The Brazilian Blue University PUCPR – Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, together with friends and partners from other universities, produced a book on Blue Universities. It will be launched for World Water Day 2026 with an online event on 23 March (see here).
Already now, the book is available for free download (PDF, Brazilian-Portuguese)
Synopsis:
Promoting water justice is a duty of all people and institutions committed to caring for life in its many forms. The “Blue Community” is a global movement that embraces this commitment, encouraging universities, schools, businesses, religious communities, and entire municipalities to become Blue Communities, affirming three principles: water as a common good, public and community-based water management to avoid its commercialization, and eliminating the use of bottled water and plastic cups. This book challenges universities to become Blue Communities/Universities, ensuring that scientific production, educational capacity, and leadership training directly support the care and protection of water. There are already around 20 Blue Universities among more than 200 Blue Communities worldwide, contributing to the formation of a new water culture in the academic community and society.
Maude Barlow, co-founder of the Blue Community and Honorary Chairperson of the Council of Canadians, celebrates the publication of the book:
“In a world rapidly running out of clean accessible water and where so many live without adequate access to water, our educational institutions have a very important role in teaching how to protect water sources and promote the human right to water for all. How wonderful then to see this first-of-a-kind book on the importance of Blue Universities in the search for water justice! It is both a challenge and a guide to get other universities to think ‘blue’ and an excellent example for us all.”
Authors:
Elias Wolff – Member of the Postgraduate Group in Theology, PUCPR. Coordination of the Ecumenical Water Network – Brazil. Coordinator with Water Committee – Blue University/PUCPR. Post-doctorate in Theology at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (2019); Doctorate in Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University (2000); Master’s degree in Theology from the Pontifical Gregorian University (1998); Master’s degree in Philosophy from the Pontifical University of Santa Cruz (1999). Member of the Postgraduate Program in Theology (PUCPR), and part of the Coordination of the Ecumenical Water Network and the Theological Commission of the National Council of Christian Churches of Brazil (CONIC). Leader of the Research Group “Theology, Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue” at PUCPR.
Marta Luciane Fischer – Bachelor’s and Licentiate degree in Biology and art educator – PhD and Master’s degree in Zoology, Professor of Biological Sciences and Postgraduate Studies in Bioethics at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná. Leader of the CNPq/PUCPR Environmental Bioethics Research Group. Member of the Water Committee – Blue University/PUCPR.
Ana Maria De Abreu Moss – Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Specialist in Human Resources Management, Postgraduate degree in Clinical Psychoanalysis. Currently Facilities Coordinator in Third-Party Contract Management at the Catholic University of Paraná.
Carina Del Pino Sandrini – Master’s student in Bioethics at the Postgraduate Program in Bioethics of the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná – PUCPR, Bachelor’s degree in Law from the Autonomous University Center of Brazil – UniBrasil, Postgraduate degree in Environmental Engineering and Management from the State University of Ponta Grossa.
Caroline Filla Rosaneli – Coordinator and professor of the Postgraduate Program in Bioethics at PUCPR. Nutritionist. Master’s degree in Food and Nutrition from UNICAMP. PhD in Health Sciences from PUCPR. Post-doctoral studies at the UNESCO Chair in Bioethics at UnB.
Claus Wilkens – Bachelor’s degree in German and Religion from Philipps Universität Marburg – Germany. Retired professor from Wolfgang Ernst High School, the first Blue Community school in the world. Blue Community Ambassador in Germany and Brazil.
Daihany Silva dos Santos – Master’s degree in Bioethics from the Postgraduate Program in Bioethics at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná – PUCPR, Bachelor’s degree in Law from the Faculty of Higher Education of Paraná – FESPPR, Postgraduate degree in Advanced Civil Law and Procedure from the Faculty of Higher Education of Paraná – FESPPR, and Postgraduate degree in Labor and Social Security Law from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais – PUC Minas.
Dyego Maradona Ataide de Freitas – Environmental engineer graduated from the Salesian University Center of São Paulo, Master’s degree in Environmental Technology and Innovations from the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA). He works as an environmental engineer at UFLA, serving as Technical and Operational Support Advisor to the Environmental Directorate and coordinating the Sustainable Logistics Master Plan Commission (PLS/UFLA). Develops technical activities focused on environmental management, with an emphasis on sustainability on university campuses.
