21.03.2025
On the occasion of World Water Day – 22 March 2025, the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" hosted a series of events dedicated to the sustainable management of water resources. The initiative was organized in partnership with the Training and Qualification Center of Utilities Services, the Pro.Utilities Club Association, and with the official support of Sofiyska Voda, part of the global Veolia group.
The events attracted significant interest, bringing together representatives from the water sector, the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC), the academic community, local authorities, business organizations, and students. The central theme of the forum focused on "Water stress – consequences and challenges". The discussion, moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Atanas Georgiev, Dean of the Faculty, brought together diverse perspectives and expertise. Among the official guests were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ventzi Bozhkov from UACEG, Ana Manyarova from Sofiyska Voda, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stelyan Dimitrov from the Faculty of Geology and Geography at Sofia University, Dr. Silvia Stoyanova from the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology (NIMH), and Assist. Vassil Karaivanov, Chair of the Bulgarian Macroeconomic Association.
During the forum, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bozhkov outlined the challenges facing Southern European countries in the context of increasing water stress. Addressing water stress requires coordinated efforts at local, national, and international levels to ensure sustainable management of water resources and equitable access to clean water for all. Ana Manyarova presented best practices by Sofiyska Voda in the fields of circular economy, digitalization of operations, and improving energy and water efficiency. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dimitrov emphasized the geographic and climatic challenges we face, such as recurring droughts and shifting regional conditions. In his view, a smart city or region is not defined solely by technology, but by its ability to adapt effectively to climate change and geographical dynamics.
Dr. Silvia Stoyanova drew attention to the prolonged dry periods in Bulgaria, declining groundwater levels, and rising air temperatures. She noted that in recent years, river flows have increasingly relied on underground water reserves due to the severity of drought conditions. Vasyl Karaivanov explored the topic of water as a key economic resource with high added value, influencing both local industries and tourism in Bulgaria.
One of the highlights of the event was the demonstration of an educational digital Water Calculator, which allows users to estimate their personal water consumption and water footprint in an accessible and engaging way. The calculator was developed with the participation of student Yordan Markov, currently studying in the Netherlands, based on a methodology by the Utilities Services team and supported by Sofiyska Voda.
Test version of the calculator is available at: https://bit.ly/watercalcolator
Presentation of the gamified idea is available here: https://youtu.be/xSIqHI3Jm5k
As part of the initiative, three student teams were awarded for their outstanding projects aimed at improving communication between Sofiyska Voda and its customers. First place was awarded to Ivanna Korentcheva and Kostadin Shopov, who presented a detailed analysis of Sofiyska Voda's marketing approaches. Their video message, starting with the phrase “If you are thirsty…”, received high praise from the jury for its creativity and emotional impact.
Watch the video here: https://youtube.com/shorts/cs519bKulTs
More than 45 participants took part in the discussions, demonstrations, and presentations during the events, all united by a common cause – to raise awareness and foster responsible water management. Organized for a second consecutive year at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, the event once again demonstrated that meaningful dialogue between science, practice, and institutions is essential in addressing the water challenges of the future.
Watch the event recap video here:
https://youtu.be/V_N4tCSh7Dc
