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Awareness raising measures for water saving

Cum, 07/01/2011 - 09:47 — cyefadmin

Awareness Raising Measures for Water - Saving
WE COOPERATE TO SAVE WATER, OUR TREASURE!
Water scarcity has been one of the main issues of Cyprus society and environment for the last decades. Both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots are facing the impact of water restrictions in water supply in their homes, schools and work. Therefore, adoption of water-saving measures is vital for both communities and concerted action at the island wide level is necessary to ensure effective protection of our water resources.

In September 2010 an island-wide initiative “Awareness raising measures for water- saving” was launched as a confidence-building measure between Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots, under the auspices of the Environment Technical Committee.
 

The project managed to reach a wide number of target groups and individuals and provided the citizens with information, training and knowledge on water saving practices and technologies with the support and cooperation of the water stakeholders across the island (civil society, local authorities, decision makers, companies, industry, farmers etc).
 

 

 

 

SAVE WATER, IT’S EASY!
The activities implemented during the campaign were aiming to compact overconsumption patterns and spread the message to the citizens that water-saving is easy with the adoption of simple water-saving measures. The
campaigners provided guidance, support and simple practical solutions with the promotion and application of water-saving technologies for the households and the gardens.

The main project activities involved were as follows:

  • Organization of the Initial Workshop in October 2010. The Initial Workshop took place with the participation of over 50 water stakeholders island-wide. The stakeholders participated in a constructive dialog providing suggestions and ideas on how island- wide cooperation could support water saving in Cyprus.
  • Numerous educational activities on water saving in over 20 public and private schools across the whole island, mainly targeting students, school teachers and technical staff. The visits included presentation, demonstration of water saving good practices and technology available and film shooting.
  • Pilot application of water saving devices in over 20 households of active members of civil society. The household remake involved a technical survey followed by installation of appropriate water saving devices, interviews with the hosts and film shooting.
  • Organization of the Water-Saving Technology Exhibition which took place on 22nd until 25th March, at Ledra Street/Lokmaci crossing in the old town of Nicosia to help raise awareness about sustaining healthy ecosystems through addressing challenges in water management.

During the opening ceremony on the 22nd March, the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot Mayors of Nicosia, Ms. Eleni Mavrou and Mr. Cemal Bulutoğluları, the Representatives of the leaders of the Turkish Cypriot Community and Greek Cypriot Community, Mr. Kudret Özersay and Mr. Georgios Iacovou, the U.S. Ambassador to Cyprus, Mr. Frank C. Urbancic Jr. and the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on Cyprus, Mr. Alexander Downer highlighted the importance of cooperation on environmental issues and particularly on the sustainable management of water resources island-wide.

The exhibition was visited by water stakeholders, local authorities, representatives of the civil society, academicians, schools, and people and groups concerned on the current situation of water problem. It is estimated that more than 1500 people visited and were informed on water saving technologies and devices during the Water-Saving Technology Exhibition period.  During the exhibition, water-saving technologies available for home and garden usage were presented to the general public.

  • Development and wide distribution of promotional and information hard copy and audiovisual material,educating the general public on water saving issue.

THE PROJECT’S PARTNERS

The Water Problem in Cyprus can only be resolved by common action to preserve our dwindling resources. The Environment Technical Committee is at the forefront of these efforts, supported by AKTI www.akti.org.cy, the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Environmental Engineers www.ktcmo.org and the Cyprus Environmental Stakeholder Forum.
 

For more information please contact akti@akti.org.cy

 

                                         

 

 

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