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.

Project partners:

  • Promotional materials
  • GAP analysis of competencies of engineering professionals in Sustainable Water Management
  • Conducted 26 interviews with representatives holding managerial positions in Water Management
  • Benchmarking best educational programs
  • Analysis of trends and policies in Europe in the engineering industry and sustainability (regulations, standards, technology, innovation)
  • New curriculum and syllabus for each course part of Professional development courses for Sustainable Water Management
  • ICT Learning platform
  • Development of learning materials and Practicum with case studies
  • Promotional materials, recruitment, and selection of participants
  • Online implementation of courses and online staff workshops

Governance

  • Water Framework Directive, River basin management plan and the Programs of Measures

Tools and technical approaches

  • Statistical analysis: quantitative status, qualitative status and trend
  • Numerical modelling for Water balance
  • GIS for water resources assessment and management

Water Framework requirements

  • The standards and boundaries used in status assessment
  • Identification and delineation of surface and groundwater bodies
  • Sustainable water use and available water resource

Beyond state of the art Water Management

  • SMART (Digital) water management
  • Water in the context of circular economy

Water management in climate change and climate variability

  • Flood risk assessment and flood risk management plans
  • Recycling water environment aspects

It was a great honor and a pleasure to be part of this Erasmus+ project (RESONATE), and at the same time to be one of the students who attended these courses, with an opportunity to meet and exchange experiences with great professionals from different sectors.

The program itself is designed to convey knowledge in Sustainable Water Management. The focus in this regard is on developing professionals’ scientific, communication and problem-solving skills through a combination of practical, hands-on courses, industry projects, and theoretical foundations.

I consider the RESONATE project as a milestone in the future implementation of new opportunities for learning and further development of the new generation of engineers in the field of Sustainable Water Management.

Darko Lefkov, Macedonia

To be a part of, and to participate in such a course, in which so much effort and dedication has been invested is really a special honor and great pleasure. Several key moments marked my impression of the overall event. First is the timing of the global climate crisis.  One of the important factors such as the temperature, have a great influence over the water, and the way we use it as a resource. Second is the hope. In spite of a global pandemic, an educative event such as this is a beacon of light. And last, but not least, are my own expectations. From water properties to measuring the water parameters I learned new ways of thinking and conducting analysis within the world of statistics. Thank you!

Julijana Arsovska, Macedonia

The Resonant project was a great opportunity for young engineers,  professionals and people that want to enhance their knowledge in sustainable water management. For me it was very beneficial on both professional part and networking part in my career. These kind of projects are great places to meet a lot of people from your major.

Nikola Vuchkov, Macedonia
Implementation period

October 2019 – September 2019

Reference number

2019-1-MK01-KA202-060311

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