Elaine Cristina de Souza Kurscheidt – Environmental Engineer/PUCPR – Master’s in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering/UFPR – Postgraduate degree in Occupational Safety Engineering – Postgraduate degree in Corporate Sustainability: ESG Strategies in Operations/PUCPR. Operations Coordinator at PUCPR. Member of the Water Committee – Blue University/PUCPR.
Gilberto Coelho – Associate Professor at the Federal University of Lavras, assigned to the Department of Water Resources. He holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Federal University of Lavras (1999), a master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Federal University of Lavras (2001), and a doctorate in Agricultural Engineering from the Federal University of Lavras (2005). He was an adjunct professor at the Federal University of Pelotas between 2009 and 2010. Currently, he is a Professor at the Federal University of Lavras – UFLA. He served as Deputy Head of the Engineering Department, Head of the Water Resources Department, Coordinator of the Water Resources Graduate Program, Coordinator of the Junior Agricultural Engineering Company, and currently serves as Director of Environment at UFLA. He was UFLA’s representative on the State Water Resources Committee UPGRH GD1 and GD3 and on the Federal Committee of the Rio Grande.
Grégori de Souza – Professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná. PhD candidate in Philosophy at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná in co-tutelage with the University of Coimbra, with a research period at the University of Valladolid (PDSE/CAPES) and at Mary Immaculate College Limerick (Erasmus+).
Gustavo Ceschin Silva de Liz – graduated in architecture and urbanism and in civil engineering from PUCPR, with experience in infrastructure and facilities management for commercial and service projects. Currently serving as facilities manager in the Operations and Business Directorate of PUCPR since 2024.
Jelson R. de Oliveira – Professor in the Postgraduate Program and Undergraduate Course in Philosophy at PUCPR; CNPq Researcher; Coordinator of the Hans Jonas Center Brazil and the Hans Jonas Chair at PUCPR; Coordinator of the Hans Jonas Working Group of ANPOF; Co-editor of the Aurora Philosophy Journal.
Jonas Kossar – Graduated in Administration from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná / Estácio College. Maintenance Coordinator at PUC-PR. Member of the Water Committee – Blue University/PUC-PR.
Jonielson Ribeiro de Souza holds a PhD in Cultural Performances from UFG and a Master’s degree in Sustainability with Traditional Peoples and Lands from UnB; He has a postgraduate specialization in Social Rights of the Countryside from UFG and a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences from UFMG; He works as a sociology professor; provides advisory and technical consulting services in social, cultural and family farming projects; and as a researcher and collaborator in the organizational processes of traditional communities in their cultural, territorial and environmental aspects.
Julio Marcio Dutra da Silva – Is a professional in the area of environmental management, with a degree in Production Engineering and work linked to the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA). Has experience in solid waste management, organic composting, sustainability indicators, and environmental performance evaluation, participating in technical and academic projects focused on implementing sustainable practices and continuously improving environmental processes. Works at the interface between scientific knowledge and institutional management, contributing to the development of solutions aligned with the principles of sustainable development.
Laíssa Mirella Mendes Mariano de Lara – Undergraduate student in Biological Sciences (Bachelor’s degree) at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná. CNPq Scientific Initiation Scholarship holder at PUCPR. Member of the PUCPR Water Club.
Maria Helena de Souza Ide – Holds a degree in Pedagogy from the Federal University of Viçosa (1986) and a doctorate in Education from the Georg-August Universität Göttingen (2003). Retired PES professor, level VII, at the State University of Montes Claros. FAPEMIG and CNPq researcher. Marilene Alves de Souza has experience in the field of Education, mainly working on the following topics: higher education, affirmative action policies, Quilombola school education, and education on ethnic-racial relations. She served as a member of the CHE Chamber (Humanities, Social Sciences and Education) – FAPEMIG, from March 2012 to March 2016.
