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Description
The project entitled Protection of Drinking Water on Žitný ostrov (ŽO) - the highest public interest focuses on water endangerment as a strategic raw material on Žitný ostrov. Water is endangered mainly by agriculture and human activity and remains an existential public interest in Slovakia. The inhabitants of ŽO do not realize how close underground the water supplies are and how vulnerable they are. The project focuses on enlightenment from the youngest in schools, to the whole community and mayors on Žitný ostrov. It follows the draft policy for pesticide monitoring (ACF grant) and we will finalize it in the form of a practical methodology-policy for MPaRV SR.
OZ For Our Water wants to implement the project through four main activities:
1. Organization of eco-educational activities at schools in municipalities at ŽO,
2. Organization of educational and community activities in municipalities at ŽO
3. Improving the practical protection of drinking water in the environment by effective monitoring of pesticides
4. Preparation of a draft of the General Binding Regulation on water management in protected areas, it will be presented to the mayors of municipalities on Žitný ostrov and will also be made available to mayors in other protected areas in Slovakia.
Summary of project results
Žitný ostrov boasts the distinction of being the largest drinking water reservoir in Slovakia and one of the largest in all of Europe. Its abundant water resources, combined with favorable climate and fertile soils, make it an essential agricultural region. The water from this reservoir is of excellent quality, making it a reliable source for potable water, however the agricultural activities and pesticides used are a significant threat to its quality and substantial importance as a drinking water reservoir.
The project focused on advocating for Žitný ostrov''s water sources against threats from farming and human activities, imperiling its role as a key drinking water supplier. It aimed to elevate residents'' awareness about water conservation and pollution risks, notably pesticides. Community engagement initiatives were central to fostering a stronger connection to water sources. Additionally, the project prioritized the development of policies for monitoring pesticides, crucial for safeguarding water quality and ensuring long-term sustainability. In essence, the project advocated for Žitný ostrov''s water sources through awareness, community involvement, and policy implementation.
The project embarked on a multifaceted approach to address the challenges confronting Žitný ostrov''s water sources. It initiated educational initiatives aimed at raising awareness about water conservation and pollution risks among residents of all ages. These educational efforts included the development of tailored programs for schools, featuring informative films and interactive 3D models to illustrate potential water pollution scenarios. Additionally, community events such as waste collection drives and educational activities were organized to foster a stronger connection between residents and their local water sources.
Central to the project''s objectives was the engagement of stakeholders, including water utility companies, local governments, and government institutions. Through active communication and collaboration, the project sought to improve water resource management practices and enhance regulatory frameworks for water quality protection. A significant output of these collaborative efforts was the development of policy proposals for pesticide monitoring in underground and drinking water sources. These policy proposals aimed to strengthen regulations and ensure the long-term sustainability of Žitný ostrov''s water supply.
The project''s activities yielded tangible outputs that contributed to its overarching objectives. Educational materials, including films and 3D models, were produced for distribution in schools and communities, serving as valuable tools for raising awareness and promoting environmental stewardship. Community events facilitated increased engagement and participation, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards local water resources. Furthermore, improved collaboration with stakeholders enhanced the coordination of water management efforts and laid the groundwork for effective policy implementation.
Firstly, the project succeeded in raising awareness among residents of Žitný ostrov about the importance of water conservation and the risks posed by pollution. Educational initiatives, including tailored programs for schools and community events, contributed to increased knowledge and understanding of water management practices.
Moreover, the project facilitated enhanced stakeholder collaboration, resulting in improved coordination of water management efforts and the development of policy proposals for pesticide monitoring. These policy proposals aimed to strengthen regulations and ensure the long-term sustainability of Žitný ostrov''s water supply, benefiting not only local residents but also future generations reliant on these water sources.
Community engagement activities fostered a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents towards their local water resources, empowering them to take proactive measures to protect and preserve these invaluable assets. Additionally, improved communication and collaboration with water utility companies, local governments, and government institutions led to more effective water resource management practices, with positive implications for water quality and sustainability.
Overall, the project''s outcomes and impacts were manifold, with benefits accruing to residents of Žitný ostrov, future generations, and the broader community. By addressing the complex challenges facing Žitný ostrov''s water sources, the project contributed to the promotion of environmental stewardship, the enhancement of regulatory frameworks, and the establishment of a more resilient and sustainable water future for the region.
Summary of bilateral results
The cooperation with the partner, Iceland Nature Conservation Association (INCA), yielded significant outcomes and impacts. Through the exchange of knowledge and experience, particularly in the realms of education and public awareness, several key results emerged.Firstly, the partnership facilitated a deeper understanding of effective approaches to environmental protection, highlighted through the successful engagement of the public and resolution of legal disputes related to environmental issues led by the partner in Iceland. This knowledge exchange led to the implementation of both longstanding educational practices and newer campaign management strategies within the project.Moreover, the visit of the partner to Iceland sparked fruitful discussions on leveraging legal and activist approaches to environmental protection within the context of the Aarhus Protocol. Insights were shared regarding collaboration with governmental institutions to advocate for environmental policies. These discussions not only enriched the project but also fostered long-term collaboration between the partner and local organizations, such as "Za našu vodu" and Via Juris, leading to the exchange of expertise and ongoing cooperation.Furthermore, the involvement of partners from donor countries in the project was notable. Their participation in project events, contributions through presentations and discussions, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative problem-solving efforts significantly enriched the project''s outcomes.Overall, the cooperation with the partner resulted in enhanced strategies for environmental protection, increased awareness among stakeholders, strengthened partnerships, and the establishment of a platform for continued knowledge exchange and collaboration in the future.