Sustainable water management in Geoparks could aim to use and protect water as a natural resource collaboratively and in a sustainable manner, as well as to develop offers to valorise water for people in the region and inform them about emerging challenges concerning water quality and quantity. Schmalzl is convinced that "participation is key to raising awareness and developing solutions together."

This approach of valorisation and protection of water resources is being pursued within the framework of the current INTERREG-funded project KaraWAT (Slovenia & Austria). The project is being carried out by three project partners: The Geological Survey of Slovenia, the EVTZ Geopark Karawanken mbh and the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Management of Conservation Areas. Following a bottom-up participatory approach, a strategy to secure water resources in the cross-border Karawanken UNESCO Global Geopark (Slovenia-Austria) is being developed together with residents and stakeholders from both countries. The participation process gives people the opportunity to contribute their ideas and represent their interests. In addition to the water management strategy, awareness-raising activities are being carried out in order to make visitors and residents aware of the challenges of water management. Educational activities help to inform them about unique water characteristics, like mineral waters, karstic processes and the influence of land-use on catchment areas for flood protection and water quality.