The specific objective of the project is to define and test on a large scale whether it would be appropriate to introduce a course of continuous training for managerial staff in the water sector, which would be based on creating and promoting a virtual learning community. This approach should make it possible to bring together participants who have little contact with each other, young managers, senior managers and officials from various organisations. The project forms part of the efforts to apply the framework Directive on water. The technical and methodological tools (including a translation aid) provided for this virtual community will facilitate discussions among peers at a distance, will enable participants to capitalise on their experience and will promote collective discussions on new or improved practices at European level to promote a bottom-up approach. The project will be disseminated via the project website and will rely on the support of a network of 85 European management bodies from the Mediterranean area.