This book is translated from Hungarian. It was originally published as the sixth volume of the "Building the Future in Water Resources Management" series of the Water Science Council of the Hungarian Water Resources Management Directorate. It presents the water resources management of the last 50 plus years as seen, experienced, co-shaped and narrated by Janos Bogardi, a research professor of the Ludovika University of Public Service in Budapest. The author is simultaneously co-opted professor at the University of Bonn and distinguished adjunct professor of the Asian Institute of Technology, Pathumthani, Thailand.

Born into a water resources engineering family and growing up in Budapest close to the Danube river pre-determined his professional orientation. He describes with light irony, and without the usual memoir style, his search for a fulfilling professional life. He discusses his engagement with the inter-university cooperation helping the transition of Central European universities earning him numerous academic recognitions.

Dr. Bogardi's career culminated with assignments as science diplomat and manager,  working at UNESCO with local scientists in Central Asia, Russia and in Africa. He served as founding director of the UNU Institute for Environment and Human Security.

The book concludes with reminiscences to those whose influence and collaboration shaped Dr. Bogardi's career.