World Water Week 2026: WaveSave Presents SLAMDAM in Burundi

WaveSave will take part in World Water Week 2026 in Stockholm from 23 to 27 August. During the event, we will present our SLAMDAM project in Burundi, supported through the Climate Technology Centre and Network, CTCN, and the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP.

The project addressed two closely connected challenges: seasonal flooding and water shortages during dry periods. It combined mobile flood protection with temporary water storage, local training and climate adaptation planning.

We look forward to sharing our experience with governments, water organisations, development partners and climate resilience specialists from around the world.

About World Water Week 2026

World Water Week brings together decision-makers, businesses, researchers, international organisations and civil society representatives working on global water challenges.

The Stockholm International Water Institute, SIWI, organises the annual event. In 2026, the programme centres on the theme Water for People and Progress. It will explore how water management can support livelihoods, development, climate resilience and a more water-secure future.

For WaveSave, the event provides an opportunity to share a practical project with an international audience. It also allows us to exchange knowledge with organisations developing water and climate solutions in Africa and other vulnerable regions.

  • Exhibition
  • Stockholm, Sweden
  • August 23–27, 2026

What WaveSave will present

Our presentation will focus on the implementation of SLAMDAM in the Rubira Hills and Musenyi area of Mpanda Commune, Bubanza Province, Burundi.

Communities in this area face contrasting water risks. Heavy rainfall can damage farms, roads and other infrastructure. However, water shortages during dry periods can also affect agriculture and local livelihoods.

The project therefore explored an integrated response. SLAMDAM provided a temporary barrier for controlling or redirecting water during periods of flooding. In addition, the water-filled system offered opportunities for temporary water storage and agricultural use during drier periods.

During our presentation, we will discuss:

  • The water challenges in the project area
  • The role of flood and drought risk assessment
  • The selection and deployment of SLAMDAM
  • The connection between flood protection and water storage
  • Training and involvement of local stakeholders
  • Lessons for similar climate adaptation projects

 

What is SLAMDAM?

SLAMDAM is a reusable mobile barrier that uses water to create weight and stability.

Teams transport the barrier to the required location while it is empty. They then position and fill it with locally available water. After use, teams can empty, remove and store the system for a future deployment.

This approach can provide temporary protection without requiring immediate permanent construction. As a result, governments, water authorities and project partners can use SLAMDAM for emergency response, pilot projects and locations where risks change over time.

The system can support:

  • Temporary flood protection
  • Water diversion and containment
  • Protection of farms and infrastructure
  • Emergency preparedness
  • Temporary water storage
  • Climate adaptation projects

Flood and drought resilience in Burundi

The Burundi project aimed to protect agriculture, infrastructure, people and the surrounding environment from flooding. At the same time, it sought to improve water availability during dry periods.

This dual purpose was important because flood and drought risks do not always occur in isolation. The same community may experience too much water during one season and too little during another.

SLAMDAM offered a flexible way to respond to both conditions. However, the project involved more than delivering a physical barrier. It also included risk assessment, planning and local capacity building.

Local stakeholders received training in the use and management of the system. This practical knowledge supports local ownership and helps organisations prepare for future deployments.

The project therefore provides a useful example of how technology, water information and local participation can work together.

Why the project fits “Water for People and Progress”

The theme of World Water Week 2026 focuses on the relationship between water, people and development.

The Burundi project connects directly to this theme. Flood protection can help safeguard agricultural land, infrastructure and livelihoods. Meanwhile, better water storage can support agriculture during periods of scarcity.

The project also highlights the importance of practical implementation. Climate adaptation requires more than plans and policies. Communities need technologies they can operate, maintain and adapt to local conditions.

By presenting this experience in Stockholm, WaveSave aims to contribute practical lessons to the wider discussion about water security and climate resilience.

Key lessons from the project

The presentation will highlight three main lessons:

Flood and drought risks should be considered together

An integrated approach can create more value than treating excess water and water scarcity as completely separate challenges.

Technology must match local conditions

Risk information, local knowledge and site assessment help determine where and how a mobile barrier should be used.

Training should form part of implementation

Local teams need practical knowledge from the start. This supports safe operation, ownership and future use of the system.

Who should meet WaveSave?

We welcome conversations with organisations working on:

  • Flood and drought resilience
  • Water management and agriculture
  • Climate adaptation
  • Disaster risk reduction
  • International development
  • Humanitarian response
  • Water technology transfer
  • Pilot and demonstration projects

 

Relevant organisations include governments, water authorities, development agencies, climate funds, NGOs, engineering firms, research institutions and implementation partners.

Meet WaveSave in Stockholm

Will you attend World Water Week 2026 in Stockholm?

Meet WaveSave to discuss the SLAMDAM project in Burundi, mobile flood protection, temporary water storage or opportunities for climate adaptation projects in other regions.

Contact our team before the event to arrange a meeting.

Gallery

World Water Week logo featuring abstract blue shapes on the left and the words “World Water Week” in bold blue text on the right, echoing the innovative spirit of Aquatech Asia 2026 Bangkok.

Large black plastic biogas bag with connected pipes in a grassy area, surrounded by green vegetation and trees. Overcast sky in the background.

Two women stand outside, smiling and laughing. They wear headscarves and patterned skirts. A woven fence and greenery are in the background.

Two people are working in a field with hoes. They are surrounded by green plants and trees under a cloudy sky.

Quick answer

WaveSave will present its SLAMDAM project in Burundi during World Water Week 2026 in Stockholm. The project used a reusable, water-filled mobile barrier to support flood protection and water availability in Mpanda Commune. It offers practical lessons for organisations working on flood resilience, agriculture and climate adaptation.

Interested in meeting us at the event?

Contact us now