Pe firul apei (Down the stream)
Basic information
Project Title
Pe firul apei (Down the stream)
Full project title
Pe firul apei (Down the stream)
Category
Reconnecting with nature
Project Description
Pe Firul Apei showcases how safeguarding the environment has the dual effect of nurturing each individual's well-being and enriching the collective welfare, all while responsibly tending to our natural surroundings. Set in a riverside community in Petroșani, a city in the Jiu Valley JT region, it showcases the transformative impact of reevaluating the human-nature connection from a life-centered perspective and offers a glimpse on how this can lead to rejuvenating the urban natural environment.
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
Petrosani, Romania
Urban or rural issues
Mainly urban
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
EU Programme or fund
Yes
Which funds
Other
Other Funds
The financial support of the Active Citizens Fund Romania, a program funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the EEA Grants 2014-2021.
Description of the project
Summary
Pe Firul Apei was co-implemented by the Macaia Association and the Valea Jiului Urban Lab Association through financial support from Active Citizens Fund Romania (SEE Grants 2014-2021). Spanning over 11 months and having a budget of 49.927 euros, it aimed to raise awareness and foster a sense of responsibility and personal connection within the local community in Petroșani, regarding the city's watercourses.
Jiu Valley is situated in the upper reaches of the Eastern Jiu and Westers Jiu rivers. A large part of their tributaries flows through urban areas, resulting in an increased level anthropogenic water pollution. The project focused on Maleia watercourse, which is a tributary of the Eastern Jiu river and crosses Petroșani’s central area, together with other peri-urban areas.
By actively engaging community members, authorities, specialists and other stakeholders, the project sought to facilitate productive discussions and promote collaborative actions, with the objectives of inspiring a proactive mindset, particularly among the local youth and encouraging the co-generation of ideas and solutions within the targeted group, in the aim to rediscover the value of rivers for the community, as well as to preserve, restore and activate the Maleia green-blue corridor.
The project made significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainable development within Petroșani’s community. It promoted ecological awareness and responsible use of natural water resources. Moreover, it fostered an inclusive environment, welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds and social statuses to actively participate in community engagement for environmental conservation efforts. Through its events, eco-trips, greening actions, thematic workshops and contests, the project motivated individuals to take an active role in protecting their surrounding environment and foster deeper, genuine connections with their natural resources.
Jiu Valley is situated in the upper reaches of the Eastern Jiu and Westers Jiu rivers. A large part of their tributaries flows through urban areas, resulting in an increased level anthropogenic water pollution. The project focused on Maleia watercourse, which is a tributary of the Eastern Jiu river and crosses Petroșani’s central area, together with other peri-urban areas.
By actively engaging community members, authorities, specialists and other stakeholders, the project sought to facilitate productive discussions and promote collaborative actions, with the objectives of inspiring a proactive mindset, particularly among the local youth and encouraging the co-generation of ideas and solutions within the targeted group, in the aim to rediscover the value of rivers for the community, as well as to preserve, restore and activate the Maleia green-blue corridor.
The project made significant contributions to environmental protection and sustainable development within Petroșani’s community. It promoted ecological awareness and responsible use of natural water resources. Moreover, it fostered an inclusive environment, welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds and social statuses to actively participate in community engagement for environmental conservation efforts. Through its events, eco-trips, greening actions, thematic workshops and contests, the project motivated individuals to take an active role in protecting their surrounding environment and foster deeper, genuine connections with their natural resources.
Key objectives for sustainability
The central focus of the project was to promote the responsible use of water resources through active collaboration, aiming to enhance both personal and collective bonds with the Maleia blue-green corridor.
CREATIVE EXPRESSION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS:Local pupils designed promotional materials disseminated widely in a local campaign advocating for water and environmental protection. Additionally, they participated in a workshop creating ecologically themed posters.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:High school and university students, administrative staff, public authorities, company employees and NGO volunteers from Jiu Valley and Jiu Gorge National Park collaborated in a large-scale initiative to collect waste from the Maleia stream and its banks. They also participated in educational eco-trips to explore the flora and fauna along the Maleia River.
HANDS-ON INITIATIVES FOR ADVANCING CIRCULARITY AND LIFECYCLE THINKING: Creative recycling workshops targeted materials that contribute significantly to local waste pollution, such as leaflets excessively distributed by local supermarkets.
NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS FOR ECO-DESIGN: The construction and installation of minimally invasive wooden platforms and pavilions along the Maleia stream aimed to encourage community members to spend time in nature and organize community activation activities.
ARTISTIC COMPETITIONS FOR SUSTAINABILITY: An eco-art competition challenged pupils to artistically depict the beauty of water and nature at home, while another competition involved students developing concepts for regenerating and activating a public space near the Maleia river.
Within the sustainability context, the project stands out as it not only addresses short-term environmental awareness but also cultivates a lasting sense of responsibility and community engagement. It serves as a model for other communities, showcasing a holistic approach to environmental issues and ensuring enduring sustainability.
CREATIVE EXPRESSION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS:Local pupils designed promotional materials disseminated widely in a local campaign advocating for water and environmental protection. Additionally, they participated in a workshop creating ecologically themed posters.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION:High school and university students, administrative staff, public authorities, company employees and NGO volunteers from Jiu Valley and Jiu Gorge National Park collaborated in a large-scale initiative to collect waste from the Maleia stream and its banks. They also participated in educational eco-trips to explore the flora and fauna along the Maleia River.
HANDS-ON INITIATIVES FOR ADVANCING CIRCULARITY AND LIFECYCLE THINKING: Creative recycling workshops targeted materials that contribute significantly to local waste pollution, such as leaflets excessively distributed by local supermarkets.
NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS FOR ECO-DESIGN: The construction and installation of minimally invasive wooden platforms and pavilions along the Maleia stream aimed to encourage community members to spend time in nature and organize community activation activities.
ARTISTIC COMPETITIONS FOR SUSTAINABILITY: An eco-art competition challenged pupils to artistically depict the beauty of water and nature at home, while another competition involved students developing concepts for regenerating and activating a public space near the Maleia river.
Within the sustainability context, the project stands out as it not only addresses short-term environmental awareness but also cultivates a lasting sense of responsibility and community engagement. It serves as a model for other communities, showcasing a holistic approach to environmental issues and ensuring enduring sustainability.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The project is exemplary due to its focus on transforming the urban natural environment into a visually captivating and culturally vibrant space. Recognizing the significance of emotional and cultural ties to the environment, it cultivates a sense of place and community identity and serves as a model for integrating aesthetics and cultural benefits into environmental initiatives.
AESTHETIC ENHANCEMENT:The project elevated the aesthetic quality of Petroșani's water area by rejuvenating the Maleia stream through the creation of temporary, demountable installations.Art installations and decorations enhanced the visual appeal of the urban water feature, rendering it more attractive and inviting. Consequently, community activities and artistic performances unfolded within these installations.
QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE:By organizing cultural activities such as theater plays, creative writing workshops and stimulating arts and crafts sessions, the project associated environmental efforts with high-quality, fulfilling experiences.As a result, participants enjoyed an enriching and emotionally satisfying involvement.
FREE ARTISTIC EXPRESSION:Participants expressed themselves freely through various mediums, from thematic posters on eco-themes to impactful messages for the local environmental protection campaign.Pupils captured local nature through 2D representations and 3D installations, while students sought to envision the aesthetically pleasing activation of the Maleia waterfront.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Art installations and decorations contributed significantly to a sense of community identity and belonging.They enabled community members to establish a connection with their environment through culture. Active participation in artistic and cultural activities not only fostered a deeper appreciation for the surroundings but also facilitated stronger connections among residents.
Thus,our project catered for a natural environment where individuals feel that they trully belong.
AESTHETIC ENHANCEMENT:The project elevated the aesthetic quality of Petroșani's water area by rejuvenating the Maleia stream through the creation of temporary, demountable installations.Art installations and decorations enhanced the visual appeal of the urban water feature, rendering it more attractive and inviting. Consequently, community activities and artistic performances unfolded within these installations.
QUALITY OF EXPERIENCE:By organizing cultural activities such as theater plays, creative writing workshops and stimulating arts and crafts sessions, the project associated environmental efforts with high-quality, fulfilling experiences.As a result, participants enjoyed an enriching and emotionally satisfying involvement.
FREE ARTISTIC EXPRESSION:Participants expressed themselves freely through various mediums, from thematic posters on eco-themes to impactful messages for the local environmental protection campaign.Pupils captured local nature through 2D representations and 3D installations, while students sought to envision the aesthetically pleasing activation of the Maleia waterfront.
