Project partners: Fredens Hus, Sydvatten AB, Uppsala Vatten AB
Grant: SEK 862,406
Project duration: 2025-10-01 to 2026-09-30
Contact person: Jesper Magnusson, Fredens Hus
Linked to Mission: Engage, Learn and Understand and Ensure equitable water distribution.
Purpose and objectives
“The Discovery Trail” is an educational and experiential project that aims to raise awareness about water use, water distribution and water justice. Through an interactive and gamified outdoor exhibition, children, young people and the general public gain a deeper understanding of how water affects communities, the environment and power relations. The exhibition tours Swedish waterways where participants are activated through stories, missions and scenarios linked to both local and global water challenges. The focus is on drinking water, water conflicts and water as a democratic resource.
Expected impacts and results
The project is expected to raise awareness and engagement in water issues among children, young people and the general public. By combining place-based storytelling with interactive technology, a direct link is created between the participant’s everyday life and global water challenges. The result is not only increased knowledge but also strengthened sense of participation and readiness to act on issues related to sustainable water use and justice. In the short term, the project will result in a finalized and tested exhibition format in two versions (Uppsala and Bolmen), methodological material and guidance, as well as evaluation of effects on attitudes and understanding among test participants. In the longer term, the project is expected to contribute to increased system understanding among participants linked to water supply, climate and community structures, a concept that can be scaled up and used by more actors, and a basis for further development of place-based, gamified educational efforts in other sustainability areas.
Planned approach and implementation
The project is organized in close cooperation between Fredens Hus and involved need owners as well as educational and technical experts. The initial version is built up in Uppsala and at Bolmen with Uppsala Vatten and Sydvatten as need owners, and then further developed for other locations. Fredens Hus is responsible for project management, educational development, coordination and testing. Uppsala Vatten and Sydvatten contribute with expertise, test environments and local support. External actors such as schools and game developers are involved in various phases.
Goals and tasks
- Wise use of water
- Sustainable water withdrawals.
