Connecting Communities

Workshops

As part of the Stream Project, we hosted dynamic workshops that brought communities together to explore the intersection of environmental science and artistic expression. Held in Germany and Novi Sad, these workshops gave participants the opportunity to engage with the project’s aims through interactive activities. From the analysis of water samples to the creative exploration of water sounds, participants were inspired to deepen their connection with the Danube River and increase their environmental awareness. These events aimed to foster collaboration, inspire action and celebrate the Danube’s unique role in our ecosystem and culture.

Join us as we bridge education, science, and art along the Danube River through engaging workshops and events.

Donaueschingen, Germany

July 4th, 2024

The STREAM Project team, together with students from the Master of Water Technology program at SRH University, visited the historic city of Donaueschingen to showcase the project and engage with the local community.

The visit included the collection of three water samples from fascinating locations: the Brigach River, the Danube spring origin (Donauquelle), and the confluence of the Brigach and Breg rivers, where the Danube officially begins (Donauursprung).

To raise environmental awareness, a vibrant public engagement stand was set up, catering to all age groups. For children, interactive activities included fun water experiments such as the Pythagoras Cup demonstration, creating rainbows (capillary action), catching and identifying macrozoobenthos, and painting sessions.

For adults, the NGO City Cleaner Germany Schwarzwald-Baar Kreis showcased the environmental hazards of improperly disposed cigarette butts and inspired participants to take part in a cleanup initiative.

Novi Sad, Serbia

September 6th, 2024

In Novi Sad, the Faculty of Technical Sciences organised an engaging workshop, welcoming children from a local kindergarten for a morning focused on discovering the importance of rivers.

The STREAM Project team enhanced the experience with exciting water experiments sound walking, providing a fun and hands-on approach to learning about water science and promoting environmental awareness.

The visit also included water and sound sampling at the river, capturing data in various scenarios. These activities provided valuable insights into the river’s ecological and acoustic environments, enriching the project’s scientific and artistic dimensions.

A friendly coffee meeting was organised with local NGOs and newspaper representatives. This informative meeting provided an excellent opportunity to share details of the STREAM project, foster cooperation and raise awareness of its objectives and activities.

Survey Insights: Understanding Public Perception

As part of the STREAM project activities, a survey was conducted in the partner countries to explore public awareness and attitudes towards the Danube River and its environmental challenges. Participants shared their knowledge, experiences and concerns about the river, providing valuable insights into how communities perceive and interact with this vital waterway. These findings not only highlight areas for increased education and engagement, but also guide the project’s efforts to inspire sustainable action and a deeper connection with the natural world.

Demographic Aspects

The participants represented a broad cross-section of age groups, with the majority residing within a 20 km radius of the Danube.

Awareness and Knowlege

A significant proportion of respondents indicated limited familiarity with the Danube, yet expressed interest in expanding their knowledge.

The majority of participants demonstrated an accurate understanding of key facts about the Danube, including its status as the second-longest river in Europe and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Delta.

Environmental Concerns

The most significant environmental issues identified were industrial discharges, urban wastewater, and plastic pollution. This demonstrates a high level of awareness among the public of the impact of human activity on the river.

Personal Connection and Activities

Many participants have engaged with the river, such as sailing or swimming, which suggests a personal connection to the Danube. However, participation in cleanup campaigns was less common, indicating an opportunity to increase community involvement in conservation efforts.

Perception of Water Quality

There was a divergence of opinion on the quality of the water, with responses ranging from „bad“ to „good.“ This suggests that personal experiences or local conditions may have influenced these differing perceptions.

The role of the Sound

Most respondents noted the calming effect of flowing water and acknowledged the importance of taking time to listen to the river’s sounds, which aligns with the project’s artistic focus on water soundscapes.