‍The Swarovski Foundation,in partnership with the fans&friends association of the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, marked the 25th anniversary of the Waterschool at the BIOS National Park Centre in Mallnitz, Austria - where the Waterschool first began.

From its roots in the Austrian Alps, Waterschool has grown into a global initiative that has reached more than 800,000 students, collaborated with over 23,000 teachers, and engaged more than 2,500 schools around the world. The initiative educates young people about local and global water challenges and the importance of sustainable water use, empowering the next generation to take action for our planet.

The anniversary brought together longstanding partners, educators, students, colleagues and community leaders for a day of reflection and immersive learning. Together, guests reflected on the Waterschool’s impact and highlighted its relevance in today’s water security conversations. The event began with a warm welcome and musical performance by local school children, followed by remarks that recognised the importance of cross-sector collaboration in delivering environmental education to young people around the world.

Barbara Pucker, Director of the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern Carinthia, and Günther Novak, Mayor of Mallnitz, opened the event, followed by remarks from Harald Reiner, President of the fans&friends association, who highlighted the programme’s ecological significance:

“With the Waterschool, we not only inspire young people to appreciate the beauty of nature, but also to give them a deep understanding of ecological relationships. Especially in times of climate change, it is essential to raise awareness of the sustainable use of our environment. Especially when you consider that the human body is made up of 55–65% water, the importance of this topic becomes clear.”

Marisa Schiestl-Swarovski, Chair of the Swarovski Foundation, and Jakhya Rahman-Corey, Director of the Swarovski Foundation, followed with reflections on the global reach and lasting impact of Waterschool.

“The Waterschool 25th anniversary is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when education, community, and a shared commitment come together to improve water security,” said Jakhya Rahman-Corey. “What began as a visionary idea rooted in the philanthropic spirit and heritage of Swarovski in Austria has grown into a global programme. As we mark this milestone, we value our longstanding partnership with the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern — knowing that by educating the next generation about the value of water, we are empowering them to protect our planet’s most vital resource.”

Guests took part in hands-on water activities led by park rangers and students, rotating between three interactive stations:

• Ranger Lab – Bionic explored the physical and chemical properties of water and its role in daily life.
• Ranger Lab – Water focused on the region’s flowing waters and hydrology.
• Outdoor Exploration allowed guests to examine aquatic life, assess water quality, and learn about flood protection.

The students presented results from their water surveys in the afternoon, demonstrating the Waterschool's emphasis on participatory learning and scientific inquiry. The day concluded with closing remarks from Jakhya Rahman-Corey and Barbara Pucker, marking the official close of an event that was as meaningful as it was educational.

As we move forward, the Swarovski Foundation remains committed to working with global partners to improve water security and inspire the next generation to take action. Partnerships like the one with the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern continues to be vital in educating young people about the value of water and inspiring them to protect this precious resource.

To learn more about the Waterschool, please visit: www.waterschool.swarovskifoundation.org