Enhancing Water Management for Climate Change Resilience in Adriatic-Ionian area

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian

Date of latest update: 2025-10-06

Description

Description (EN):

The AQUA project, aimed at enhancing resilience to climate change in the Adriatic-Ionian region, is making significant strides in addressing the common challenge of water management in the face of a changing climate. Led by a consortium of 7 partners, the project is set to bring about positive changes in water resource management, adaptation strategies, and disaster risk reduction. Water, a precious resource vital to various sectors of the economy and the sustenance of life, is facing increasing challenges due to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events have led to significant shifts in water availability, quality, and distribution. These challenges transcend borders and require collaborative efforts to ensure effective solutions. The AQUA project has set its sights on the overall objective of enhancing resilience to climate change of water utility companies in the Adriatic-Ionian area. By developing a joint action plan and strategy and user-tailored tools, the project aims to improve water resource management, increase capacities for climate change adaptation, and mitigate the impact of natural and man-made disasters. What sets the AQUA project apart is its innovative approach and emphasis on collaboration. By adopting an integrated approach that considers both droughts and floods and the interconnections between water quantity and quality, the project aims to provide holistic solutions. The project also prioritizes data-driven solutions, co-design, and co-development, ensuring that the outputs are tailored to the specific needs of the participating regions. The main project output is to develop and implement integrated joint transnational strategies and measures aimed at enhancing the resilience to climate change of coastal, river basins, rural and mountainous areas through a harmonised framework of standards and indicators and use of already existing research results and contributions to EU platforms. Despite the ambitious objectives of the AQUA project, the complexity of climate change impacts on water resources necessitates continuous monitoring, adaptive management strategies, and community engagement to ensure long-term sustainability. Moreover, tackling these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that integrates scientific research, technological innovation, and policy coordination across diverse stakeholders. The AQUA project endeavours to bridge these gaps by fostering collaboration among water utility companies, government agencies, research institutions, and local communities. However, achieving meaningful resilience to climate change demands not only technical solutions but also a profound shift in mindset towards sustainable water management practices and equitable resource distribution.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The AQUA project launched on 1st of September 2024 its operational activities with a series of project web meetings to organise the kick-off meeting. On December 18 2024, the kick-off meeting of the international AQUA project, was held in Bari at the Palazzo dell’Acqua. The event, organized by Acquedotto Pugliese (AQP), brought together representatives from six partner countries, united by the mission of tackling the challenges of the climate crisis through sustainable water resource management. Each partner presented their role in the project and LP provided an overview of the entire project, followed by a detailed presentation of the planned Work Packages (WPs). LP explained the Project Organizational Structure to establish in order to implement all the management, operational and communication activities listed above. The setup of the Steering Committee the main decision-body of AQUA project was in the occasion of the KOM. After sharing the work plan with all partners, LP drew up the project internal calendar (as required by the IPA Adrion Implementation manual) that will be used for monitoring and control project activities (WPs, external services committment, deliverables and outputs). The other organisational activities implemented for the launch of the project are: definition with partners of project roles (project officer, finance officer and communication officer), Steering Committee with necessary appointment letters and share point tool implementation for sharing project documents.

Project outputs: Action plan for water management in the face of climate change(EN)
Innovation toolbox for optimal water management(EN)
Transnational Collaboration Network for Water Resilience(EN)

Thematic information

Water management Climate change and biodiversity

Priority: (VI-B_IPA-A_2) Supporting a greener and climate resilient Adriatic-Ionian region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.4. Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention and resilience, taking into account eco-system based approaches

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 064 Water management and water resource conservation (including river basin management, specific climate change adaptation measures, reuse, leakage reduction)

Partners (7)

Lead Partner: ACQUEDOTTO PUGLIESE S.P.A.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 00347000721 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Department: n/a

Address: Via Cognetti , 70121 Bari, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: https://www.aqp.it/

Total budget: EUR 285 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 242 250.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 42 750.00

Contractors:

Name: Comunicamed S.R.L.S
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT03287880730

Gradska uprava Grada Beograda, Sekretarijat za zaštitu životne sredine

Name: Gradska uprava Grada Beograda, Sekretarijat za zaštitu životne sredine

Department: Secretariat for environmental protection

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4524058

Address: Dragoslava Jovanovića, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Department address: Karadjordjeva, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.beograd.rs

Total budget: EUR 221 912.40

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 188 625.54

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 33 286.86

DOO “Regionalni vodovod Crnogorsko primorje”

Name: DOO “Regionalni vodovod Crnogorsko primorje”

Department: n/a

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 81/31-01270-6 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Popa Jola Zeca , 85310 Budva, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.regionalnivodovod.me

Total budget: EUR 225 155.70

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 191 382.34

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 33 773.36

Contractors:

Name: Koparan Dubravka
VAT registration or tax identification number: N/A

UJESJELLES KANALIZIME TIRANE-UKT SHA

Name: UJESJELLES KANALIZIME TIRANE-UKT SHA

Department: N/A

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SN-570845-01-19

Address: Rruga e Kavajes , 1027 Tirane, Albania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://ujesjellesitirane.al/

