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Description
In 2013, the Strategic Adaptation Plan was adopted by the Polish government, in response to the ever more pressing need for adaptation to the changing climate and in accord with the European strategy. It was the first step to prepare and implement modern adaptation initiatives, including in the field of water management. Unfortunately, the plan was never implemented and many of the actions by the State Water Holding “Wody Polskie” are outright contradicting the plan. The issue of climate catastrophe is urgent and important, but still, many citizens are unaware of issues surrounding water management, influence of particular economy sectors on its quality, and actions that should be taken in order to mitigate the effects of climate change in the future. We will prepare a report and helpful infographics on effective and lasting solutions mitigating the effects of extreme weather and hydrological events, such as droughts and floods, as well as impacts of mines and coal energy sector on the water resources – the quantity of water available and its quality. We will distribute the materials through the social media, other events and collaboration with NGOs. We will also engage citizens and NGOs in the nationwide consultations on updating Water Management Plans in River Basins, updating the Flooding Risk Management Plan for Oder and Vistula Rivers, as well as national and regional operation programs regulating allocations of the European Union funds after 2020. We will also prepare parliamentary interpellations on national water policy and adaption to climate change policy. Our partners are Towarzystwo na Rzecz Ziemi, which will support us with its knowledge on the impact of powerplants on the water quality in Poland and River Sisters, which will organize outdoor events near some of the rivers in question to highlight the dangers for our water resources in Poland and propagate the right approach during the ongoing climate catastrophe.
Summary of project results
The project addresses the major problems in the world today, which is the wise management of water resources. The aim of the Greenmind Foundation was to raise citizens'' awareness of this issue and encourage them to participate in consultations on national water policy documents and water conservation activities, but also as organisations to advocate for the introduction of systemic changes for better water resource management.
As part of the project, the Project Promoter prepared eight expert thematic papers on appropriate adaptation of water management, a recommended changes in coal-fired power generation using surface water for cooling, and a summary paper on monitoring of coal-fired and thermal power plants. 21 organisations were consulted in the preparation of these policy documents. 315 citizens were reached by organising four outdoor events. Also four parliamentary interpellations drafts have been prepared by the organisation.
These actions led to increased social activism (especially among young people and women) with regard to water protection and appropriate climate change adaptation solutions. Paradoxically, the environmental catastrophe on the Oder in 2022 contributed to this. Thanks to this and activities carried out , there was a surge in water projects and grassroots actions on the banks of the river, which were not just limited to litter collection, but also provided an opportunity to speak out against state water policies. There has also been an increase in CSO interest in water issues in government policy documents.
As an additional activity, building on the four publications prepared in the main project, detailed themes, graphics and videos (reels) were prepared. The posts featuring the prepared reels and graphics were then published on the social media of the Greenmind Foundation of the Save the Rivers Coalition.
Some of the outreach activities were aimed directly at politicians. In mid-February 2024, taking advantage of the approaching 100 days of government, the politicians were reminded of the pre- and post-election promises included in the coalition agreement. Efforts were also made to reach out to them with ‘water’ content ahead of both the first and second rounds of the local elections. In this communication, the available video materials and graphics were used.