BRIDGing Communities for SustainablE WATers

The "BRIDGEWAT" aims to bridge the gap between scientific advancements and public understanding about chemical pollution of waters by leveraging cutting-edge communication strategies to effectively disseminate the results of the iMERMAID project in Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H). This initiative will focus on raising awareness, educating the public, and engaging stakeholders on the critical importance of preventing, monitoring, and remediating chemical pollution in the country’s Adriatic basin (Neretva and Trebišnjica river) but also the Sava river and other water bodies (Drina, Bosnia, Vrbas rivers primarily). Level of awareness regarding environmental issues, particularly chemical water pollution, is still notably low and does not match increasing investements in chemical, mining and processing industry in B&H. This underscores the necessity of targeted educational and outreach efforts to foster community-driven action towards a zero-pollution future. Through the strategic use of digital platforms, community workshops, and media partnerships, "BRIDGEWAT" will significantly enhance the visibility and impact of iMERMAID solutions, contributing to a heightened environmental consciousness among the population.

The primary objective of the "BRIDGEWAT" is to significantly elevate public awareness and stakeholder engagement on chemical pollution of water issues in B&H with focus in Adriatic basin (Neretva and Trebišnjica river) but also the Sava river and other water bodies in B&H (Drina, Bosnia, Vrbas rivers), with a focus on the iMERMAID project's solutions. Over the course of the 9-month program, the proposal aims to achieve this by implementing a comprehensive communication strategy that includes digital outreach, targeted workshops, educational initiatives, and media partnerships.

The objectives are both measurable and verifiable, with clear targets such as reaching 10,000 individuals through digital platforms (social media interactions, iMERMAID and institutional website visits, and video views), engaging 100 key stakeholders, including regional government representatives (Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, Ministry of Scientific and Technological Development and Higher Education, Ministry of Spatial Planning, Construction and Ecology, Public institution Water of Srpska, etc). Also local representatives from cities and municipalities-competent water departments will be targeted, along with NGOs, and etc. The proposers will hold at least five community workshops, distributing 1,000 sets of educational materials and conduct educational sessions reaching at least 100 students and young professionals, and securing 10 media mentions (articles, interviews, TV segments) in reputable media outlets. Monthly updates will be published on the implementation progress at the IPERS institutional and iMERMAID webpage.

These targets are realistic and achievable within the 9-month program, given the project's comprehensive communication strategy, already existing partnerships, and focused approach to promote the adoption of iMERMAID solutions in local contexts in B&H where awareness is low. The integration of these efforts ensures that each aspect of the project can be tracked and evaluated, contributing to the overall success of the initiative.