| projects-561 |
101127970 |
ATHENA |
Boosting cyber resilience of critical infrastructure in the water sector through innovative and co-created competence building by consortium partners and their suppliers. |
DEP |
DIGITAL-ECCC-2022-CYBER-03-UPTAKE-CYBERSOLUTIONS |
Not applicable |
2023-09-01 |
2026-11-30 |
On going |
€ 003 042 192.97 |
"Head of Cabinet EC VP M Schinas, stated in 2022: "" We now need to make sure that we address what could become our biggest challenge: how to have the right people with the right skills to shield our citizens and our economies from ever more pervasive cyberattacks across all critical sectors. Emphasising a dire need and urgency for upskilling competences of Professionals at Industrial Automisation in preparedness for cyber-attacks. The EU aims to strengthen cyber resilience, in Critical Infrastructure (CI). The backbone of CI is Operational Technology (OT or Industrial Automation (IA)). With regulations, the EU focuses on what to do. ENISA publishes supporting information on how to act. The Problem: For CI in the water sector, the challenge is especially demanding: Public water utilities are often operated in traditional working routines. Public institutions and SME are closely intertwined in this sector, resulting in both being equally integrated in the procedures and responsibility for counteraction under cyber-attacks. The Challenge: Competence required at all operational levels. In addition, climate change is underlining the relevance of this sector. Compliance of the NIS2 directive to ensure sufficient cybersecurity training (see chapter 1.2.), for integrated and urgent action. ATHENA will: - Improve cybersecurity protection readiness of the water sector, thereby targeting the integrated system of closely intertwined SME (service SME, solution providers, etc.) and public employees. - Enrich ENISA’s portfolio through up-to-date cybersecurity competence trainings in the water sector (classic/metaverse) - Enable staff along the entire chain of execution to respond to incidents that fits into the general operational and management strategies of the water sector. - Increase cybersecurity awareness raising, prevention, education, and training in the EU’s water sector " |
https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projects-details/43152860/101127970/DIGITAL |
Urban water' |
| projects-562 |
101226211 |
LDT4SSC |
Local Digital Twins for Smart and Sustainable Communities |
DEP |
DIGITAL-2024-CLOUD-DATA-AI-07-DIGITALTWIN |
Not applicable |
2025-06-01 |
2028-11-30 |
On going |
€ 021 189 633.72 |
LDT4SSC aims to create a robust, interconnected ecosystem of Local Digital Twins (LDTs) that scales across sectors, regions, and borders, driving the adoption of LDT services and the development of advanced AI-driven services. By leveraging prior achievements like the EU LDT Toolbox and the European data space for smart communities (DS4SSCC-DEP), and integrating with ongoing efforts such as CitiVerse and the LDT CitiVERSE EDIC, the project will create tangible resources to enable European communities to address shared challenges using LDT technology — e.g.: climate change, air quality, waste or water management, or energy efficiency. A key goal is to connect (existing) LDTs into a European “federation” through a common interoperability blueprint, consolidating work from DSSC, DS4SSCC, GAIA-X, and SIMPL. This blueprint will facilitate seamless data exchange and integration, enabling communities to share resources, optimise decision-making, and create scalable, open-source solutions. Launching a community of stakeholders, the project will engage representatives from government, industry, academia, and civil society to inform activities and ensure outputs meet diverse needs. The project will facilitate and fund the practical implementation of these solutions through 15-20 pilots of multi-stakeholder consortia working on use cases addressing critical domains (e.g.: resource management). These pilots will also seed a marketplace of AI-driven services tailored to community challenges. By enabling the replication and scalability of services across regions, the project will stimulate a dynamic LDT market, fostering collaboration and aligning with the EU's Digital Decade policies. Through these activities, the project seeks to establish a unified digital landscape in Europe, supporting ethical AI, open standards, and fair competition, while promoting sustainable, scalable solutions for smart communities. |
https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/projects-details/43152860/101226211/DIGITAL |
Urban water' |
| projects-563 |
Not available |
GestEAUr |
Sustainable and Digital Water Management in Rural Areas of the SUDOE Space |
INTERREG - SUDOE |
2021-2027 |
1 - Preserve natural capital and strengthen climate change adaptation in the Sudoe area |
2024-01-01 |
2026-12-31 |
On going |
€ 002 035 800.00 |
