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Description
To ensure that the implementation of plans and programmes associated with the management of water resources within the territorial scope of the Alentejo and Algarve regions encourage the reduction of water demand and lead to more efficient uses, and ensure the management of the irrigated area in the South of the country safeguards the needs of water security in particular so that the public water supply is not jeopardised, the project will create IT and awareness tools that promote the sharing of information on this issue and will train local citizens to intervene in the defence of their rights and fully participate in policy-making. In addition, an assessment of water resource management models and their impacts on the territory and communities will be carried out, promoting the development of 4 joint public positions on this topic.
Summary of project results
Recognizing that the Alentejo and Algarve regions are among the most vulnerable in Europe, national policies and public investments have promoted large-scale irrigation projects in these areas. This led to a significant increase in water demand, resulting in complex socio-environmental conflicts. In response, the project aimed to strengthen the capacity of civil society to effectively monitor and control public policies and the management of water resources.
The project was structured into four components.
Under Component 1, aimed at promoting transparency and good governance in managing critical territories, extensive information was gathered from citizens and groups to identify water management conflict areas. This information was mapped using GIS software and made publicly available on the project''s website.
Component 2 focused on advocating for water efficiency, safety, and territorial equity in water resource management plans and programs. Twenty-two meetings were held with various stakeholders, including public entities and policymakers at local and national levels. These meetings, along with the information gathered in Component 1, resulted in three public statements that received significant media coverage.
Component 3 aimed to promote and support civic participation in public policy guidance. Two workshops were conducted to stimulate and empower public participation. The first workshop created a network of contacts among participants, strengthening connections between different citizen groups in the project''s intervention areas. This also complemented the identification of conflict areas, socio-environmental impacts, and obstacles to civic participation, contributing to the results of Component 1 and the development of a civic participation platform and its tools.
Component 4 involved project management and a comprehensive information and dissemination program about water scarcity and drought issues. Fifteen social media posts were created and shared in phases, focusing on raising awareness about drought and water scarcity, the socio-environmental impacts of current water management models, and promoting the civic participation platform. Additionally, two animated infographic video spots were widely shared on social media, one raising public awareness about the effects of current water management models and the other encouraging active civic participation and promoting the platform. Two webinars were also held, the first to present the project and contextualize the issues in the Alentejo and Algarve regions, and the second to present the project''s results and share examples of alternative water management and governance models that include strong civic participation.
In quantitative terms, the following was achieved:
- 1 awareness-raising campaign carried out;
- 2 civic initiatives led by supported NGOs;
- 2 NGOs engaged in monitoring public and private decision-making;
- 4 NGO initiatives promoting access to information on public/private policies;
- 3 NGO-produced evidence-based report on public/private policies reported in the media;
- 50% share of target group showing civic concerns.
In terms of capacity building, the promoter had already developed an action plan based on a needs assessment conducted during a previous ACF project. This led to the development and implementation of a strategic organizational plan that included improved human resource management practices.
All proposed targets were met and exceeded.