Future Lives with Oceans and Waters (FLOW), funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme, is a two-year project coordinated by Radboud University. FLOW seeks to deepen our understanding of the younger generation’s connection with oceans, seas, and waters. By combining transdisciplinary methods — horizon scanning, ethnographic fieldwork, and experiential futures workshops — FLOW engages youth in research that is both intergenerationally just and transdisciplinary. Bringing together young people from seven different regions across Europe allows us to explore how they relate to oceans and waters.
Throughout history, communities have gathered at the water’s edge — by rivers, lakes, and seas, places where life has flourished, where stories have been told, and where connections have been made.
Through Experiental Futures Workshops, held across Europe from November 2023 to June 2024, we gathered young people’s connections to water, their aspirations and fears, and the stories they carry from both past and present. We worked on these insights and created a catalogue of images of the future. Our catalogue has several chapters that narrate our findings. In this catalogue, we present stories from the water’s edge, as told by young people from across Europe in the FLOW Experiential Futures Workshops.
In “Echoes of the Past“, young voices recount the stories passed down by their parents, grandparents, and relatives. These narratives reveal how water shaped their communities, serving as a source of sustenance, a means of transport, and a symbol in cultural traditions, among others.
As you move into “Currents of the Present” the focus shifts to the here and now. The young participants reflect on the state of our waters today. They discuss the impact of climate change, the growing threats of pollution, and the ways in which human activity is altering our waters. But their reflections do not stop there; they also offer insights and solutions.
In “Images of the Future” these young voices take us forward. They envision a world where water is respected, where it is seen not just as a resource, but as a vital part of our ecosystem. They imagine communities that care for their rivers, lakes, seas and oceans.
As you turn the pages of this catalogue, imagine yourself as part of this story. Walk alongside these young people as they explore their connection to water. Let their words inspire you to reflect on your own relationship with water and the legacy you wish to leave for future generations.
We also invite you to explore the interactive storymap designed for the catalogue of images of the future. Click here to begin your journey.
Disclaimer: The images and stories presented in this catalogue represent the personal experiences and ideas of the young people who participated in our workshops. They are not intended as factual representations, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of the project partners or the EU.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or those of EUROPEAN CLIMATE, INFRASTRUCTURE AND ENVIRONMENT EXECUTIVE AGENCY (CINEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.