In the rural areas of Southwestern Europe (SUDOE), water management faces significant challenges: scarce water resources, pollution from agricultural and livestock activities, and a lack of efficient infrastructure. These issues directly affect the quality and availability of drinking water and make it difficult to comply with European regulations without compromising economic activity. To address this challenge, the GestEAUr project aims to develop and implement innovative and sustainable solutions to improve water quality and optimize water management. Its approach is based on territorial cooperation and the application of techniques adapted to each region's characteristics. Key achievements in the first year include: - Participatory diagnostics: Studies were carried out in several regions to better understand local problems and design tailored strategies. This process has already been completed in Guadiana-Nogales (Spain) and Região Oeste–Torres Vedras (Portugal), enabling local stakeholders to identify their needs and potential solutions. - Water quality improvements: In Tiñosillos (Ávila, Spain), a reverse osmosis system is now operating at the drinking water treatment plant, effectively removing nitrates and other pollutants. Additionally, an electrochemical reactor is being built to generate ozone on-site — a highly efficient technology for improving water potability. - Nature-based infrastructure for water treatment and reuse: In Fontiveros (Spain) and Cartaxo (Portugal), electrostimulated wetlands and infiltration basins are being designed to treat water naturally. The treated water will then be reused through two different methods, reducing pressure on water resources and ensuring better access to drinking water. What’s next for GestEAUr? The project will continue developing SID-AQUARURAL, an advanced digital tool designed to optimize water management in rural environments. It will also test new combinations of innovative and sustainable techniques, aiming to further improve the efficiency of water use. Through collaboration between public administrations, research centers, and local stakeholders, GestEAUr is laying the foundation for more efficient, resilient, and climate-ready water management. |
https://interreg-sudoe.eu/proyecto-interreg/gesteaur/ |
Urban water', 'Wetlands', 'Groundwater' |
| projects-564 |
Not available |
I-ReWater |
Sustainable Management of Water Resources in Irrigated Agriculture in the SUDOE Area |
INTERREG - SUDOE |
2021-2027 |
1 - Preserve natural capital and strengthen climate change adaptation in the Sudoe area |
2024-01-01 |
2026-12-31 |
On going |
€ 002 216 300.00 |
Over the next three years (2024–2026), the main objective of the I-ReWater project will be to improve water resource management in agriculture by integrating the use of reclaimed urban water in crop irrigation, while considering environmental factors to ensure its proper use in the context of the current climate crisis. The final outcome will be the development of a Transnational Strategy for the use of reclaimed water. These ambitious goals are supported by 15 pilot actions, recognizing that agriculture consumes more than half of all freshwater resources. The results of this applied research could help reduce groundwater and river extractions by up to 10%, providing a sustainable solution to water scarcity without compromising crop quality. Moreover, the use of reclaimed water from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) could reduce the need for external inputs, as this water is naturally enriched with nitrogen, phosphorus, and other fertilizing components. In parallel, 15 trials will be conducted on woody crops (olive, vine, hops, and almond) and 2 on horticultural crops (tomato and lettuce), with digital technologies playing a central role. The entire fertigation network will be equipped with low-cost sensors at both soil and plant level to develop a new Decision Support System (DSS), scalable and replicable by end users. This tool will help farmers determine when and how much to irrigate, moving toward Agriculture 4.0 and promoting circular economy practices. Another key task during the I-ReWater project will be raising public awareness about the benefits of using reclaimed water in agriculture. The project is being carried out by 16 core partners forming a multidisciplinary consortium, supported by 39 collaborating entities. |
https://interreg-sudoe.eu/proyecto-interreg/i-rewater/ |
Urban water', 'Groundwater', 'Rivers and estuaries' |
| projects-565 |
No data |
TARGET |
TerritoriAl stRateGy for watEr scarciTy |
INTERREG - SUDOE |
2021-2027 |
1 - Preserve natural capital and strengthen climate change adaptation in the Sudoe area |
2024-01-01 |
2026-12-31 |
On going |
€ 001 885 780.71 |
Freshwater resources in the SUDOE region are under increasing anthropogenic pressure, leading to problems such as water scarcity, declining water quality, user conflicts, and risks to natural ecosystems. A paradigm shift is essential. The adaptation of practices and organizations through the definition of coordinated, multi-year management strategies will ensure access to the water necessary for the survival of ecosystems and the economic and social development of the region. To address this challenge, the TARGET project partners have identified both a need and an opportunity for cooperation: integrating non-conventional water sources into local water management. The objective is to promote the development and implementation of a territorial planning strategy for sustainable water management and the prevention of crisis situations arising from water scarcity. This strategy will enable the development of action plans that integrate solutions for the use of non-conventional water sources, including the reuse of treated wastewater (REUSE). |
https://interreg-sudoe.eu/proyecto-interreg/target/ |
