The environmental crisis has a systemic nature: it can’t be reduced to one factor but rather can be traced back to many different issues linked one to the other.
Alpine environments are a perfect representation of this, and water-related issues here have a systemic nature that cannot be connected to glaciers melting only.
While the Waterwise partnership progresses in organizing the second round of stakeholders’ workshops in the 8 pilot sites, a new exciting exchange is being organized in 3 of these areas.
The focus of this exchange will be young participants: their experience and perspective on the environmental crisis, in the Alpine space specifically, is an important part of the guidelines we are working on.
By meeting with local stakeholders, the participants will enhance their knowledge and experience. The exchanges are based on a popular education approach, with participants invited to co-construct the program and contents of the meetings. Each week of the exchange will be built to gradually accumulate knowledge through a cross-disciplinary approach to water-related sub-themes such as glaciers melting, changes in hydrological regimes, impacts on biodiversity and so on.
The restitution of these exchanges will be via various media, like artistic productions, sensitive mapping etc., combining a sensitive approach and design fiction.
Young people’s perspectives on these issues produced at the end of the exchange will be included in the expected outcome of Waterwise, guidelines for local administrators to have more sustainable and resilient water management strategies.
This initiative is organized by project WATERWISE in collaboration with the OFAJ
OFAJ will cover transportation, accommodation and part of the meals costs.
The first exchange will take place in Contamines Montjoie, France, from June 1st till June 6th, 2026.
Next exchanges will be from 19th till 24th of October in Slovenia, and in Spring 2027 in Germany.
Who can apply?
- People from 18 to 25 years old, from either Germany, Slovenia or France;
- People who show interest in the environmental issues and more specifically in the preservation of water resources;
- People with a minimum intermediate level of English;
Read more about how to apply and more here