In an enthusiastic demonstration of commitment and interest in the environment, more than 250 children from the primary school Istituto Comprensivo ‘Padre Pio da Pietrelcina’ in Ispica (Ragusa) celebrated World Water Day #WWD24 with a series of engaging activities centred on the theme of water for peace.
With the increasing impacts of climate change and the growth of the world’s population, strengthening processes of cooperation and diplomacy, also based on sharing experiences are crucial. This is why World Water Day is a UN event coordinated by UN Water, which is essential to celebrate. Each year it raises public awareness of an important water-related issue and inspires action to address the water and sanitation crisis.
To mark this day according to the aim of CARDIMED project, SVI.MED. (EuroMediterranean Center for the sustainable development) choses to be guided by the short film ‘Gocce di rugiada’ – dewdrops– (produced thanks to ENI CBC MED – NAWAMED project). Between educational activities and learning sessions, the young participants explored crucial concepts related to the sustainable management of water resources. With perceptible interest, they discussed the differences between drinking water, grey water and black water, and nature-based solutions. The children’s amazement when they saw the Wall2Water installed in Ferla’s Municipality Comprehensive Institute a tangible example of how grey water could be treated and used, saving drinking water.
Children’s curiosity was evident, and their questions stimulated us further to pursue this important mission with even more determination. “Why isn’t it like this everywhere?” – “Will you install the wall in our school too?” were the two most frequently asked questions, demonstrating the youngsters’ natural aptitude for innovation by imagining the world around them differently.
The theoretical notions learnt during the awareness-raising day at school held on 22 March were fundamental for the practical activity of the following day, at Spazio Q in Ispica, where another 40 children reproduced a natural purification system, handling gravel and sand with their own hands. This hands-on experience highlighted the children’s propensity to approach nature and generate beauty and inclusion.
We are confident that thanks to this important project, we will not only succeed in organising further awareness-raising activities, but also demonstrate the multi-level impact of Ferla’s Wall2Water, one of the Demo sites of CARDIMED project, in climate change adaptation strategies. This is another step forward in our efforts to change the paradigm of water management and protect our environment for future generations.
It is the beginning of a journey that will continue through CARDIMED project. A flagship research project in the Mediterranean that aims to make regions and communities more resilient to climate change. The aim is not only to raise awareness, but to increase public awareness and political interest in investing in sustainable, nature-based solutions, providing data confirming the multifunctionality of Nature-based Solutions and tools for citizen involvement.
