Effects of nutrients pollution - public awarness campaign

Abstract

Nutrient pollution originated from agricultural or household activities, is one of the main issues our modern world has to deal with. Due to the specific aspects this type of pollution implies - the uncertain nature of pollution source, the relative continuous character of the pollution process, the complex environment system implied (soil, surface and ground waters), these issues are difficult to manage and presume an integrated approach and a strategic perspective. Another aspect that gives this phenomenon a special status is the transborders pollution character. Romania, as an EU member, has committed to accomplish the compelling liabilities derived from European Directives. Integrating the two directives in Romanian legislation - 2000/60/CE and 91/676/CEE – was achieved by amending the Law 107/1996 and elaboration of GD 964/2000. These obligations regard achieving a balanced ecological and chemical status of waters through measures that concern important water management issues: organic substances, nutrients and hazardous substances pollution. In a specific approach included in the process of implementing the 91/676/CEE Directive, Romania has been initially assigned nitrate vulnerable areas (NVZ) for 255 regions, representing 8.64% of the total surface of the country and, respectively, 13.93% of the total agricultural surface. Meeting the aforementioned Directives requirements imply technical, administrative and social proceedings. These arise from the main targets drafted in the project mainframe „Integrated Control of Nutrient Pollution”, as follows: (i) reducing nutrients discharge in water bodies; (ii) promoting behavior shifts at regional level; (iii) providing support in strengthening regulation and institutional capacity. Theoretically, the educational segment - formative and promoting, objectified in the project through component 3, defined as “Strategy for public informing and replication of project interventions”, is designed to provide the necessary set of knowledge in the field, according to specific particularities of a complex target group - authorities, population from the rural environment, of different ages and occupations. The public awareness program, as part of the „Integrated Control of Nutrient Pollution” project, is structured in two major directions: providing of appropriate training services for target audience sections and media coverage - promoting shows, materials, and press appearances. By combining these instruments, the knowledge delivered directly to the targeted audience becomes nationally available.