Alternative and nature-based solutions for a transition towards a circular water economy.
The first HYDROUSA Summer School took place in Tinos from 18 to 21 June 2022, where participants from all over Greece gathered on the island to explore alternatives for the transition from a linear to a circular economy.
The four-day program was organized by Impact Hub Athens in collaboration with a team of technology experts from Tinos Ecolodge, National Technical University of Athens, Alchemia Nova, Radkte Biotechnik, Planet and Semide. The aim of the Summer School was to spread environmental awareness, explore nature-based solutions and sustainable practices for the water management and treatment on the island of Tinos – a place that tackles a severe water shortage, with 90% of it coming from desalination plants to meet the needs of the country.
The participants of the project, coming from different backgrounds, created a group where multiple perspectives, thoughts and ideas were shared, and together with the contribution of the instructors, an inclusive presentation of the technical and practical development and implementation of the applied technologies Hydro 5 and Hydro 6 created a holistic exchange of knowledge and insights. During the programme, a number of interactive activities encouraged critical thinking in order for the participants to exchange views and reflections.
The Summer School was followed by the Open Day on 23 June, an open visit to the Tinos Ecolodge facilities. Through a walking tour by the co-founders, Nikos Bedau and Marilia Kaloulis, the attendees had the opportunity to explore how an autonomous ecotourism unit works and learn about the HYDRO technologies that have been implemented. The objective of the Open Day was to raise awareness among the visitors about the nature-based solutions developed by HYDROUSA and promote to local stakeholders and visitors an eco-conscious way of using and managing the three core natural resources – water, energy and food.
In addition, the artistic performance “to fall with grace”; by Despina Haritonidi was presented as part of the HYDROUSA Art Residency during the Open Day, as well as the next day in the ‘Chora’ of Tinos.
Despina Haritonitidi; sculptor and performer, accompanied by three synchronized swimmers, presented an excerpt from her upcoming performance of a work that reflects the value of circularity and bodies of water and explores the unseen processes and effects of human interventions in the underwater environment.
Throughout the month ofJune, HYDROUSA’s Info Point was open to the public to provide useful information on the principles of the circular economy, as well as to raise awareness about the mission and objectives of HYDROUSA’s nature-based and regenerative solutions.
The last day of Info Point was concluded with an interactive workshop by Olivia Kotsifa, where participants had the opportunity to create stencils, stickers and 3D-printed stamps for decorating a fabric bag or card, using a 3D printer and a paper and vinyl cutter (vinylcutter – lasercutter).
Through the HYDROUSA project, Impact Hub Athens aims to raise environmental and social awareness on issues related to the proper use, management and reuse of water resources.
About HYDROUSA
HYDROUSA is a Horizon 2020 Innovation Action project funded by the European Union and coordinated by the Laboratory of Sanitary Engineering of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). HYDROUSA is revolutionizing the water value chain in the Mediterranean regions by applying innovative, nature-based solutions for water and wastewater management that close water cycles and enhance the agricultural and energy profile of these regions, recovering water, energy and high value-added products. HYDROUSA is being implemented in three islands (Lesvos, Mykonos, Tinos).
