Presentation at the 6th World Water Forum

1. Protection and restoration of river ecosystems
Role of public education
Danka Thalmeinerova, GWP
Martina Zupan, GWP CEE

2. Framing the problem
The education is on the tail of our efforts to protect and
restore river ecosystems

3. Framing the problem
Politician
media
teacher

4. Towards Solutions
Many examples to attract attention of the youth exist
Many activities are supported by governments, donors,
private sector, NGOs
Many river restoration projects conducted with few
elements to share best practices with teachers
Ad hoc? (depending on the donor and funds, one-time
shots)
Effective? (we do not know as these are not evaluated)
Methods used? (Google age not explored well)

5. Solutions
Boost knowledge on the river ecosystem functions and
values
Use different methods and tools
Seek to transform innovative initiatives of education and
capacity building to schools curricula

6. EXAMPLE 1

7. EXAMPLE 2

8. EXAMPLE 3

9. EXAMPLE 4

10. Recommendations
Start studies on social perception
of ecological functioning of
water ecosystems
Evaluate the efficiency of
educational activities and
programs (both schools, general
public)
Develop education programs on
ecological functioning of river
and water ecosystem

11. GWP commitments
In period 2012 – 2015, support communication and
exchange of information on best practices of ecological
restoration measures and land use adopted in IWRM plans
By end of 2012, support (lead) an assessment of the effect
of public education and stakeholder involvement in river
restoration projects

12. THIS IS A WINNING PICTURE
CREATED BY 11 SCHOOL CHILDREN
FROM CLASS 5G (GERMANY)

13. DO NOT STAY BLIND!

14. THANK YOU/ MERCI