COMMUNITY CONNECTION: Art installations and decorations contributed significantly to a sense of community identity and belonging.They enabled community members to establish a connection with their environment through culture. Active participation in artistic and cultural activities not only fostered a deeper appreciation for the surroundings but also facilitated stronger connections among residents.
Thus,our project catered for a natural environment where individuals feel that they trully belong.
Key objectives for inclusion
The project stands as a remarkable illustration of inclusivity, fostering a dynamic environment where individuals of varying ages and social backgrounds feel welcomed and have the chance to contribute to the beauty and sustainability of their local nature through community engagement for environmental protection:
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT: Actively involving more than 300 young people aged 14-35, the project promoted their participation in actions that positively impacted community cohesion and the protection, restoration and regeneration of the natural environment. Their engagement not only stimulated artistic creativity but also encouraged the free expression of each individual's uniqueness and their artistic perspective on local nature, serving as an exercise in showcasing and celebrating local diversity.
ACCESSIBILITY AND DESIGN FOR ALL: The project ensured that anyone interested could participate in its activities, from the educational eco-trips to the creative workshops and cultural events. By organizing these activities free-of-charge in easily accessible public spaces, often in the middle of the nature, the project reached a broad audience and enabled the engagement of individuals with various backgrounds, including those less fortunate, fostering participation across all age groups and facilitating intergenerational exchanges. Notably, one activity took place at a day care center for children, allowing them to experience the fulfillment of contributing firsthand to community efforts in saving the Maleia watercourse.
The project actively encouraged the involvement of citizens, authorities, businesses, NGOs, volunteers and various specialists in constructive discussions, idea exchanges and collaborative efforts to address the local environmental challenges. Their active participation played a crucial role in promoting bottom-up governance and citizen involvement in decision-making related to preserving the local nature and mitigating the risk of biodiversity loss.
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT: Actively involving more than 300 young people aged 14-35, the project promoted their participation in actions that positively impacted community cohesion and the protection, restoration and regeneration of the natural environment. Their engagement not only stimulated artistic creativity but also encouraged the free expression of each individual's uniqueness and their artistic perspective on local nature, serving as an exercise in showcasing and celebrating local diversity.
ACCESSIBILITY AND DESIGN FOR ALL: The project ensured that anyone interested could participate in its activities, from the educational eco-trips to the creative workshops and cultural events. By organizing these activities free-of-charge in easily accessible public spaces, often in the middle of the nature, the project reached a broad audience and enabled the engagement of individuals with various backgrounds, including those less fortunate, fostering participation across all age groups and facilitating intergenerational exchanges. Notably, one activity took place at a day care center for children, allowing them to experience the fulfillment of contributing firsthand to community efforts in saving the Maleia watercourse.
The project actively encouraged the involvement of citizens, authorities, businesses, NGOs, volunteers and various specialists in constructive discussions, idea exchanges and collaborative efforts to address the local environmental challenges. Their active participation played a crucial role in promoting bottom-up governance and citizen involvement in decision-making related to preserving the local nature and mitigating the risk of biodiversity loss.
Results in relation to category
Our project successfully attained its objectives of fostering Petroșani’s community reconnection with the local nature, specifically targeting individuals aged 14-35:-90 participants acquired knowledge about the fauna and flora of the Maleia stream, gaining insights into the role these species play in maintaining ecosystem balance and how human activities can impact this delicate equilibrium.-1 video montage and 50 photographs, showcasing the beauty and importance of the local environment, were shared on various online platforms.-2 roundtable discussions provided a platform for constructive debates among community members, authorities, specialists and other stakeholders, facilitating the exchange of ideas and solutions to address environmental issues and promoting co-participation in environmental protection.-16 environmental awareness projects, prepared by pupils, were featured in a permanent exhibition at the P1 headquarters, ensuring further dissemination of the project’s vision.
-36 students participated in a creative competition to raise awareness about the environment, fostering creativity in environmental protection.
-1 competition for students aimed at designing and implementing a beautiful and sustainable, eco-friendly solution for animating the public space along the waterfront.
-45 participants engaged in crafting useful and decorative objects from recyclable materials, highlighting the importance of circularity and eco-design.The project effectively heightened awareness among the local community, particularly the youth, regarding the importance of protecting and conserving watercourses and the associated wildlife.By instilling a sense of responsibility and stimulating curiosity, it encouraged participants to become conscious stewards of their natural surroundings.The active involvement of young residents in activities such as eco-trips, wildlife identification and ecological workshops empowered them to take an active role in environmental stewardship.
