Sustainable use of water based resources

SUSSWATER was a Strategic Partnership project between four host organisations offering post-16 and further education: Val Videregående Skole (VGS) (an upper SUSSWATER was a Strategic Partnership project between four host organisations offering post-16 and further education: Val Videregående Skole (VGS) (an upper secondary school in Norway), Bromangymnasiet (an upper secondary school in Sweden), Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) (Ireland’s Seafood Development Agency) and South Devon College (a further education college in the UK). The project focused on the sustainable use of natural water resources. During the project period (2016–2019) we implemented four Learning, Teaching, Training (LTT) activities, one in each of the participating countries. The primary objective was the exchange of best practice within educational methodology but also, in respect of the relevant industries, to stimulate an innovative mind among the students. To achieve a sustainable use of natural resources within Europe, we think these kinds of partnerships are essential to ensure long-term, continuous improvements, leading to a motivated and skilled workforce to bring about effective and much needed change and development.Each of the partners hosted one week of activities over the three-year programme welcoming students and teachers from the other partners. These activities were related to a specific local geographical area with a focus on sustainable development for all interested parties with a mixture of lectures, industry visits, exercises and workshops. As well as engaging with the host partner, these workshops involved engagement with governmental bodies and local industry, and included people outside of the project. As part of the week, the host was expected to include elements of the social and cultural dimensions of the area to further increase the outcome for the participants.There was a close dialogue between the partners before and after the events to ensure proper planning, management and implementation. The participants submitted activity reports which were uploaded to the project website (www.susswater.com) and they also used social media to share their experiences. All participating students received a Europass Mobility document. The LTT activities provided valuable new knowledge on the bioeconomy and sustainability to each participant as well as the partner organisations. We think we have improved both the motivation and skills among the students and teachers, especially in the field of the sustainable use of water resources. Participation in this project provided an increased international network and improved teaching skills for the partners, along with increased understanding of the management and structure of water-based resources.A potential longer-term benefit will be an increased interest in education and career development within the bioeconomy, which some of the partners have already experienced. Thus, we have – as partners and institutions – been proactive in creating opportunities for education within environmentally focused professions. We have promoted sustainability and prepared young people for future employment.