WATERWISE
Advancing Water Sustainability in the Green Transition: an European Educational Initiative.
Start date: 01 October, 2024
End date: 30 September, 2026
Code: Project 2024-1-KA02-KA220-HED-589645A1 - WATERWISE.
Project Coordinator:
AMISTADES – FAI AMIZIA CON IL SAPERE , ITALY
Beneficiaries:
- UNIVERSITY OF ALMERÍA, SPAIN, (UAL).
- LOVILA LIMITED, CYPRUS.
- AB AQUA, THINK TANK DI IDROSTRATEGIA, ITALY.
UAL Contact:
- José Antonio Sánchez Pérez. (jsanchez@ual.es).
- María Guadalupe Pinna Hernández. (mph323@ual.es).
Funding: ERASMUS+
Status: In progress.
ABSTRACT:
The blue economy is integral to the green economy, highlighting the significance of water beyond scarcity, notably affecting Southern Europe. The World Water Development Report (2022) reveals that over half the global workforce, in sectors like agriculture, energy, and transportation, relies on water. Despite this, awareness of water's importance is lacking in Europe, reflecting a gap in understanding its geopolitical and everyday implications. While Europe extensively discusses the green transition, particularly in electric mobility and energy, insufficient attention is given to the broader impact of climate change and the green transition on water resources. This critical oversight necessitates heightened awareness and educational initiatives, especially in industries heavily reliant on water resources. Bridging this gap fosters responsible practices, addressing the complex interplay between the green transition, climate change, and water resources for a more sustainable approach to environmental challenges. The project seeks to create synergies among sectors by promoting collaboration between professional training, academic education, the business community, social society and the institutional sector, fostering a holistic approach to water sustainability within the context of Europe's green transition. The project's objectives include strengthening Europe's higher education capacity by developing professional competencies in various sectors, including businesses. To achieve this, the project proposes:
- Research on Water Strategy and Policy: Investigate national water strategies and policies, formulating a virtuous and positive “hydrostrategy." The project aims to foster successful research initiatives, partnering with universities and establishing an international network of experts. Joint academic publications will explore water-related themes.
- Higher Modular Education Program: Develop and deliver a modular higher education program on the subject, issuing "blue credentials" applicable, especially for professionals and future managers working with businesses in the field of water management. The program will provide opportunities for field visits to civil society and noncivil society entities working in water management for a better understanding of current challenges.
- Awareness Campaign: Conduct a comprehensive awareness campaign, incorporating a simplified version of the training program into a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and creating podcasts featuring interviews with virtuous corporate and other water-related realities. Given the prominence of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in supporting the green transition, the project will align its training to assist stakeholders involved in ERDF projects. This includes collaborating with local entities and service providers to educate administrators, communities, and other climate stakeholders.
Website: Waterwise.
Disclaimer.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or [name of the granting authority]. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.