-36 students participated in a creative competition to raise awareness about the environment, fostering creativity in environmental protection.
-1 competition for students aimed at designing and implementing a beautiful and sustainable, eco-friendly solution for animating the public space along the waterfront.
-45 participants engaged in crafting useful and decorative objects from recyclable materials, highlighting the importance of circularity and eco-design.The project effectively heightened awareness among the local community, particularly the youth, regarding the importance of protecting and conserving watercourses and the associated wildlife.By instilling a sense of responsibility and stimulating curiosity, it encouraged participants to become conscious stewards of their natural surroundings.The active involvement of young residents in activities such as eco-trips, wildlife identification and ecological workshops empowered them to take an active role in environmental stewardship.
How Citizens benefit
As a JT area, Jiu Valley is marked by the lingering impacts of past coal mining activities-manifesting as social marginalization, economic challenges stemming from the decline of the traditional industry and environmental scars in the form of water, air and soil pollution. As such, residents yearn for hope and we need to show them that they can actively cultivate and nurture this hope through their own effort. Our project sought to address this need by engaging the local community in multiple activities.The local community, in collaboration with numerous stakeholders, actively participated in every part of the project: events, trips, greening initiatives, thematic workshops, student competitions, cultural activations along Maleia stream, promotional and awareness campaigns. They transcended the role of mere beneficiaries, becoming integral actors in the process, by undertaking tasks such as cleaning Maleia’s banks and waters, analyzing flora and fauna, constructing pavilions, conceptualizing awareness materials disseminated in the community, engaging in dialogues during discussions and creating artistic representations about and for the Maleia river. Consequently, they evolved from recipients of beneficial solutions to creators of these solutions. Furthermore, they assumed the role of disseminators, sharing accumulated knowledge, lessons learned, the collaborative spirit and, most importantly, hope for a more beautiful, sustainable and inclusive community and local nature. In essence, the project championed a robust participatory process, actively involving the local community across the project’s lifecycle: from design to decision-making and furtherly to implementation. We empowered the community and fostered a collaborative ethos in environmental protection, by facilitating meaningful connections and collaborations among individuals, encouraging idea exchanges and the pursuit of shared objectives for environmental protection and sustainable community development.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
Innovative character
Through our project, we successfully demonstrated how community engagement-from the youngest to the oldest, from ordinary citizens to experts, from local community members to public administration officials-can instigate a positive transformation in the natural environment.We achieved this through seemingly simple actions that, in reality, have a profound impact on the regeneration of our natural ecosystem. Consequently, our project fosters a sense of hope, joy and confidence within the community, pointing towards a future that is not only sustainable but also more beautiful and inclusive.
Through this project, of unprecedented complexity and diversity, we introduced a groundbreaking initiative in Jiu Valley, marking the first instance where environmental regeneration and biodiversity loss prevention actions were not executed through a single intervention. Instead, they were carried out collectively by stakeholders from all categories, employing complementary solutions harmonized in an integrated manner. The focal point of these efforts was the restoration of Maleia’s ecosystem, a tributary of the Jiu River. Every individual, leveraging their power, knowledge and will, played a role in to the collective care for the local natural environment: we managed to forge unity within the community and the local ecosystem, rallying around a beautiful objective—reconnecting with nature through proactive and co-participative action. Such an approach ensures that the relationship with nature is genuinely life-centered, moving beyond isolated, human-centered perspectives.Thus, our project's innovative character lies in its youth-centric, community-driven and holistic approach towards environmental protection, along with its inclusive governance, transparent decision-making and focus on long-term social and environmental impact.It demonstrates a fresh perspective in the field of community and environmental projects, by prioritizing the active involvement of all community members.
