Description
WG4 is central for the action: information from WG1-3 will be incorporated into the DSTs, providing input to WG5 to disseminate their use. Requirements for successful application of different long- and short-term measures will form the basis of the first DST. This DST will guide end-users on lake system analysis and the best (cost-efficient) method(s) for combatting cyanobacteria in a particular waterbody. Several tools will be developed in this WG, including questionnaires for water managers. Workshops will be held to prepare these tools, and a training school will be established to instruct water managers on how to use the DST. Importantly, at the same time, feedback from the end-users will be received on the usefulness and scope for improving the e-tools. The second DST concerns the analysis of agricultural fields regarding their risk of losing nutrients and which methods to implement to increase their nutrient-holding capacity, depending on their hydrogeological characteristics and agricultural management. This DST targets farmers and their associations, as well as policymakers and other stakeholders.
Tasks
4.1. Development of questionnaires for water managers to identify and collate lacking information for detection and effective management of cyanobacterial blooms.
4.2 Development of DSTs for effective water management to combat cyanobacterial blooms and cyanotoxins.
4.3 Development of DSTs for effective agricultural management to reduce nutrient loss from the fields.
Activities
4.1. Workshop on how to compose questionnaires directed to water managers (used in WG 1,2,3).
4.2. Workshop to implement the outcomes of the completed questionnaire in the DST
4.3. Interactive local training school for water managers to: 1) instruct how to use the DST, and 2) receive feedback for improvement of the DST.
4.4. Interactive local training school for farmers and stakeholders to: 1) instruct how to use the DST and 2) receive feedback from for improvement of the DST.
4.5 Two (2) Reviews and their vulgarisation on the outcome of the questionnaires on public awareness about cyanobacteria, their risk management and in lake as well as preventive actions. Moreover, a policy white paper to drive change in practice.