Abstract:

In recent years, a large number of citizens and organisations from all over the world have been aware of ecological issues, and environmental hazards. National governments, international, transnational organizations and environmental agents have been active in protecting and saving the environment. In this direction, mainly water resources, but also soil and air are the elements where interest is focused. The relationship between water and the environment is the main issue, as because of its importance the overall balance of the planet is jeopardized. Nevertheless, huge amounts of pollution, contamination, and dangerous substances enter daily in the water systems, causing in many cases its complete degradation, resulting in the inappropriate use of this valuable asset.

In the direction of finding solutions to improve the situation, Education for Sustainable Development is presented as an ideal mechanism that can contribute to the promotion of sustainability goals. It provides the necessary knowledge and seeks to create active citizens with the willingness to participate in solving the problems. It implements programs, applying innovative techniques and methods, approaching learning experientially through a different visual learning process. At the same time, through the various learning areas, individuals are prepared for action, based on strategies of active, empirical, cooperative, and group learning. In these processes, local knowledge is harnessed, giving rise to social, spiritual and cultural stimuli for the development of interdisciplinary and holistic knowledge.

In this context, the aim of the present work, which is part of a broader research, is to experimentally explore the knowledge and views of Rhodes High School students on water issues. Based on the findings, the aim is to develop an appropriate training programme on issues related to facing pollution, water scarcity and sustainable water management. The empirical quantitative methodology was used to carry out the survey, with a questionnaire consisting of 16 main questions, which was distributed in February 2019 to 39 students. The results of the survey show that most students have not participated in environmental education programmes, that they are not satisfied with the way the lessons are taught and do not know what Sustainable Development is. The general picture, from abstaining and the wrong answers, shows participants have incomplete knowledge about pollution, water scarcity and water management. These findings highlight the urgent need to develop and implement appropriate environmental programmes on water issues to provide students with the necessary knowledge to be able to contribute to tackling this so serious problem.

Keywords:

Education, pollution, water management.