Water resources management in education for sustainable development

Issues relating to water resources are included among the most serious environmental problems. Pollution and deterioration of the receiving surface water and groundwater, mainly from human activities, pose an immediate threat to natural ecosystems and the functions of biosphere reserves, the balance of which is a prerequisite for the survival of every life form on the planet. In this light, the aim of the current study is to record second grade high school Rhodes students’ knowledge of matters concerning water. For the purposes of the investigation, a questionnaire was used consisting of 19 main questions, which was distributed to 292 students. The survey results indicate a general lack of adequate knowledge in matters relating to pollution and water scarcity, as well as ways of dealing with them, and managing water resources. These data require the development of appropriate teaching interventions in education for sustainable development. This teaching procedure can contribute to the formation of active citizens, with knowledge, sensitivity and willingness to defend the right to life by preserving and maintaining healthy aquatic systems for the present and the future of humanity.