Urban water' |
| projects-566 |
No data |
ALERT-PFAS |
Transnational strategy to detect and prevent PFAS contamination |
INTERREG - SUDOE |
2021-2027 |
1 - Preserve natural capital and strengthen climate change adaptation in the Sudoe area |
2024-01-01 |
2026-12-31 |
On going |
€ 001 845 945.00 |
Climate change is causing increasingly intense and aggressive wildfires in the SUDOE area (Spain, Portugal, and France). The wildfires of 2022 severely affected natural parks and protected areas, threatening biodiversity and ecosystems. To combat these fires, there has been a rise in the use of firefighting foams containing flame retardants. However, these foams often include PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as "forever chemicals", which are highly polluting and harmful to both health and the environment. This cycle perpetuates pollution and worsens the climate crisis. Main objective: To design and implement a transnational strategy to detect, prevent, and mitigate PFAS contamination in natural areas across the SUDOE region. - How are we achieving this? - We develop innovative solutions to detect and monitor PFAS in real time. - We implement advanced technologies to prevent these compounds from polluting water, soil, and air. - We apply pilot actions in natural parks and protected areas in Spain, Portugal, and France. Who is involved? The project brings together a partnership of 10 beneficiaries and 12 associated partners from Spain, Portugal, and France. Target audiences for ALERT-PFAS: - Public authorities and managers of natural parks - Water management companies - Firefighting organizations and civil protection agencies - Citizens and key stakeholders in environmental management ALERT-PFAS seeks to raise awareness and train all these actors to achieve a lasting impact in environmental conservation and the fight against climate change. |
https://interreg-sudoe.eu/proyecto-interreg/alert-pfas/ |
Groundwater', 'Urban water', 'Wetlands' |
| projects-567 |
No data |
SMART GREEN WATER |
Diffusion of Innovative Solutions & Capacity Building for Smart Irrigation |
INTERREG - SUDOE |
2021-2027 |
2 - Promote social cohesion and territorial and demographic balance in the Sudoe area through innovation and transformation of productive sectors |
2024-01-01 |
2026-06-30 |
On going |
€ 001 581 377.91 |
Smart Green Water is a project aimed at accelerating the digitalization of agricultural irrigation to save water in response to the decline in supply caused by climate change. To achieve this, Smart Green Water is developing a transnational strategy with the involvement of all relevant stakeholders to define the key pillars of the necessary transformation of irrigation systems. In addition, a range of innovative actions are being deployed across participating regions, with the ultimate goal of helping farmers adopt the best digital solutions for irrigation. In its first year, the project has already borne fruit. On one hand, a transnational diagnostic of the current state of irrigation has been conducted to inform the future strategy. One of the most valuable sources of information came directly from farmers. Surveys were launched in Spanish, Portuguese, and French regions to collect their perspectives on this critical topic, which remains highly relevant in Southwestern Europe. More than 200 farmers responded to a detailed questionnaire, providing a strong foundation to guide the upcoming strategy. At the same time, practical initiatives have already begun. Among these is the characterization of digital irrigation solutions, aimed at helping farmers select the technology that best suits their needs. The first phase of this work has been completed with the publication of a list of leading digital irrigation technologies, covering a wide range of tools. Among the most common are sensors used to assess the condition of the soil, plants, or atmosphere, enabling optimal irrigation decisions. However, available digital solutions go beyond data collection; they also provide advanced support through irrigation management software. In the second year of the project, not only will the transnational strategy be finalized and a technology selection tool created, but additional actions will be launched to benefit farmers—and, in turn, society as a whole. |
https://interreg-sudoe.eu/proyecto-interreg/smart-green-water/ |
Water reservoir', 'Urban water' |
| projects-568 |
LIFE11 ENV/IT/000035 |
WSTORE2 |
Reconciling agriculture with environment through a new water governance in coastal and saline areas |
LIFE |
Environment |
Agriculture - Forestry,Coastal,Water management and supply |
2012-11-01 |
2015-10-31 |
Completed |
€ 001 372 421.00 |
The WSTORE2 project aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of an innovative process designed to maximise and optimise the use of groundwater in rural coastal areas. The project planned to analyse the different subsystems in coastal areas, including Natura 2000 sites, agricultural areas and areas used for tourism and recreational purposes. The process would enable the efficient management of available freshwater, diverting it to different locations based on the water’s quality (particularly the degree of salinity) and the priorities established by the stakeholders. Specifically, the project aimed to: Devise a new water management methodology, modifying the hydraulic system in Vallevecchia; Implement an automated management system that distributes water based on its quantitative and qualitative characteristics, and the priorities identified by stakeholders; Introduce multifunctional agriculture and water-saving criteria in the crop system adopted by the farms in the Vallevecchia basin, with the aim of adapting local agriculture to the new water management methods (The protection of water from nitrates would also be taken into consideration); Write specific software for the monitoring of agronomic, environmental and economic parameters, so that the new system could be evaluated; and Encourage the take up of similar approaches in other areas similar to Vallevecchia. |
