Luxembourg launches major campaign to protect water
Getty Images
In Luxembourg, public authorities and activists have come together to deliver a simple but vital message: water is a common cause. The Administration for Water Management (AGE) and Citizens for Ecological Learning & Living (CELL) have launched One Water - Mir si Waasser, an awareness-raising campaign to accompany the development of the fourth national water management plan, in line with the EU-wide Water Directive 2000/60/EC.
The aim of the campaign is twofold: firstly, to explain the causes of river pollution and groundwater depletion; secondly, to involve as many people as possible in finding solutions that will make the country more resilient to environmental and climate challenges. Water, as AGE Director Marc Hans emphasises, is not just a resource, but a reflection of our collective responsibility: "When we protect water, we protect ourselves. It is only through the combined efforts of authorities, citizens and key industries that real change can be achieved.
The campaign has three main priorities:
- Firstly, improving water use efficiency. This includes combating wastage and adapting to periods of drought, which have become more frequent due to climate change.
- Second, returning rivers to their natural space. This means abandoning hard bank defences, supporting renaturalisation processes and planning urban areas more flexibly to reduce flood risk. This is not just about technical measures, but also about rethinking how humans interact with nature in dense built environments.
- And third, reducing pollution. From household chemicals to fertilisers from the fields, everyday life, agriculture and industry continue to put pressure on ecosystems. The campaign aims to show how even small changes in habits can make a tangible difference.
To make the dialogue with the population lively and engaging, interactive materials have been developed - quizzes, surveys, videos, interviews with experts and practical tips on careful water use. The first survey is only available for 24 hours, emphasising the importance of prompt participation. All materials are published via CELL social networks and the waasser.lu portal.
Particular emphasis is placed on public involvement: a full public consultation via the Zesumme Vereinfachen platform is planned for early 2026. This will be the final stage in the preparation of the new water plan, which will take into account the suggestions of ordinary citizens - from farmers to city dwellers.