Through this project, of unprecedented complexity and diversity, we introduced a groundbreaking initiative in Jiu Valley, marking the first instance where environmental regeneration and biodiversity loss prevention actions were not executed through a single intervention. Instead, they were carried out collectively by stakeholders from all categories, employing complementary solutions harmonized in an integrated manner. The focal point of these efforts was the restoration of Maleia’s ecosystem, a tributary of the Jiu River. Every individual, leveraging their power, knowledge and will, played a role in to the collective care for the local natural environment: we managed to forge unity within the community and the local ecosystem, rallying around a beautiful objective—reconnecting with nature through proactive and co-participative action. Such an approach ensures that the relationship with nature is genuinely life-centered, moving beyond isolated, human-centered perspectives.Thus, our project's innovative character lies in its youth-centric, community-driven and holistic approach towards environmental protection, along with its inclusive governance, transparent decision-making and focus on long-term social and environmental impact.It demonstrates a fresh perspective in the field of community and environmental projects, by prioritizing the active involvement of all community members.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
Fundamentally, the project integrates 2 fields—environmental protection and community development. However, upon closer examination, within its diverse activities, our project enables a much broader spectrum of knowledge from various fields, including:
CULTURE: Theater, personal development through theater, visual arts (painting, drawing, photography), sculpture, creative writing, carpentry.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: Environmental and climate sciences (biology, zoology, botany, hydrology).
EDUCATION:Pedagogy, plastic arts, communication.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Sociology, advocacy, community education, communication, cultural anthropology, psychology.
URBANISM:Urban planning, architecture, urban geography, urban sociology, urban engineering, planning and design, landscaping.
This transdisciplinary approach was achieved through the active involvement of the teams from the 2 coordinating NGOs, thanks to the invaluable support of numerous volunteers and local NGOs and supported by the consultation and guidance provided by both local and national experts. The backing of public administration and local companies further played a crucial role.
Of course, this entire endeavor was enriched by the assimilation of local knowledge garnered from the citizens themselves-the individuals residing in the area addressed by the project, who navigate their lives in proximity to the waterstream where interventions took place, learn and work in the schools and university with which we collaborated and traverse the areas revitalized by our greening initiatives, among other significant interactions.
This collaboration across disciplines resulted in a myriad of advantages, such as an enhanced grasp of local environmental challenges, the formulation of holistic solutions that addressed the entire ecosystem, the creation of innovative and captivating educational methods, the incorporation of culturally and socially pertinent approaches and a stronger focus on environmental protection.
CULTURE: Theater, personal development through theater, visual arts (painting, drawing, photography), sculpture, creative writing, carpentry.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: Environmental and climate sciences (biology, zoology, botany, hydrology).
EDUCATION:Pedagogy, plastic arts, communication.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Sociology, advocacy, community education, communication, cultural anthropology, psychology.
URBANISM:Urban planning, architecture, urban geography, urban sociology, urban engineering, planning and design, landscaping.
This transdisciplinary approach was achieved through the active involvement of the teams from the 2 coordinating NGOs, thanks to the invaluable support of numerous volunteers and local NGOs and supported by the consultation and guidance provided by both local and national experts. The backing of public administration and local companies further played a crucial role.
Of course, this entire endeavor was enriched by the assimilation of local knowledge garnered from the citizens themselves-the individuals residing in the area addressed by the project, who navigate their lives in proximity to the waterstream where interventions took place, learn and work in the schools and university with which we collaborated and traverse the areas revitalized by our greening initiatives, among other significant interactions.
This collaboration across disciplines resulted in a myriad of advantages, such as an enhanced grasp of local environmental challenges, the formulation of holistic solutions that addressed the entire ecosystem, the creation of innovative and captivating educational methods, the incorporation of culturally and socially pertinent approaches and a stronger focus on environmental protection.
Methodology used
To connect our local community members with the urban nature and empower them as key change agents in the process of revitalizing the natural urban ecosystem and preventing biodiversity loss, our methodology covered:
PARTICIPATORY EVENTS: Conferences and workshops that fostered discussions on issues related the degradation of the Maleia stream, where we explored and analyzed best practices, with the aim of comprehending and embracing the roles that each individual and the community collectively play in reshaping their perspectives and behaviors towards nature.
EDUCATIONAL TRIPS: Participants embarked on trips led by biologists and volunteers, delving into the fauna and flora of the Maleia stream. During these trips, they identified the natural resources hosted by this ecosystem, understood their value and learned how they can protect and restore these resources, both individually and through collective actions.
ECO-FRIENDLY INITIATIVES: 90 participants and volunteers collected 1.720 kg of waste, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for the local community and the Maleia stream's habitat.
THEMATIC WORKSHOPS: Multiple creative and interdisciplinary workshops were conducted on the banks of the Maleia stream, within schools and at a children's day care center. They covered a range of topics, including creative recycling techniques, exercises aimed at reimagining public spaces, experiments that explored the role of water in nature, personal development through theater and creative writing.
