Water Education In the Centre of Experiencing and Learning
The sector of ”Water Education” has been pursued by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for several years and is being further developed.
Water management today has become an extensive network of responsibilities and utilisation. The influence of public opinion is an important driving force for political activities, however, it is easily influenced and changes permanently according to social changes concerning attitudes, values and technological innovation (Internet). Water management therefore has to try to initiate and direct selective information outlets: “Anything we experience is depicted as information in our minds. If we would be able to control this information, we could design our life ...” This expressive statement made by the motivation researcher Mihaly Csikszentimihaly, professor of psychology at the University of Chicago, shows very clearly the tension between information – mind – emotions and filter processes. By adding a further dimension, i.e. trade, we find a reflection of the present-day goals of education, which shall be transported by “water education”.
Water can be used in many different disciplines as a subject of instruction and discussion, but also of for projects including several disciplines. Water awareness as a basis for dealing carefully with this vital element has to be developed as early as possible (kindergarten, schools). “Water awareness” has to be formed on a broad public basis. Instruments of extensive communication with as many target groups as possible are the mass media, the publication of folders, the supply of information and discussion bases (e.g. on the internet, by e-mail, etc.), action days, etc. Concrete information has to lead to knowledge and be transformed in “water-conscious acting”.
Young people in the process of education are an especially important communication group, since they learn easily and are open for new subjects, especially for environmental issues. They are the target group of further water education projects, which the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has initiated in cooperation with partners and whose realisation it has supported both technically and financially. Under the motto “train the trainer” (secondary education and service) school teachers shall become important partners in implementation. (Source: aqua press Int. 5/1999) Susanne Brandstetter
Information & Contact: Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Environment and Water Affairs (BMLFUW) Stubenring 12 A-1012 Vienna Tel. +43 1 711 00-7542 Fax ext. -7502
