Danube Watch 1/2020 - Technology and New Approaches to Cooperation are Vital
Technology and New Approaches to Cooperation are Vital
In the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, and the necessary changes to communication practices that have come with it, the entire way in which we approach outreach events must adapt just like work in general. The ICPDR itself, with its flagship event - Danube Day - is mostly moving to digital events in the Danube countries. An example of what is to come, the agency that works with the Austrian Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Regions and Tourism has used its future-orientated expertise to reinvent online communication for its two platforms: Wasseraktiv and Generation Blue.
T he ability to work from anywhere is an essential ability and, as we are seeing, the future. However, it can be difficult to get everyone on board with the idea. A home-office situation does not immediately appeal to some people, especially those who enjoy the social aspects and structure of a more traditional office setting. However, these elements are key to a well set-up home-office experience. Regularly scheduled online meetings ensure daily face-to-face discussions as well as structured elements to a daily routine.
It can be difficult to individually maintain this structure throughout the day though. With the benefit of a more comfortable setting comes the downside of needing new perspectives on where personal and work elements should be separated. While time management may remain similar to that of an office setting, more time may need to be dedicated to online meetings, simply due to their nature. They replace not only scheduled meetings, but also ad-hoc and quick conversations between co-workers in the hall or even quick emails.
In times of crisis, and in general, a decentralised work setting can also mean more time communicating with colleagues and partners in order to maintain positive working relationships and reassure key structural aspects. Structure on all levels is key to the success of technological utilisation and work evolution. This structure can only be achieved through progressive understanding, active management and a real capacity to adapt.
Cooperation: Landjugend, Wasseraktiv and Generation Blue
The platform Wasseraktiv offers up-to-date information on a rage of themes related to the valuable resource of water. The participation of citizens required by the EU Water Framework Directive was the reason for the launch of this Internet platform in 2009. Its aim is to prepare information in a comprehensible manner, so that any and all interested members of the public can participate. The information provided is meant to raise awareness of water as a resource in Austrian and, by doing so, to provide foundational knowledge that enables participation in decision-making.
What distinguishes Wasseraktiv from Generation Blue is that the latter is a youth-oriented platform meant for teens and students with special aspects for schools. The focus is also on water-related topics including climate change. In Austria, the project is implemented by the the Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Tourism and Regions and organised by the agency better2gether.
The Idea of Wassertalk
The Corona crisis presents us all with challenges and offers at the same time new chances to come into direct contact with citizens. In April, cooperation between Wasseraktiv and the Landjugend Vöcklabruck came into being. Their project of the year, “WonderWater – Our Elixir of Life, We're Watching It”, could not take place as planned, and alternatives had to be sought out. Due to Corona-safety measures in place preventing gatherings of any size, alternative solutions would need to embrace the use of technology in order to allow participants and those interested to come together despite the virus crisis. With myself also working in the field of water, and requiring something that would allow for the work to be done from my home-office, everything fell into place rather quickly. This is how the idea of a Wasseraktiv-Talk on the subject of “Water in Austria” via online video-conference came into being. Invitations were sent out to those who may have been interested by the Landjugend organisation itself, as most of its members have backgrounds or interests in agriculture and/or water-related topics.
Luckily, I was, through sheer happenstance, available to lead the Wassteraktiv-Talk and share my expertise by presenting an overview of the most important facts regarding water in Austria and Europe. The talk took place on the 16th of April with around 25-30 participants, and interest was very high, the response throughout was very positive. Personally, I had been excited about the concept of the talk, and was very pleased with the turnout. The success of this talk perfectly exemplifies the state of current technology and our ability through it to organise effectively. While gatherings of individuals via online video-chat from the comfort of their own homes may not replace face-to-face gatherings any time soon, the conditions present during the 2020 Corona Virus situation have shown conclusively that this is a real, viable and effective option when circumstance demands it.
Moreover, to see so many people embrace this utilisation of technology in order to organise the pursuit of their interests – in our case, the essential topic of our most valuable resource: water – has been a special experience. Enthusiasm is not limited to the young or to professionals, but can be witnessed among a swathe of demographics. I would also like to think that the subject of water is one that piques the interest of many, and hopefully further Wasseraktive-Talks will show this to be true.
Because of the wonderful response to the first instalment, I sincerely hope that there will be further Wasseraktiv-Talk sessions as a series in order to serve interested participants with any and all aspects of the themes of water and the work of the ministries. The hope is to be able to put together Wasseraktiv-Talks once a month on an array of water topics while putting online technology to use.
What we have all experienced in the recent months is the extent of the challenge that the Corona Virus has posed to our daily lives. In one way or another, every aspect of life has been affected and has required some level of innovation in order to adapt. This difficult time has also presented the tremendous opportunity to steer our adaptation toward fully embracing the potential of digitalisation. This welcoming of what digital technology offers can be applied at all levels – from personal to professional – and in response to any number of challenges. Our success organising the Wasseraktiv-Talk session with the Landjugend Vöcklabruck is just a small reflection of what is possible.
Susanne Brandstetter is Chairperson of the Public Participation Expert Group of the ICPDR. She is responsible for the PR agenda of the Water Department at the Austrian Federal Ministry for Agriculture, Tourism and Regions.
