Protection of drinking water of Žitný ostrov - the highest public interest

About this project

<p>The project entitled Protection of Drinking Water on Žitný ostrov (ŽO) - the highest public interest focuses on water endangerment as a strategic raw material on Žitný ostrov. Water is endangered mainly by agriculture and human activity and remains an existential public interest in Slovakia. The inhabitants of ŽO do not realize how close underground the water supplies are and how vulnerable they are. The project focuses on enlightenment from the youngest in schools, to the whole community and mayors on Žitný ostrov. It follows the draft policy for pesticide monitoring (ACF grant) and we will finalize it in the form of a practical methodology-policy for MPaRV SR.<br> OZ For Our Water wants to implement the project through four main activities:<br> 1. Organization of eco-educational activities at schools in municipalities at ŽO,<br> 2. Organization of educational and community activities in municipalities at ŽO<br> 3. Improving the practical protection of drinking water in the environment by effective monitoring of pesticides<br> 4. Preparation of a draft of the General Binding Regulation on water management in protected areas, it will be presented to the mayors of municipalities on Žitný ostrov and will also be made available to mayors in other protected areas in Slovakia.</p>

Bilateral cooperation results

The cooperation with the partner, Iceland Nature Conservation Association (INCA), yielded significant outcomes and impacts. Through the exchange of knowledge and experience, particularly in the realms of education and public awareness, several key results emerged. Firstly, the partnership facilitated a deeper understanding of effective approaches to environmental protection, highlighted through the successful engagement of the public and resolution of legal disputes related to environmental issues led by the partner in Iceland. This knowledge exchange led to the implementation of both longstanding educational practices and newer campaign management strategies within the project. Moreover, the visit of the partner to Iceland sparked fruitful discussions on leveraging legal and activist approaches to environmental protection within the context of the Aarhus Protocol. Insights were shared regarding collaboration with governmental institutions to advocate for environmental policies. These discussions not only enriched the project but also fostered long-term collaboration between the partner and local organizations, such as "Za našu vodu" and Via Juris, leading to the exchange of expertise and ongoing cooperation. Furthermore, the involvement of partners from donor countries in the project was notable. Their participation in project events, contributions through presentations and discussions, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative problem-solving efforts significantly enriched the project's outcomes. Overall, the cooperation with the partner resulted in enhanced strategies for environmental protection, increased awareness among stakeholders, strengthened partnerships, and the establishment of a platform for continued knowledge exchange and collaboration in the future.

Project partners

• Iceland Nature Conservation Association Donor project partner· Iceland
• DUNAVIT Project partner· Slovakia