g r e e n sp i d e r n e t w o rk
Water
14
How water became active in Austria
L
akes, rivers, water plants and huge reservoirs: water is everywhere in Austria. For children in Alpine regions in particular, it is easy to forget that water needs to be protected. Even in a country rich in water, the focus at all times must be on its availability and sustainable use. People need to be aware not only of the importance of water, but also its potential dangers. They are therefore regularly informed about how to reduce flood risks.
Getting people involved Encouraged by the EU Water Framework Directive’s requirement to get more people to partici pate, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Regions and Tourism set up wasseraktiv.at in 2009. This platform aims to keep in r egular contact with interest ed members of the public. To encourage participation, it holds competitions and awards prizes for p hotos. It is also s upported by popular channels on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
The Wasseraktiv Photo Award inspires outstanding photography such as Markus Enenkel’s »Die Ruhe in Person« (Cool as a Cucumber).
Generation Blue As young people use another language and have different aesthetics, the authorities also launched a youth platform in 2004: Generation Blue. Given that there is no other comparable project that focuses on water, the platform is a role model for the international water community – and for Austria’s flagship project youth awareness raising. Generation Blue recently started working with top influencers like Michael Buchinger. The YouTube and Instagram celebrity explains things like the water cycle or how sewage plants work. wasseraktiv.at generationblue.at
Neptun Water Award The Neptun Water Award has received 25,000 entries between 1999 and 2019: projects, photos, scientific works, initiatives and works of art have all been appraised by different professional juries. 62 trophies have so far been awarded, with the winners together receiving €400,000 in total. This has led more than 2,500 media reports.
Contact: susanne.brandstetter@ bmlrt.gv.at
pictures M aria nne We ni ghofer, markus e nenke l, BMNT Pau l Gru ber, Geo rg Nes ch, matthia s hombauer
Even the Austrian national anthem celebrates the country’s waters – so authorities are prioritising this precious resource, working to establish the youthful »Generation Blue« platform.
