Description
Water resources management in Greece nowadays, is a challenge on an environmental as well as a socio – economic level, especially due to the impact of climate change. The project’s main aim is establishing a communication bridge amongst citizens, NGOs and competent bodies regarding water resources, which could result into the fundamental emergence of Civil Society as an active decision – making body that contributes towards the promotion of sustainable development on a local level. This goal will be achieved through the implementation of specific educational, information and training actions and the development of participatory procedures and coiling of partnerships. The project will be implemented in 10 selected areas of Greece, in different administrative regions and water districts, for more effective dispersion and distribution of the project’s results on a national level. The project is a collaboration of Mediterranean SOS network and the Hellenic Union of Municipal Enterprises for Water Supply and Sewerage (EDEYA).
Summary of project results
Water management is a major environmental & socio-economic challenge. Implementation of integrated policy management involves raising awareness & educating Civil Society & public participation in forming & implementing appropriate decisions. The project improved communication among citizens, NGOs & relevant actors, by strengthening local Municipal Enterprises for Water Supply and Sewerage (DEYAs) in communication, information, education & public participation issues. It introduced the local communities of the 10 pilot cities to public participatory processes as a support tool in developing policies for sustainable water management. Participatory processes’ activities were implemented to involve and engage local actors. Participants worked into groups and produced consensual Action Plans for water issues of their areas, on the basis of good governance principles. During DEYA executives’ training, theoretical & practical seminar on Communication, Participatory Processes, Organisation of Information-Awareness Campaigns & Environmental Education was developed. Educational activities were implemented, including webinars targeted to teachers. Water flow reducers were installed at schools. During street events, data on citizens’ behaviour and opinions were collected. During open info days, public & experts discussed on significant issues regarding water through structured dialogue. The Scientific Conference gave the opportunity to DEYAs and water-related entities to exchange experiences, while the roundtable brought together, for the first time, the main national Water managers (EYDAP EYATH, EDEYA). EDEYA participated as a valuable partner in the project. The project has surpassed its ambitions: 12,423 students attended educational presentations & received relevant material produced specifically for the project. 1,000 water flow reducers were installed at schools. 43 teachers were trained through webinars. Over 1,000 citizens, institutions’ representatives, organisations & academics were involved in participatory activities. Hundreds of people were informed about the Project during street events. Over 420 delegates attended the Scientific Conference. 272 publications & interviews disseminated the project. It is estimated that over 500,000 people were informed about the project.
Summary of bilateral results