https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/life/publicWebsite/project/LIFE11-ENV-IT-000035/reconciling-agriculture-with-environment-through-a-new-water-governance-in-coastal-and-saline-areas |
Groundwater', 'Coastal waters', 'Urban water' |
| projects-569 |
LIFE99 NAT/GR/006499 |
Calcareous fens |
Actions for the protection of the calcareous fens |
LIFE |
Nature |
Freshwater,Public and Stakeholders participation |
1999-11-01 |
2003-10-31 |
Completed |
No data |
The project aims at the rehabilitation of the calcareous fens to a favourable conservation status, either through direct actions on the specific habitat type, or through more general actions on the entire lake. The expected results are: Protect the habitat from drying, by stabilising the water level. Ensure the Trichonis lake water quality. Protect the lake’s shore from erosion (this threat proved to be non-relevant, and this objective was dropped). Ensure the protection of the habitat type from expanding agricultural activities. Increase public awareness. Stimulate environmental concerns of the communes and other competent authorities and their active participation in the conservation of the targeted habitat. The stabilisation of the lake’s water level will be achieved through the monitoring and control of the water level, based on a water management plan. For the reduction of water pollution levels, the project foresees the pilot control of urban and rural wastes, through the collection of solid wastes, the installation of an automatic water quality monitoring station and the increase of public awareness concerning the disposal of wastes and the use of fertilisers, while for the minimisation of the lake shore erosion the project had planned to develop artificial reed embankments (action cancelled). In order to protect the fens from the expansion of agricultural lands, the project has foreseen the mapping of the habitat’s boundaries and their fencing. In addition, it plans to rehabilitate the habitat through the planting of Cladium mariscus and Carex sp., once the water level is stabilised, and through reedbed management. All the aforementioned actions are to be accompanied by a public awareness campaign on the value of the Calcareous fens targeting farmers, the local population, visitors and schoolchildren. |
https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/life/publicWebsite/project/LIFE99-NAT-GR-006499/actions-for-the-protection-of-the-calcareous-fens |
Lake', 'Wetlands', 'Urban water' |
| projects-570 |
LIFE92 ENV/F/000022 |
No data |
Automated network for monitoring the coastal environment |
LIFE |
Environment |
Sensitive and protected areas management |
1992-12-01 |
1994-12-31 |
Completed |
No data |
The project which set up an automated network for the monitoring of the coastal environment was initiated by IFREMER (French institute for oceanic research) and MORS, in order to develop automatic tools for a continuous and real-time monitoring of coastal water quality. A lot of monitoring networks already exist, but they rely on manual collection of water samples, at high period (several days or weeks). The state-of-the-art in physico-chemical sensor technology now allows automatic data collection. Some monitoring systems have recently been developed, but they do not take into account the specific constraints of coastal environment.The project consisted of the development and the experimentation of a buoy, autonomous regarding energy, set in a very shallow water depth area (4 meters), with a strong tide range (7 meters). This buoy made hourly measurements of the main physico-chemical parameters of sea water, at various depths between the surface and bottom. The measurement principle consisted in pumping water at the appropriate depth, and in driving it into a cell fitted with the sensors on the buoy. Electrolysis of sea water provided the means to produce chlorine, in order to protect the water circuit from bio-fouling. A radio-electric link between the buoy and a control station on shore was used both to recover data from the buoy, and to modify some measurement parameters. Data were then stored in a data base on shore, and broadcast to users. The project also required the design of original methods (two patents) for the anchoring of the buoy and the water sampling device, and for the hydraulic circuit which works under very high power consumption constraint. The amount of data also made it necessary to design data qualification and processing methods for the control station. |
https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/life/publicWebsite/project/LIFE92-ENV-F-000022/automated-network-for-monitoring-the-coastal-environment |
Coastal waters' |
