It seems to us that we have unlimited access to it. All you have to do is turn on the tap or buy a bottle of it in any store. Fresh water, the resource that is not only essential to life but, to some inhabitants of our planet, hardly accessible.
It is estimated that 663 million people in the world live without clean water.
Water Games is a joint initiative of the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA) and the Centre for Systems Solutions (CRS) to celebrate the World Water Day 2017 (WWD 2017).
We have collected and described a number of games on water challenges. These games differ with respect to time required to play, the number of participants and the type (computer, board, or role-play ones).
We would like to present you some of these games and encourage you to play them while celebrating the World Water Day.
Aqua Republica
If you like on-line games, we recommend playing Aqua Republica which offers players the opportunity to shape their reality. Each subsequent choice is based on the “Breaking News” mechanism which enables the participants to observe the consequences of their actions and their impact on the environment. As a result, we are offered an opportunity to explore the role of water in our natural environment.
Flood-Wise
One of the biggest risks associated with water mismanagement is a flood. If you want to have a go at managing cross-border flood risks or check if your flood-prevention actions bring the expected results, we encourage you to play Flood-Wise.
The Lords of the Valley
We strongly recommend playing The Lords of the Valley. The game proves the importance of biodiversity, communication and cooperation between different groups of interests in their struggle against risks brought about by droughts and floods. The game is adapted also to be played by children and youth.
Gifts of Culture
Have you ever wondered what is the impact of cultural differences on the way a local community deals with threats, such as e.g. a flood? 
Now, thanks to the game, Gifts of Culture you have an opportunity to become a member of such a local community and cooperate with other groups to minimize flood risk. Would you focus on satisfying your needs only? Are your ready to overcome your prejudices against other groups? Are you able to build mutual trust and act jointly in the face of flood risks? Play Gifts of Culture and see for yourself!
We hope that you find a game for you. We would be delighted to learn more about your experience – please share it with us!
Descriptions and photos of your event are more than welcome!
