Project objective:  A new approach to the way we plan, manage, and use water is urgently needed. The most important change we can make is in the way we think about, value, and manage our water. The body of knowledge necessary to effectively practice engineering at the professional level and tackle the problems of sustainability goes beyond the scope of the traditional engineer. The aim of the project “RESONATE” was to provide comprehensive engineering knowledge and develop professionals’ scientific, communication and problem-solving skills through a combination of practical, handson courses, industry projects and theoretical foundations. The Professional courses were developed in consultation with industry to equip engineering professionals with the advanced technical expertise, critical thinking and professional skills required to remain competitive in a global workforce and succeed in the future career.

This project set up a new framework of Professional courses for integrated sustainable water resources management focusing on developing new skills and ready to use knowledge in the water engineering sector, as well as personal and professional skills. All of the courses from the “RESONATE” program were taught using Innovative and learner-centered pedagogical approaches, appropriate assessments, learning from international experts, using a systems approach and working with future scenarios, changes and strategies. The participants who successfully followed the courses gained practical skills and useful knowledge relevant to the latest technology trends and industry needs, policies and requirements in Europe regarding sustainability and water management.

The wider aim of the project “RESONATE” was the education of engineering professionals for sustainable water management in line with the national and EU policies. The overall objective was to educate engineering professionals who contribute effectively to the development and management of water resources on both local and global scales. The specific objectives were: – To improve the level of competencies and skills of engineering professionals in the field of sustainable water management; – To develop and implement new and innovative professional courses for the water sector in line with EU Water Framework Directive; and – To close the gap between the needs for new knowledge, lack of educational programs, and challenges of organizations (private, public and NGOs) in sustainable water management.

Target group

• engineering professionals;
• engineering managers;
• representatives from nongovernmental agencies in the sector of water management;
• representatives of Government agencies, ministries, public enterprises in charge of management and operation of resources (water and waste communal enterprises, industry and power plants operators, irrigation utilities).

Effects: Successful realisation of the project activities provided integrated Professional courses to be developed and implemented, where professional engineers were able to develop practical skills and useful knowledge relevant to the latest technology trends and industry needs, policies, and requirements in Europe regarding sustainability and water management.

The impact of the Professional courses assured technical excellence of the engineering professionals, with the ability to lead, influence, and integrate – preparing them to weigh the diverse technical, environmental, and societal issues that shape the optimal approaches to planning, design, and construction of sustainable water management systems.