COMPETITIONS: We organized a creative competition for local high school pupils, encouraging artistic expressions that capture the essence of water and nature in all its forms. Additionally, we launched an open contest for student teams specializing in fields such as architecture, urbanism, design, fine arts and landscape design. The theme of this competition was centered on activating a public space located along the banks of the Maleia stream.
PARTICIPATORY EVENTS: Conferences and workshops that fostered discussions on issues related the degradation of the Maleia stream, where we explored and analyzed best practices, with the aim of comprehending and embracing the roles that each individual and the community collectively play in reshaping their perspectives and behaviors towards nature.
EDUCATIONAL TRIPS: Participants embarked on trips led by biologists and volunteers, delving into the fauna and flora of the Maleia stream. During these trips, they identified the natural resources hosted by this ecosystem, understood their value and learned how they can protect and restore these resources, both individually and through collective actions.
ECO-FRIENDLY INITIATIVES: 90 participants and volunteers collected 1.720 kg of waste, contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for the local community and the Maleia stream's habitat.
THEMATIC WORKSHOPS: Multiple creative and interdisciplinary workshops were conducted on the banks of the Maleia stream, within schools and at a children's day care center. They covered a range of topics, including creative recycling techniques, exercises aimed at reimagining public spaces, experiments that explored the role of water in nature, personal development through theater and creative writing.
COMPETITIONS: We organized a creative competition for local high school pupils, encouraging artistic expressions that capture the essence of water and nature in all its forms. Additionally, we launched an open contest for student teams specializing in fields such as architecture, urbanism, design, fine arts and landscape design. The theme of this competition was centered on activating a public space located along the banks of the Maleia stream.
How stakeholders are engaged
Our project involved numerous stakeholders from diverse fields, from conceptualization and up to completion, being designed and implemented by 2 NGOs:Macaia Association, a national NGO dedicated projects with social and cultural impact for community betterment and Urban Lab Association, a local NGO focused on safeguarding and enhancing the natural and built environment.The latter is also the representative of non-governmental environmental organizations from Jiu Valley in the Jiu Valley Development Agency.
Throughout the project’s implementation, the strong community presence was complemented by visits from various interested parties at the national level, including other NGOs and independent experts intrigued by our ambition. Pupils from local schools, volunteers and citizens participated in the recycling workshops, made possible through collaboration and assistance of NGOs throughout Jiu Valley.
Guided by a national expert, students at the Carmen Sylva Petroșani College engaged in a creative writing workshop and furtherly launched a local campaign with public messages advocating for water and environmental protection.
Artistic activities involved students from Secondary School no.2, who, under the guidance of a local artist, created posters commemorating World Water Day.
Cultural activities received support from the University of Petroșani Students' Union, the Ion D. Sîrbu Petroșani Dramatic Theater and its actors, theater personal development experts from TheDreamers and Petroșani City Hall.The educational eco-trips were guided by biology specialists and hiking professionals.Greening initiatives witnessed the participation of students from the Dimitrie Leonida Petroșani High School, students from the University of Petroșani, employees from Apele Române Jiu, SHI Petroșani, EBS Jiu National Park, Petroșani City Hall, Supercom, Kandila Humanitarian Association, Petroșani Red Cross and representatives of NGOs affiliated with the Valea Jiului Society.
Throughout the project’s implementation, the strong community presence was complemented by visits from various interested parties at the national level, including other NGOs and independent experts intrigued by our ambition. Pupils from local schools, volunteers and citizens participated in the recycling workshops, made possible through collaboration and assistance of NGOs throughout Jiu Valley.
Guided by a national expert, students at the Carmen Sylva Petroșani College engaged in a creative writing workshop and furtherly launched a local campaign with public messages advocating for water and environmental protection.
Artistic activities involved students from Secondary School no.2, who, under the guidance of a local artist, created posters commemorating World Water Day.
Cultural activities received support from the University of Petroșani Students' Union, the Ion D. Sîrbu Petroșani Dramatic Theater and its actors, theater personal development experts from TheDreamers and Petroșani City Hall.The educational eco-trips were guided by biology specialists and hiking professionals.Greening initiatives witnessed the participation of students from the Dimitrie Leonida Petroșani High School, students from the University of Petroșani, employees from Apele Române Jiu, SHI Petroșani, EBS Jiu National Park, Petroșani City Hall, Supercom, Kandila Humanitarian Association, Petroșani Red Cross and representatives of NGOs affiliated with the Valea Jiului Society.
