The primary objective of this project was to create a new professional profile, the "Water Expert," through a dedicated training program for students in their final year of vocational high schools and/or technical institutes with curricula including notions of biology and eco-agronomy. The project aimed to provide them with specific and professionalizing skills in addition to their existing ones, with the purpose of: Increasing their job opportunities and adapting their profiles to the needs of the local area. The Water Experts become crucial figures for the protection of their region's river resources, constantly studying and collaborating with local authorities to use them for the benefit of citizens while respecting ecological balances. Innovating professional profiles by updating curricula with specific skills for entering the workforce (such as consultants for public administrations, municipalities, construction companies, guides, etc.). Raising awareness and educating young people and citizens about adapting to climate change and the importance of respecting natural resources.
The project seeked to tackle the high impact of climate change on water resources, addressing the evolving quantity, quality, and timing of water supplies, based on the urgency to monitor and manage river-related challenges in water-abundant regions, crucial for preserving ecosystems, ensuring agricultural quality, and promoting tourism. The project aimed to respond to two main needs of the partners. From one side, the environmental issue, since the territories in which Paese dell’Acqua, Geoclube, CDI and CSCE work, are highly dependent on climate-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture, which continues to be the main economic sector in the respective countries, and tourism predominant nature tourism in Macedonia, Northern Macedonia, Portugal, France and rural Italy; from the other side, the active participation of young people, which the partner organisations consider to be crucial for increasing social inclusion, the exchange of experiences and the valorisation and protection of their territories.