What is the urban water cycle? Does everyone know that the simple act of turning on a faucet requires a set of pre-steps? And the great goals of the future, what are they? What will need to change to adapt to climate change?
This extensive list of questions is the basis of what will be the “Desafios da Água” meeting, promoted by the company Águas do Algarve, and to be held on the 1st and 2nd of March, at Herdade dos Salgados, in Albufeira.
The initiative is a pioneer, as this is the first time that any company in the Águas de Portugal group organizes an event of this magnitude. Because, in the Algarve, both national and international specialists will pass for an event that also has the theme of environmental education as one of the its flags.
In addition, the “Water Challenges” want to debate two major themes: the urban water cycle and climate change.
«We [Águas do Algarve] felt that we had the right and the obligation to show what we are, what we do and what are our great goals for the future», explained Isabel Soares, managing director of Águas do Algarve, in an interview to Sul Informação.
At the Palace of Congresses of Herdade dos Salgados, there will be both technical sessions, about the origins of water or about communication and environmental education, as round tables, which will address the reuse and adaptation to climate change, with drought being one of the issues under debate.
However, as this event wants to “reach out to everyone”, the initiatives are not limited to the more technical area. Therefore, the “Water Challenges” will have “about 1200 square meters for workshops”.
“There will be 20 spaces where children, but also young people and adults, can visit and have direct contact with how this company works. The idea is to be able to see how the water is captured or how the adduction [water transport] is done. For this, models will be created, where everything can be seen and handled», said Isabel Soares.
In these workshops, the arrival of water to municipal reservoirs will also be simulated. And, so that everything goes well, there will be technicians from Águas do Algarve to help all those interested.
For Teresa Fernandes, responsible for Communication and Environmental Education at Águas do Algarve, the idea is that the discussion goes “beyond the technical part of the sessions”.
Another objective of this meeting is environmental education. As such, a competition for schools is running until February, with the urban water cycle as the theme.
“It is with the youngest that awareness begins. Children share what they learn with their families. Therefore, environmental education is very important», considered Isabel Soares, who herself has many years of experience as a teacher.
This competition covers all years of compulsory school education. From the 1st to the 3rd cycle, the works are more directed towards the plastic arts. As for secondary education, the idea is for it to be something connected with multimedia, and videos can also be submitted to a contest.
For the winners, who will be known at this meeting, there are prizes... and very special ones. The winner of the 1st cycle will be awarded a sundial to be built outside the school in a visible place.
For the 2nd and 3rd cycles, the prize will be a meteorological station, so that students, during Science or Geography classes, can use it. Finally, for High School, the prizes are a video camera and a projector.
The works must be delivered at the headquarters of Águas do Algarve (Rua do Repouso, 10 – 8000-302 Faro) or sent by e-mail to [email protected], until the 16th of February.
«We want to leave a mark and that the prize is not just a certificate or a cup, but a set of useful devices that last over time», summarized Isabel Soares.
As for the more technical part of the meeting, there will be exhibitions of companies, showing projects and products, some of which are innovative, as well as debates, which the administrator of Águas do Algarve believes will «be very enriching».
For example, the issue of water losses will be addressed. “Municipalities still have large losses of water and this will be a moment to raise awareness. Let's discuss ideas», said Isabel Soares.
The theme of energy will also be under debate, with the presence of representatives from the energy sector being confirmed.
“This type of initiative also serves to internally share knowledge among our technicians. We will gain from this exchange of experiences», added the person in charge.
The investment for these “Water Challenges” is around 100 euros, mainly in the design of the models that will then be reused when schools visit the company's Water Treatment Plants or Water and Waste Treatment Plants. Waters of the Algarve.
«All that is going to be done is for the efficient use of water and for raising awareness among all age groups about this issue», concluded Isabel Soares.
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