The RWH Programme objectives are to:
- Position RWH as a tool for climate change adaptation locally
- Demonstrate how RWH can contribute to ecosystem conservation
- Support multi-stakeholder partnerships for local rainwater harvesting initiatives
- Share knowledge and experiences on aspects of RWH systems and approaches
- Promote a new water culture
Since the inception of the program in 2008, NCWR systems have been installed in 33 Greek Islands and 1 coastal city including 19 Cycladic Islands: Syros, Tinos, Naxos, Heraklia, Koufonisia, Santorini, Ios, Anafi, Sikinos, Folegandros, Milos, Sifnos, Serifos, Paros, Antiparos, Kythnos, Kea, Andros and Amorgos, 12 islands of the Dodecanese: Rhodes, Chalki, Kastellorizo, Symi, Leros, Lipsi, Patmos, Astypalea, Kos, Tilos, Kalymnos and Agathonisi, 2 islands of the Prefecture of Attica: Kythira and Antikythira and the city of Thessaloniki.
The projects and activities conducted within the RWH framework, aim to constitute a best practice model to be replicated in other communities in Greece and elsewhere in the Mediterranean. Among others, the RWH programme activities include:
- Installation of new and reinstatement of existing RWH systems in selected public buildings and areas across its areas of operation
- Pilot installation of a greywater recycling system and three water kiosks
- Demo installation of a green wall and upgrade of a swimming pool
- Water Saving Activities through the distribution of water saving kits to households in water-scarce islands
- Awareness raising and dissemination of Programme results through targeted events and/or conferences.
- Educational and Training activities:
- Development and revision of "The Gift of Rain" (in Greek), educational material by the MIO-ECSDE/MEdIES to raise awareness of sustainable water use among students in island and urban environments.
- Training seminars for local educators under the auspices of the Hellenic Ministry of Education in cooperation with the Heads of Environmental Education of the Prefectures of Cyclades and Dodecanese Islands and the local authorities.
- Training workshops for local workers and technical service authorities, on traditional practices and modern NCWR technology
The RWH programme, the major component of the environmental programme Mission Water of the Coca-Cola System in Greece (Coca-Cola Hellenic and Coca-Cola Hellas), received the European CSR Award (Brussels, June 2013) and was recognised as the best CSR practice for the "Environment" sector category at the Hellenic CSR Excellence Awards (December 2013).