With a booth and a seminar the Living Lab of Bodo successfully participated in a local community event, the “mat og dyrkefestival”, which took place in September in Bodo, Norway.

At the booth a variety of materials was showcased to engage the audience. There were brochures, a roll-up, and a large poster highlighting our project. Additionally, a Techni smart water meter was featured, along with an intriguing ‘mini watermain museum’ that showcased various water main components. Each component was accompanied by detailed information about its function, cost, and quantity in Bodø, and other facts. Especially the mini museum was a hit among children, who delighted in examining the parts and trying their hand at turning knobs and wheels.

During the seminar, a local farmer/landscape architect presented an inspiring talk on ‘the magic powers of nature.’ The presentation emphasized the significance of green spaces, aligning perfectly with the work completed in the Community of Practice meetings at the Living Lab Bodø. Following this, project partner Water Europe took the stage to discuss the global challenges Europe faces due to climate change and its repercussions on water resources.

Rachelle Collette, Living Lab mentor of Bodo said: “The event was a resounding success, with approximately 300 attendees throughout the day. Specifically, we estimate that 50 to 75 individuals actively engaged with our stand, whether by picking up brochures, engaging in conversations with us, or delving into the fascinating world of water facts. We received numerous comments from festival attendees expressing their satisfaction at seeing the Water and Waste Department represented and who were happy about learning about the B-WaterSmart project.  Many openly acknowledged their limited knowledge of the water sector and appreciated our presence, which helped enlighten them about this important domain. In summary, our participation in the mat og dyrkefestival was both rewarding and impactful, underscoring our commitment to raising awareness about water-related issues and fostering a deeper understanding within our community.”

Read more about our Living Lab in Bodo here.