Project Implementation
The kick-off meeting for the Learning for Lakes-partnership took place in Poland. Following (mainly organizational) issues were put on agenda:
- Introduction to the project.
- Responsibilities for organisation of events.
- Financial aspects.
- Internal and external communications arrangements.
- Redefining of work programme to cover elements planned to be implemented by Estonian partner.
- Clarification regarding the project structure.
- Form and content of the e-learning tool.
The project started with 7 partners but Ireland dropped out very quickly and Estonia was unsuccessful in its funding bid leaving the 5 partners: UK, Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Spain. The project start date was 1st August 2011 and finish date is 31st July 2013.
Each country has an agreed responsibility as follows:
UK
Main project co-ordinator (and e-learning software). Lead on Partnership and Community Involvement and preparation of corresponding e-learning tool section.
Germany
Creation and hosting of partnership website under Living Lakes Network. Lead on Economic development & Lake Management and preparation of corresponding e-learning tool section.
Hungary
Project Documentation Manager. Lead on Land Managers, Farming and Fishing and preparation of corresponding e-learning tool section.
Poland
Co-ordination of the final report. Lead on familiarisation partnership visit focusing on lake science issues.
Spain
Seeking accreditation for e-learning tool. Lead on Wetland Restoration and preparation of corresponding e-learning tool section.
All are also responsible for co-editing the e-learning tool.The responsibilities for event organisation were distributed among participants.
Project Timetable
The timetable for project meetings was adjusted as follows as a result of Estonia’s unsuccessful bid:
- Familiarisation meeting. Poland, October 2011
- Expert meeting focusing on Lake and Wetland Restoration. Spain, March 2012
- Expert meeting focusing on Economic Development and Lake Management. Germany, October 2012
- Expert meeting focusing on Partnership and Community Involvement. UK, February 2013
- Expert meeting focusing on Working with Land Managers, Farming and Fishing. Hungary, April 2013
- Preparation of final report and project conclusions discussion. Poland, July 2013
E-learning tool
The structure of the e-learning tool was discussed by participants. It was decided to include following topics:
Lake & Wetland Restoration
Focus: 1) value of the ecosystem, and 2) skills necessary to restore it.
Partnership and Community Involvement
Focus: Building and maintaining partnerships. The importance of pitching the partnership at the right level, with the right people around the table. Engaging the community; techniques, challenges, benefits etc.
Economic Development and Lake Management
Focus: Lake Constance threats, issues and opportunities in the context of protection of lakes especially as they relate to tourism.
Working with Land Managers, Farming and Fishing
Focus: To engage and encourage the development of practice leading to healthy lakes. Agri-environment scheme take up differs across partner countries. Threats, issues, opportunities. How to work with farmers? Land management (forest & land use, planning activities).