Water is a fascinating element, the matrix of all life. Austria has such an abundance of high-quality drinking water that for most people in this country it is something they take for granted and are no longer consciously aware of. There is no doubt that Austria will continue to be blessed with plenty of drinking water also in the future. Yet looking at water from a broader perspective also brings to light some controversial and critical issues which ought to be addressed by more than only experts. After all, for the public being knowledgeable means being able to participate in democratic decision-making processes. The water conference Zukunft Wasser, taking place in the castle of Waidhofen/Ybbs on 7th April, provided a perfect opportunity to learn more about current developments in the water sector.
At the conference jointly hosted by the Austrian Association for Gas and Water (ÖVGW), the Government of Lower Austria and the Life Ministry (BMLFUW), renowned speakers informed the audience and encouraged them to join in the discussion. For instance, one of the hot topics to be discussed was whether the exporting of water may have the potential to jeopardise our country’s water resources.
The water conference also helped uncover some hard facts in the debate on whether in Austria water utilities should be run by the public or private sector. Other highly important issues included (active and passive) flood protection measures as well as low-key but ongoing awareness-raising water programmes addressed to children and young people.
During the latter programme section, conference attendees experienced how young people get involved in the internet platform Generation Blue. Last but not least, the conference also set the stage for the first interim results achieved at the Fourth World Water Forum in Mexico – with exciting implications for the future development of our world’s water!
(Source: aqua press Int. 1/2006)
