Water ecosystems become more sustainable
Water is already scarce in many parts of the world, requiring progressive and innovative ways to manage this valuable resource. The EU-funded project AWARE aimed to improve the management of water in the EU, AWARE brought together scientists, citizens and policymakers to enhance partnerships in the assessment of water science and related policy issues. It focused on selected coastal areas and river basins of Europe, conducting workshops and conferences that involved citizens, decision makers and other stakeholders. Project events enabled the stakeholders to assess sustainable water management in the different areas and produce recommendations on achieving multi-level governance of water policy issues. This resulted in more productive public–policy interaction, helping to bridge the gap between citizens' local experiences and the technical perspective held by experts in water policy formation. Based on a dynamic knowledge brokerage process, the project produced three local citizen declarations and a common European citizen statement on sustainable water management. The project team also highlighted many tips and lessons learned about engaging citizens, policymakers and stakeholders in participatory exercises. It also highlighted valuable information on organising the knowledge brokerage process in such exercises and planning future participatory projects. In this respect, AWARE highlighted the three distinct layers of participation in order to be connected: think globally, act locally and be aware. Although the first two layers of think globally and act locally reflect already well established concepts in sustainability, the third layer has gone a step further in instigating action. It called for a strong, participative online forum for lay citizens, civil society representatives and stakeholders on monitoring policy implementation related to water management. While the project is expected to further sustainable water management in a number of ways, its proposed structure also serves as a model for citizen involvement in policymaking. This will pave the way for many future projects that will actively include several stakeholders such as civil society actors and citizens at large. Such a participatory approach in key issues that affect our well-being represents one of the EU's most important principles in building a viable society.
