WATERVILL exists thanks to the diverse consortium that makes up its partnership, bringing together municipalities, universities, associations of local governments and water organisations. The “Meet the partners” series aims to present WATERVILL partners through short interviews, highlighting each organisation’s work, their role in the project and the team involved.
We continue the series with the project partner SOS – Association of Municipalities and Towns of Slovenia.
PARTNER OVERVIEW
- Organisation: SOS, Association of Municipalities and Towns of Slovenia (Skupnost občin Slovenije )
- Type of organisation: Local governments association
- Location: Maribor, Slovenia
- Staff: 12
- Expertise: Local governance
ABOUT SOS
CAN YOU SHARE AN INTERESTING DETAIL ABOUT YOUR ORGANISATION?
Skupnost občin Slovenije is the largest representative association of municipalities in Slovenia, uniting over 90 % of all municipalities to collaborate, share knowledge and strengthen local self-government.
As the association represents 195 municipalities, including many rural and mountain areas, it has a deep understanding of the unique challenges these regions face, particularly in relation to water scarcity.
WHAT ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH EU-FUNDED PROJECTS?
SOS participated in different Interreg, Horizon, Life and other EU programmes, with a focus on local governance, sustainable development, environmental and climate-related policies.
WHAT DOES SOS’ WORK FOCUS ON?
The Association of Municipalities and Towns of Slovenia has extensive experience in local governance, policy development and sustainable rural development. With over 32 years of experience shaping local policies and contributing to national regulations, SOS is well-positioned to develop management models and adapt local regulations for sustainable water management. It is regularly engaged in policy analysis, strategy development and the promotion of sustainable practices among municipalities.
As the association represents 195 municipalities, including many rural and mountain areas, it has a deep understanding of the unique challenges these regions face, particularly in relation to water scarcity. In addition, it has considerable experience in capacity building and training for municipal employees, which can be leveraged to create knowledge-sharing networks within the project. SOS also offers expertise in implementing environmental protection and nature-based solutions at the local level.
SOS and WATERVILL
WHAT EXPERTISE DOES YOUR ORGANISATION BRING TO WATERVILL?
The Association of Municipalities and Towns of Slovenia will have a role of a project partner. It will be involved/responsible for implementing activities, particularly in the areas of policy development, capacity building, and sustainable water management practices. It will use its established communication channels to disseminate promotional and educational materials, ensuring wide outreach to national stakeholders. It will also facilitate the dissemination of project results and best practices to its 195 member municipalities.
SOS will actively contribute to the Study Work Package (work package 1) coordinating the policy development by providing essential data and information relevant to water management in Slovenia, particularly from rural and mountainous municipalities. With decades of experience in policy-making and governance, SOS will offer insights into both the national and local legislative frameworks. Its involvement will ensure that the recommendations for legislative or policy adaptation are feasible and contextually appropriate.
SOS will also support the Municipality of Ilirska Bistrica in implementing local activities by providing its extensive experience in community-based governance and rural development.
Also, SOS will be instrumental in mapping stakeholders, identifying key roles and defining objectives for the adoption of tested solutions across Slovenia’s rural and mountainous municipalities. This includes capacity-building activities for local governments and promotion of the results of pilot activities through events, publications and direct communication with its network of municipalities to encourage replication of successful models.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO ENGAGE IN WATERVILL?
Our decision to engage in the WATERVILL project is motivated by the urgent and growing challenges that rural and mountainous communities face regarding water management. Many of these areas are characterised by ageing infrastructure, frequent water losses, and vulnerabilities to climate change, especially prolonged droughts and unpredictable rainfall that threaten reliable access to clean water.
Our decision to engage in the WATERVILL project is motivated by the urgent and growing challenges that rural and mountainous communities face regarding water management.
The project’s mission to modernise local water supply systems and make them more resilient, aligns closely with the priorities of SOS, which is committed to strengthening local governance, sustainable resource management, and community wellbeing. Participating in WATERVILL allows us to contribute policy recommendations, support local partners like the Municipality of Ilirska Bistrica, and help pilot innovative water management solutions that have practical benefits for municipalities and citizens alike.
WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST EXCITING ABOUT THE PROJECT?
What excites us most about WATERVILL is its integrated and forward-looking approach to addressing water scarcity in rural and remote areas. The project combines smart technologies, nature-based solutions and community-led governance to create sustainable and climate-resilient water management models. This means going beyond traditional infrastructure fixes, using digital tools to monitor water systems, restoring natural ecosystems around water sources, and empowering local communities and municipalities with innovative decision-support tools.
Moreover, the collaborative nature of WATERVILL, bringing together partners from multiple Mediterranean countries, offers a unique opportunity for knowledge exchange, shared learning, and the replication of successful practices across regions. These aspects not only enhance the project’s impact but also strengthen regional cooperation and long-term resilience.
