PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Slovakia has sufficient water resources for all kinds of uses. However, these water resources are not evenly distributed and in recent years problems of supply (both drinking water and water for commercial use) have arisen in some parts of Slovakia. Water use in Slovakia is often inefficient. Also, it is well known that the freshwater, especially drinking water in Slovakia is often wasted.
Efficient water management must take into account floods and droughts, the role of water in the biosphere, human impacts on water quantity and quality, prevention of pollution and protection of water resources and water systems – water works, water for agriculture, water for inhabitants and industry, wastewater treatment and the discharge of water.
Last but not least, climate change might also be having an impact. Even though the areas with temporary shortage of water are found only in certain parts of Slovakia, actions to address the prevention of water shortage should be carried out over the whole of the country.
OBJECTIVES
The main objective of the WATLIFE project was to change common attitudes and inefficient water use practice in Slovakia that are causing shortages and pollution. This change would be achieved through increased awareness of the importance of water and its sustainable use among the general public and among stakeholders, in compliance with the Water Framework Directive.
The project would operate alongside with corresponding information and communication campaigns undertaken by the Commission and the Slovak government in this area.
RESULTS
The WATLIFE project strategy combined several dissemination approaches within a wide awareness and education campaign focussing on the young (kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, and the teachers). It involved public authorities (water managers, mayors, regional and local authorities), farmers and the general public. Alongside media presentations, handbooks, leaflets, seminars, workshops and special events, the project pioneered several innovative methods. For pre-school children (along with their kindergarten teachers and parents) the project produced picture book that introduces water issues in a simple way. Primary schools were engaged by the running of a competition among other things. The project also offered schools and the general public in 12 cities the opportunity to visit an interactive exhibition. These initiatives were supported from the Slovak education ministry. Direct engagement of the teachers could ensure the long-term continuation of the project aims.
Experts in the field of water protection represented another important target group for the project. These included representatives of the private sector, state institutions, regional and local authorities, and farmers. The project held high-level seminars and workshops for water managers to encourage the exchange of best practices and increase support for the effective introduction of the Water Framework Directive and the related Slovak Water Act. The general public was reached through media presentations, the project website, TV coverage, a short film, posters, interactive exhibitions and special events. The coordinating beneficiary estimates that the main campaign reached around 573 300 people in total, more than 10% of the population.
Although end-of-project surveys did not signal a significant change in behaviour to date (except for increased recognition of the Water Framework Directive), the main focus on the young points to positive change in the long run. Also, project materials and approaches can continue to be used or replicated. Moreover, the handbooks for primary and secondary schools produced by the project were recognised by the ministry of education, a good guarantee that they will be used as an additional educational resource in Slovak schools.
Indeed, most of the activities started within the LIFE project will continue after the project. The educational films will continue to be broadcasted on TV and at special events, and the interactive exhibitions will be installed in new places (including the ministry of environment) and in other cities and regions. The competition for schools will be repeated as well, and also other project deliverables will be further disseminated. The project website will be maintained; it currently attracts around 900 visitors per month.
Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report and After-LIFE Communication Plan (see "Read more" section).
