Sustainable Development Policies

6.5.1

Water Management Educational Opportunities Policy

The University of Thessaly (UTh) is committed to advancing education, research, and community engagement in sustainable water management.

This policy establishes a framework for developing and promoting educational programs, training opportunities, and outreach initiatives focused on the protection, conservation, and responsible use of water resources.

Purpose

This policy aims to:

Integrate sustainable water management into academic curricula across all relevant disciplines;

Provide training and professional development opportunities for students, faculty, and external stakeholders;

Promote interdisciplinary research on water technologies, hydrology, wastewater treatment, and policy;

Enhance public awareness and community participation in sustainable water use;

Align with SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation).

Legal and Strategic Framework

This policy aligns with:

Law 4957/2022, Article 87 (missions of universities to promote education and sustainable development);

Law 3199/2003 on integrated water management;

EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC;

UNESCO Water Education Framework (IHP – International Hydrological Programme); and

The University of Thessaly Sustainability and Education for Sustainable Development Strategy.

Scope

This policy applies to:

All academic departments and research units engaged in water-related disciplines;

Students, faculty, and researchers participating in educational or community programs;

Lifelong learning centers, continuing education platforms, and online education initiatives managed by the University.

Key Provisions

1. Curricular Integration

Undergraduate and postgraduate programs shall incorporate modules and courses related to:

Water resource management, hydrology, irrigation, and wastewater treatment;

Water governance, policy, and environmental economics;

Water and climate change adaptation.

Courses may be offered in Greek and English to encourage international participation.

2. Professional Training and Certification

The University will organize specialized seminars, workshops, and certification programs on sustainable water management for:

Students of engineering, environmental, and agricultural sciences;

Public sector employees and private professionals;

Local community members and NGOs.

3. Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation

The University supports joint research projects among departments (Engineering, Agriculture, Environment, Economics) focused on:

Water reuse technologies,

Smart metering systems,

Agricultural water efficiency,

Hydrological modeling and flood resilience.

Research outputs shall be published openly to contribute to global knowledge.

4. Community Engagement and Outreach

The University will host public lectures, awareness campaigns, and exhibitions promoting water sustainability.

Collaboration with local municipalities, schools, and NGOs will encourage knowledge exchange and citizen science.

Educational resources will be made freely accessible through the University’s Lifelong Learning Platform.

5. Student Involvement

Students will be encouraged to participate in internships, fieldwork, and volunteer programs related to water conservation.

Annual student competitions and innovation awards will recognize outstanding water-related projects.

6. Monitoring and Reporting

The Technical Services Office, in collaboration with the Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, will monitor implementation.

An annual Water Education and Research Report will summarize teaching activities, outreach participation, and impact indicators.

Governance

Responsible Authority: Rector.

Operational Oversight: Technical Services Office.

Academic Partners: Departments of Civil Engineering, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences.

Community Partners: Regional and local water authorities, municipalities, and civil organizations.

Review

This policy will be reviewed every three years or earlier in alignment with updates to national education and sustainability legislation.

Through this policy, the University of Thessaly reinforces its dual mission as a leader in education and a catalyst for sustainable water management, locally and globally.