National Science Foundation Workshop

Networking for Environmental Sustainability in Arid Region Urban Communities

Date: August 14-16 2019
Locaton: International Cultural Centre, Texas Tech, Lubbock, TX-79409.

Abstract: The sustainability of small- to mid-sized urban centers is increasingly under threat and these communities often lack the financial, technical and human resources to adequately address those threats. This workshop was proposed with an overarching goal to conceptualize the sustainability challenges that face the many urban centers that serve as the backbone of rural communities, particularly agricultural communities. We focus, in particular, on the arid and semi-arid regions where water of adequate quality and quantity is a defining environmental need. Our conceptual framework is that of "One Health," which posits that environmental, human, and wildlife health are closely intertwined, and the path to a sustainable future requires meeting human, economic and environmental needs. The workshop was held in Lubbock TX on August 14-16, 2019 and engaged researchers and other stakeholders from communities in the arid southwest to identify the needs of these communities and a path for research to meet their needs. Knowledge gained through the conference can be applied to communities facing similar challenges, whether located in the United States or other parts of the world. An important goal of the conference is to build a foundation for a global Sustainable Urban Systems Research Network that can formulate a coordinated, convergent international research agenda to address the needs of small- to mid-size urban communities.

NSF Workshop Final Report: (pdf)