Generation Blue is a water platform for young people, and includes a web portal, online games, school projects and competitions, and a profile on Facebook.

Water is a valuable resource, which must be protected and treated accordingly – and since it is not constrained by national borders, it is necessary to cooperate in a spirit of solidarity to share experiences and knowledge throughout Europe. This demands a clear understanding, increased awareness and deep knowledge within the generation that will affect and form the future of the water – our young people.

A programme from the Austrian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management initiated six years ago is getting in touch with young people and confronting them with their future responsibility for water management. It is called Generation Blue. This programme is a water platform to invite young people to access information, participate and raise their awareness of sustainable management of water and water related issues. It provides exciting information on water, as well as lots of fun and action on the subject of water. Generation Blue targets young people between the ages of 13 to 19 years. It is the biggest water project for youth in Austria and cooperates with pedagogic institutes, schools and teachers under the participation of public and private entities.

Using new technologies to address young water leaders. The central communication tool of Generation Blue is a web platform. In addition, information, online games, school projects and competitions, and a profile on Facebook complete this unique offer for young people. Close to 20,000 pupils are taking part in the current ‘Trinkpassaktion’ where kids monitor their water consumption and can win great prizes in a creative challenge.

Generation Blue is a master project following the educational efforts of the ministry and participation of schools to communicate environmental activities to young people. Starting with the Czech Republic, there are plans to extend this project to other European countries to share experiences and implement common activities. Generation Blue International will engage young people to protect water resources across Europe. By extending the project to other countries, best practices adjusted to local circumstances will promote cross-national awareness, participation and cooperation. Young people will learn and profit from each other. It will facilitate the understanding of transboundary water issues and encourage the implementation of the aims of the Water Vision for Europe.

For more information, please visit: www.generationblue.at.

Susanne Brandstetteris the Project Manager of Generation Blue from the Austrian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management, and the Co-Chair-person of the ICPDR’s Public Participation Group. Thomas Schlatte is the Project Manager of Generation Blue from AQA GmbH.