and the International Water Resources Association (IWRA) until December 5, presents an opportunity to explore innovative solutions, strategies, and adaptive approaches for water resources in a constantly changing world.
Under the theme “Water in a Changing World: Innovation and Adaptation,” this event provides a platform for experts, practitioners, researchers, policymakers, civil society, and the private sector to exchange knowledge, present innovative research, establish partnerships, and collaboratively develop concrete solutions to address the complex challenges of global water governance, security, and sustainability.
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