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Description
An information campaign aimed at pupils, highlighting the pressures on water bodies and seeking to increase the understanding - on behalf of the student population - of the importance of improving the status of water bodies (development of educational digital material, teacher training, actions with pupils, etc.).
In addition, digital information material targeted at residents and bilingual digital promotional material for visitors to the target areas (as specified below) will be produced with directions, guidelines and examples of good practices on water saving, protection and sustainable use. In addition, as part of the most efficient dissemination of relevant messages, QR codes technology placed on entry gates and information points will be used.
Finally the project includes the development of bilateral relations between bodies of the donor countries and Greece for the exchange and transfer of knowledge and experiences and for the strengthening of networking and future cooperation between them (sub-project 6 of a budget of 20.000,00€ paid by Bilateral Fund).
Finally the project includes the development of bilateral relations between bodies of the donor countries and Greece for the exchange and transfer of knowledge and experiences and for the strengthening of networking and future cooperation between them (sub-project of a budget of 39.679,50€ paid by Bilateral Fund).
Summary of project results
The project raised society''s awareness of the importance of improving water status,
by an information campaign aimed at pupils, highlighting the pressures on water bodies and seeking to increase the understanding - on behalf of the student population - of the importance of improving the status of water bodies (development of educational digital material, teacher training, actions with pupils, etc.).In addition, digital information material targeted at residents and bilingual digital promotional material for visitors to the target areas (as specified below) were produced with directions, guidelines and examples of good practices on water saving, protection and sustainable use. In addition, as part of the most efficient dissemination of relevant messages, QR codes technology placed on entry gates and information points.
Under the slogan “water matters“ the Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters (IMBRIW) of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR) has undertaken a campaign awareness project entitled “Increasing knowledge on the Importance of the Good Status of Water Bodies” The aim of th project was to initially inform students, local communities and visitors, on the islands of Santorini, Ios, Leros, Kalymnos, Pserimos and Telendos, about the pressures on water bodies, as well as to strengthen the understanding on the importance and value of water resources.
Furthermore , in collaboration with scientists from the Eastern Norway Research Institute at the Inland Norway University of applied sciences (ENRI), common practices for the sustainable use of water in the two countries are highlighted, as well as examples of best practices of the management of Norway’s water bodies from the past to the present. You can learn more about the INN’s participation in the project here: https://www.inn.no/english/research/research-projects/water-matters/
Through the application of various educational, informative and experiential activities, such as creation of digital material, educational training, experiential field activities, cultural activities, dissemination and promotion on social media, workshops, science cafe, etc.), the need to improve the environmental status of aquatic ecosystems by reducing the adverse impacts of pollution and anthropogenic activities is highlighted.
Th first phase focused on communication with the local stakeholders (local government, school units, environmental groups, etc.) and online activities and educational seminars mainly with the participation of school communities on the islands were impemented
The second phase included two visits to the islands in different seasons of the year (spring and autumn 2023), where experiential activities took place, such as conferences, science cafes, seminars, field visits, interviews with locals, narratives, etc.
The "Water Matters" project achieved significant results by raising awareness and increasing knowledge about the importance of protecting and sustainably managing water resources. The primary beneficiaries included schoolchildren, residents, and visitors on the islands of Kalymnos, Pserimos, Telendos, Santorini, Leros, and Ios. Through an educational campaign, these groups gained a deeper understanding of water as a vital heritage that must be preserved for future generations. Informational materials were developed, providing practical instructions and examples of good practices for water conservation, protection, and sustainable use, empowering communities to take action in their daily lives.
Additionally, the project strengthened bilateral relations between the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research and the Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences (INN). This collaboration facilitated the exchange of expertise and best practices in water resource management, drawing on Norway''s historical and modern experiences with mountain communities. The project not only enhanced local knowledge and practices but also created a foundation for long-term cooperation, benefiting both countries in their efforts to safeguard water resources.