Global challenges
Pe Firul Apei project tackles several pressing global challenges through local initiatives. It addresses environmental protection, by raising awareness about the importance of conserving watercourses and the biodiversity they support. By educating and engaging the local community, especially young individuals aged 14-35, the project contributes to the broader global challenge of protecting natural resources.
Moreover, our project promotes sustainable practices and ecological thinking, which are essential components of addressing climate change and fostering responsible environmental stewardship. By encouraging active participation and connecting our residents with the natural environment, it contributes to the global effort to mitigate climate change's impact on local and global ecosystems.
Our project's emphasis on education and awareness aligns with the global challenge of improving environmental literacy and empowering communities to take meaningful actions in their local contexts. It serves as a model for community-based environmental education, offering a blueprint for similar initiatives worldwide.
Inclusivity is another critical aspect of our project. By involving local communities at all stages and encouraging active participation from diverse age groups and backgrounds, it exemplifies the global objective of creating inclusive societies where all individuals can contribute to and benefit from environmental conservation efforts.
Thus, Pe Firul Apei project offers local solutions that address global challenges related to environmental protection, climate change, education and awareness, community empowerment and inclusivity. It serves as a valuable model for initiatives aiming to make a positive impact at the local level while contributing to global sustainability goals.
Moreover, our project promotes sustainable practices and ecological thinking, which are essential components of addressing climate change and fostering responsible environmental stewardship. By encouraging active participation and connecting our residents with the natural environment, it contributes to the global effort to mitigate climate change's impact on local and global ecosystems.
Our project's emphasis on education and awareness aligns with the global challenge of improving environmental literacy and empowering communities to take meaningful actions in their local contexts. It serves as a model for community-based environmental education, offering a blueprint for similar initiatives worldwide.
Inclusivity is another critical aspect of our project. By involving local communities at all stages and encouraging active participation from diverse age groups and backgrounds, it exemplifies the global objective of creating inclusive societies where all individuals can contribute to and benefit from environmental conservation efforts.
Thus, Pe Firul Apei project offers local solutions that address global challenges related to environmental protection, climate change, education and awareness, community empowerment and inclusivity. It serves as a valuable model for initiatives aiming to make a positive impact at the local level while contributing to global sustainability goals.
Learning transferred to other parties
Every part of our project is adaptable and, naturally, applicable to other communities that are crossed by watercourses.Our project is even better suited for those JT areas where historical mining activities negatively impacted the natural ecosystems and local waters.Therefore, the entire model of environmental conservation of watercourses, accessible at https://pefirulapei.ro/, can be adopted and leveraged in any other place, especially if there are one or more change champions (ideally from the civil society) who can coordinate such an endeavor. Thus, each of our activities’ (from events and creative recycling workshops to cultural activities or greening practices) methodologies are transferable as procedural frameworks.Notably valuable elements deserving replication are the 2 conducted competitions-the one for pupils, which showcased how local kids perceive nature in our area and the one for students in architecture, urbanism, design, plastic arts and landscaping, through which we showcased, by implementing the winning solution, how the new spirit of young people can enhance and accentuate public spaces within the local natural environment.
Of course, we strongly advocate for the replication of our community involvement model. The robust participatory approach employed in our project merits application in as many other communities as possible, as it aims to encourage individuals to actively engage in environmental protection and collaborate with various stakeholders, empowering them to instigate the change they seek and that their surrounding nature needs.
Lastly, we hope that many other places would capitalize on the preservation and restoration of the environment through the involvement of young people. By teaching young individuals how to safeguard their natural ecosystem, they will furtherly pass their acquired knowledge and, more importantly, convey the motivation and ambition needed to perpetuate this goal among other people and across future generations
Of course, we strongly advocate for the replication of our community involvement model. The robust participatory approach employed in our project merits application in as many other communities as possible, as it aims to encourage individuals to actively engage in environmental protection and collaborate with various stakeholders, empowering them to instigate the change they seek and that their surrounding nature needs.
Lastly, we hope that many other places would capitalize on the preservation and restoration of the environment through the involvement of young people. By teaching young individuals how to safeguard their natural ecosystem, they will furtherly pass their acquired knowledge and, more importantly, convey the motivation and ambition needed to perpetuate this goal among other people and across future generations
Keywords
Environment
Community
Water resources
Inclusion
Sustainability
