Project partners: Algblomman, Civil Defense Association, Gothenburg Comprehensive School (Styrsöskolan), University of Gothenburg, International Science Festival, Sjönätverket Säfsen, Skiftmakarna
Grant: SEK 748 520
Project duration: 2025-09-01 to 2026-08-31
Contact: Petra Emtestam, Skiftmakarna
Linked to missions: The project primarily addresses the following missions within Water Wise Societies:
- Reducing water use and leakage
- Building and managing society in harmony with water
- Reducing negative impacts on aquatic ecosystems
- Securing water supply and management
- Promoting acceptance and behavior change
Purpose and objectives
The Water Web aims to reshape society’s relationship with water through place-based experiences, cultural practices and systems reflection. The goal is to create emotional connection, understanding and acceptance for sustainable water use. Through water practices, a cross-sectoral Water Web Council and an ambassador programme, participation from different groups in society – from school children to decision-makers – is mobilized in a spiral learning process: feeling → reflection → action → system effect
Expected impacts and results
The project contributes to the Sustainable Water for All 2050 mission by
- Increase physical and emotional connection to water
- Creating new languages, metaphors and stories around water
- Engaging target groups often excluded from transition work
- Disseminate learning and good practice through, for example, the Science Festival
In the longer term, the project is expected to strengthen society’s ability to understand, accept and act on necessary water actions – from reuse to changing lifestyles.
Planned approach and implementation
The project is implemented in three interwoven tracks:
- Water practices – place-based experiences that connect the body to the water cycle through taste, movement, conversation and story. E.g. “Walking with fresh water” and “Sea farmer’s potluck”.
- Waterways Council – cross-sectoral reflection arena linking insights from practitioners to governance, research and the future. Develops direction, policy ideas and collaboration.
- Water Ambassadors – children, young people and adults who spread water wisdom through stories, actions and everyday engagement.
The project is continuously documented and tested in different environments (inland, coastal, school, festival) with the potential to be scaled up nationally.
The text on this page was written by the project team. The content has not been reviewed by our editors.
Goals and tasks
- Resilient supply and management of water in society
- Build and manage society in harmony with the waters
- Secure supply and management of water
- Thriving and healthy waters
- Reduce negative impact on water ecosystems
- Wise use of water
- Reduce water usage and leakage
