A "new" relationship with water

It is not enough to know about the benefits of water and to be aware of water in the city, we have to create cross-links to secure them. Water is our vital source, therefore it is important to relate everything to water and link the artistic and mythical aspects with challenges like city planning, area planning, recreation, leisure facilities and infrastructure. Water management itself has to contribute to public awareness in a professional way in the fields of draining residential areas, organisation of waters, flood protection and water protection. In accordance with the sociopolitical aspect, the participation of the public in the planning and realisation phase has to be secured. Wide-ranging protection of waters as a socio-political mandate combined with the expectations of the population allow a renaissance of waters in the city.

Open planning for sustainability

Within the management of water protection, the fields of city planing, area planning, traffic or protection of monuments are to be linked to the requirements of water ecology, the organisation of green zones, and even of medicine and sociology. This mandate includes an "open planning culture" allowing for individual disciplines and details in favour of the "whole". Nevertheless, with great understanding for dynamics and changes, it is necessary to find a sustainable solution. The basis therefor is the "awareness of water" for waters in the living residential area. (Source: aqua press 02/1999)
SC Univ. Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Stalzer

Information & contact:
Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management (BMLFUW) Dept. VII A1
Marxergasse 2
A-1030 Vienna
Tel. +43 1 711 00-7542