How can we adapt together? Exploring barriers, drivers, and tools for collaboration between water and urban experts

ABSTRACT The burgeoning population and rapid urbanisation, combined with the impacts of climate change, pose new challenges for cities. Specifically, the way cities adapt to the impacts related to water encounters significant challenges that present threats to public safety and property. The city's adaptation to these transformative forces requires collaboration among diverse institutions, namely between water utilities and spatial planning authorities. This article analyses interviews with officials from cities actively involved in climate change adaptation and experts from international water-related missions to better understand the barriers, drivers, and tools associated with that collaboration. The findings outline that collaboration among the mentioned agencies can be enhanced by addressing barriers such as inconsistencies between urban water and planning master plans and the lack of training for technical staff. This would better respond to drivers like political initiatives and the implementation of national policies, while also optimising tools such as collaborative design between the urban water and spatial planning sectors. The article provides valuable insights for researchers and stakeholders at both national and local levels, empowering them to establish a more cohesive relationship between territorial management entities and the urban water cycle.