Marilene Alves de Souza is a biologist, graduated from the Fundação Norte Mineira de Ensino Superior, with a master’s degree in Social Development from the Universidade Estadual de Montes Claros (UNIMONTES), in addition to specializations in Local Development and Science Education. She worked in basic education and at the Centro de Agricultura Alternativa do Norte de Minas, as an educator and coordinator of social projects. She was Director of Cáritas Brasileira and the Articulação do Semiárido Brasileiro – ASA Brasil. She works in the areas of social development, agroecology, peasant agriculture, solidarity economy, and public policies to combat rural poverty, focusing on the Brazilian semi-arid region. She is the author of articles, book chapters, and papers presented at national and international events. Currently, she is serving her second term as a state representative, is the president of the Workers’ Party in Minas Gerais, and vice-president of the Legislative Assembly of Minas Gerais.
Moisés Dias de Oliveira is a lawyer (OAB/MG nº 247.027), holds a master’s degree in Sustainable Development with Traditional Peoples and Communities from CDS/UnB. He graduated in Rural Education from UFMG, with postgraduate studies in Sociology, Philosophy, and History of Science, and is a technologist in Micro and Small Business Administration and a technician in Agriculture. Works in the areas of agroecology, rights of traditional peoples and communities, and public policy, with experience coordinating projects for Cáritas Brasileira (MG), at CAA/NM, and in municipal public management in Rio Pardo de Minas (MG), where she currently holds the position of Municipal Secretary.
Nayara Lemasson Tortora – Student at Colégio Estadual Pilar Maturana, in her second year of high school. Recipient of a CNPq junior scientific initiation scholarship.
Roland Brunner – studied Political Science, Sociology, and History at the University of Zurich, Switzerland. He worked for many years in international cooperation, serving as department director and CEO, as well as in campaigns and communications. Now retired, he dedicates himself to communications and networking for the Blue Community, managing its website www.blue-community.net and social media channels.
Thierry Betazzi Lummertz – Bachelor’s and Licentiate in Biology, Pedagogue and Actor, Director and Professional Production Director. Master’s and Doctoral candidate in the Postgraduate Program in Bioethics at the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná. Professor at the Unina University Center. Coordinator of the Water Club at PUCPR.
Vera Margarida Lessa Catalão – holds a PhD in Educational Sciences from the University of Paris VIII. She develops and supervises research in the area of Environmental Education and Human Ecology from a sensitive and transdisciplinary approach to environmental issues, especially from the perspective of Water as an ecopedagogical matrix. She is an advisor to the Ecumenical Water Network, Director of the Calliandra Institute for Integral and Environmental Education, and Coordinator of the Rights of Nature at the International Center for Water and Transdisciplinarity.
Nelton Miguel Friedrich – Graduated in Law from the Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná (PUC-PR), with a distinguished career in socio-environmental areas, sustainability, public policies, renewable energy, governance, and sustainable development. He was a student leader, state deputy, federal deputy for two legislatures, and participated in the creation of the Green Front and the Indigenous Front during the constituent process. He served as Secretary of State for the Government of Paraná (1983-1986), working in the areas of water and sanitation, environment, energy, and housing, presiding over the boards of state-owned companies such as SANEPAR, COPEL, and COHAPAR. He was Director of Coordination and Environment at Itaipu Binacional (2003-2017). He stands out as one of the creators and general coordinator of the Cultivating Good Water Program, internationally recognized and awarded by UN-Water as the Best Global Water Management with Social Participation (2015). He is dedicated to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with an emphasis on the territorialization of global goals. He is currently the Director of River Basin Revitalization at the National Secretariat for Water Security.
Brother Rogério Renato Mateucci holds a degree in Pedagogy from the Filadélfia University Center, with a specialization in Higher Education Teaching Methodology from the State University of Londrina. Holding a master’s and doctorate in Education Leadership Administration and Policies from Fordham University, he has built a career guided by a commitment to educational excellence and innovation in academic management.
As a Marist Brother, he accumulated vast experience in leadership positions, having served as Director of the Marist College of Londrina, Director of Institutional Identity, and Pro-Rector of Mission, Identity, and Extension at PUCPR. Currently, as Rector of PUCPR, he leads strategic initiatives that strengthen institutional identity and promote innovative leadership and management.
Details
ISBN: 978-65-251-9069-3
Digital ISBN: 978-65-251-9070-9
DOI: 10.24824/9786525190693.3
Year of Publication: 2026
Distributor: Editora CRV
Number of pages: 216
Book format:
Edition Number: 1
