For Starina: Strengthening Civic Participation in the Protection of a Strategic Drinking Water Source

The project addresses the persistent problem of low public awareness and limited participation of citizens and civil society organizations in decision-making processes that significantly affect quality of life and the environment. In practice, the public is often informed about the impacts of state decisions only at a stage when it is no longer possible to influence them. This lack of participation poses a serious risk, particularly in the protection of the Starina water reservoir, a strategic source of drinking water for more than 600,000 people in eastern Slovakia.
Current legislative processes, such as the zoning of Poloniny National Park and the planned designation of protection zones for the water source, may lead to a weakening of environmental protection in the area. Despite their importance, local governments, civil society organizations, and the general public lack sufficient information, as well as meaningful opportunities to engage in these processes.
The root causes of the problem include insufficient access to clear and expert information, weak communication between stakeholders, and the absence of systematic mechanisms for public participation. Additionally, there is a broader context of declining trust in democratic processes and limited support for civic engagement, which further reduces the ability of communities to advocate for the public interest.
This challenge is particularly significant for communities in eastern Slovakia, where stakeholder engagement has been long neglected. Without active involvement, decisions affecting critical natural resources risk being made without adequate public oversight, potentially undermining environmental protection and long-term sustainability.
The project therefore responds to an urgent need to strengthen civic participation, improve access to information, and build the capacity of stakeholders to actively engage in decision-making processes that shape their environment and future.

The main objective of the project is to strengthen civic participation in decision-making processes related to the protection of the Starina water reservoir, while increasing public awareness, resilience to disinformation, and the influence of citizens on public policies.

To achieve this, the project will implement interconnected activities. Awareness-raising campaigns will inform the public about the importance of Starina as a key drinking water source for around 600,000 people, using online and offline tools to mobilize citizens, support petition engagement, and build a contact database.

Advocacy activities will promote the public interest in protecting water quality and accessibility by communicating risks and expert arguments to decision-makers, while engaging citizens once formal processes begin. Monitoring and watchdog activities will ensure continuous tracking of decision-making, including information requests, document analysis, and preparation of expert opinions, allowing timely responses to emerging risks.

The project will also actively participate in legislative processes by preparing professional analyses and submitting comments to ensure evidence-based decisions reflecting the public interest. Strategic communication will support long-term awareness and engagement through targeted messaging, media cooperation, and direct outreach.

In addition, the project will strengthen organizational capacity by improving campaign management, building partnerships, and developing a network of local ambassadors. It will also ensure systematic data collection and analysis, translating expert knowledge into accessible information for both the public and policymakers.

Key outputs include increased citizen engagement, improved media literacy, stronger public influence on policies, high-quality expert inputs, and a well-informed and mobilized stakeholder base.

The project aims to achieve measurable improvements in civic participation, public awareness, and the protection of the Starina water reservoir as a strategic drinking water source. Its core result is an informed, engaged public capable of actively participating in decision-making processes related to environmental protection and public resources.

A key outcome is increased citizen engagement in public affairs. More people, especially in eastern Slovakia, will follow developments, participate in consultations, and contribute to advocacy. This will be supported by better access to clear, reliable, and expert-based information, leading to higher awareness of the importance of protecting the Starina water source.

The project will also strengthen resilience to disinformation by improving media literacy and critical thinking. Through educational activities and campaigns, citizens will be better equipped to identify misleading information and make informed decisions.

Another important result is the increased influence of citizens and civil society on public policies. By building capacities and creating participation opportunities, the project will amplify the public voice in decision-making processes and contribute to greater transparency and accountability.

The project will also produce high-quality analytical outputs and expert inputs into legislative processes, ensuring that decisions are evidence-based and reflect the public interest. At the same time, it will strengthen communication channels and partnerships among stakeholders, improving cooperation and trust.

The main beneficiaries are residents of eastern Slovakia, particularly local communities dependent on the Starina reservoir, as well as the wider public. Civil society organizations will benefit from increased capacities and data support, while policymakers and public institutions will gain access to better-informed public input and expert analysis, supporting more effective and transparent governance.