Hydro-literacy; Knowledge Exchange for Public Engagement

Project team: JHI

Aims:

• To help develop public understanding of the issues involved in the management of water
• To increase science engagement

Background:

Concerns over water quality and quantity are commonplace around the world and many are aware of, and familiar with this through the media. Historically, Scotland has not been so clearly affected by these issues and as such it is not an area which receives much media attention. There are however, factors which indicate a need for Scotland to become more water aware-or hydro literate. Increases in consumption, uneven distribution of water, climate change, environmental impacts, threats to supply and sustainability issues relating to the energy demand to produce drinking water are all issues which will impact upon Scotland now and in the future.

Deliverables/project areas:

Hydro-literacy is made up of five project areas:-

Living Field

A project to raise awareness of the water economy in agriculture and the food-to-effluent chain and the need for efficient use of water at all stages and to establish demonstrations and web-based information and tools for public understanding of water in agriculture and food.

WaterFuture

A series of video diaries showing the range of water related work activities carried out at JHI are being developed. Staff undertaking routine monitoring or one-off projects will be recording their work, describing the science behind it as well as illustrating the varied nature of the research portfolio being undertaken at JHI.

WaterPresent

A schools photography competition will be open to any school in Scotland. Entrants must submit a photograph which relates to an aspect of contemporary water use – its impact on our daily lives, threats to water resources, ways in which we rely on water.

WaterPast

We are working with a local school and storytelling organisation to produce a fact-based narrative on the role of water in Scotland’s history. The children will be researching the history of the River Don in Aberdeen, to stimulate thoughts on how important water was to the development of the social and economic fabric of Scotland.

Water Resources for Schools

Classroom resources will be developed to increase awareness of water management. This will utilise including a film, games and quizzes, information sheets, as well as activities focussed on water availability.

Contact:

Emily Hastings, JHI