Effective water resource management encompasses more than just infrastructure management. Transparency, sensitization, and building trust with the people who rely on these vital resources are equally important. As part of their ongoing commitment to fostering stronger relationships with water users, the Regional Water Authorities (ARAs) of Mozambique have been carrying out a wide range of communication activities.
These activities, supported by the Blue Deal Mozambique, aim to transform the way the ARAs present themselves to the public, ensuring their image accurately reflects the critical work being carried out.
Continuously learning together
At the heart of the Blue Deal's communication efforts is an active Community of Practice (CoP), which brings together communication professionals from the three ARAs (and now also the DNGRH) for regular online meetings to share insights about their ongoing and planned activities. In July of this year, the group met in person, in Maputo, to continue sharing experiences and developing their skills.
The live meeting addressed the theoretical and practical challenges of communication in Mozambique's public sector. This prompted the CoP to discuss the role of communication in mergers and crises, how bureaucracy can affect creativity, and to explore strategies for carrying out communication activities on a low budget.
The gathering also served as a practical workshop, in which CoP members participated in a short media training session focusing on interview techniques. They also engaged in practical sessions covering foundational photography techniques and the use of artificial intelligence for content generation.
On the final day of the CoP gathering in July, the CoP visited one of the major water users to discuss groundwater usage and the polluter pays principle.
Building skills in multimedia content creation
In October, following the July meeting in Maputo, one of ARA-Sul's communications experts led an in-depth multimedia training session for ARA-Norte,IP and ARA-Centro,IP. Equipped with new skills in graphic design, video editing and photography, these two ARAs are now better able to create content explaining licensing procedures, providing real-time flood warnings and educating the public on water conservation.
Looking Ahead
The ARAs are fostering a culture of transparency and openness, whether by engaging in face-to-face dialogue with major water users or launching communication campaigns for the wider community. The Blue Deal partnership in Mozambique will continue these critical actions, building and maintaining strong and active relations between water managers and water users.