Total budget: EUR 225 150.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 191 377.50

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 33 772.50

ΔΗΜΟΤΙΚΗ ΕΠΙΧΕΙΡΗΣΗ ΥΔΡΕΥΣΗΣ ΑΠΟΧΕΤΕΥΣΗΣ ΑΡΤΑΣ

Name: ΔΗΜΟΤΙΚΗ ΕΠΙΧΕΙΡΗΣΗ ΥΔΡΕΥΣΗΣ ΑΠΟΧΕΤΕΥΣΗΣ ΑΡΤΑΣ

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 090029040

Address: V. Pyrrou, 47131 Arta, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: https://www.deya-artas.gr/

Total budget: EUR 232 037.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 197 231.87

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 34 805.63

JAVNO PODJETJE VODOVOD KANALIZACIJA SNAGA d.o.o.

Name: JAVNO PODJETJE VODOVOD KANALIZACIJA SNAGA d.o.o.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 904989631

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 64520463 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Vodovodna cesta , 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.vokasnaga.si

Total budget: EUR 235 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 200 175.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 35 325.00

Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici

Name: Centro Euro-Mediterraneo sui Cambiamenti Climatici

Department: N/A

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999419422

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 03873750750 | N/A | N/A (EN)

Address: Via Marco Biagi, 73100 Lecce, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.cmcc.it

Total budget: EUR 247 244.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 210 157.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 37 086.60

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

City Administration of the city of Belgrade, Secretariat for environmental protection

Enhancing Water Management for Climate Change Resilience in Adriatic-Ionian area

Partners and Projects info

LLC “Regional waterworks for Montenegrin Coast”

Enhancing Water Management for Climate Change Resilience in Adriatic-Ionian area

Partners and Projects info

Tirana Water and Sewerage Utility

Enhancing Water Management for Climate Change Resilience in Adriatic-Ionian area

Partners and Projects info

ΔΗΜΟΤΙΚΗ ΕΠΙΧΕΙΡΗΣΗ ΥΔΡΕΥΣΗΣ ΑΠΟΧΕΤΕΥΣΗΣ ΑΡΤΑΣ

Enhancing Water Management for Climate Change Resilience in Adriatic-Ionian area

Partners and Projects info

Ljubljana Waterworks and Sewerage

Enhancing Water Management for Climate Change Resilience in Adriatic-Ionian area

Partners and Projects info

Euro-Mediterranean Center on Climate Change Foundation

Enhancing Water Management for Climate Change Resilience in Adriatic-Ionian area

Partners and Projects info

ACQUEDOTTO PUGLIESE S.P.A.

Enhancing Water Management for Climate Change Resilience in Adriatic-Ionian area

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Enhancing Water Management for Climate Change Resilience in Adriatic-Ionian area

Project acronym: AQUA

Project ID: IPA-ADRION00297

Project start date: 2024-09-01

Project end date: 2027-08-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

The ICT4Water cluster hub for EU-funded research and innovation projects on ICT applied to water management. (EN) | The ICT4Water is a cluster currently made of over 60 projects. These are both ongoing projects and projects that were members of the cluster before their completion. In the latter case, the ICT4Water site continues to display links to the projects’ webpages and to selected project outcomes (e.g. videos, IT tools open to the public). This permanent link between the cluster and the projects, even after their completion, helps showcasing project results and supports their dissemination and exploitation.
Its activity is classified in several thematic working groups.
By connecting with the ICT4, the project AQUA will have the chance to learn about the stateof- the-art technologies and innovative solutions and, in turn, share the results of the project to understand the possibility to combine and further develop knowledge and methodologies/solutions in building reliance to climate changes.
(EN), PROLINE-CE funded by Interreg Central Europe Programme.
The main objective of PROLINE-CE is to improve protection of drinking water resources as well as protection against floods/droughts in order to facilitate implementation of existing strategies and management plans.
The project designed and delivered Transnational Guide towards an Optimal WAter REgime (GOWARE) as a Decision Support Tool, enabling the selection of best management practices to improve the drinking water protection and flood risk mitigation. After national testing, it can be stated that the tool has already reached an adequate level of maturity to be used reliably by different types of users.
Another output was the DriFLU Charta (Drinking water/Floods/Land use) -as a document which indicates the necessary steps in the future in each participating country and also containing “Courses of action” on both transnational and national levels. The presentation and signing of the Charta, done by notable representatives of each partner country during the Final Conference gives hope for carrying on the project outputs and give input to further EU guidelines and strategies, such as the EU Water Framework Directive, the Drinking Water Directive, the Groundwater Directive and the Floods Directive.
(EN) | Decision Support Tool for selecting effective management practices. AQUA can leverage the insights and experiences gained from PROLINE-CE to enhance its own approach and methodologies.
Collaboration on Common Objectives: Both AQUA and PROLINE-CE share the objective of implementing existing strategies and management plans related to water protection and flood/drought management. By collaborating and exchanging information, the projects can work towards common goals, align their efforts, and ensure a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to addressing water-related challenges.
Complementary Outputs: PROLINE-CE has developed the DriFLU Charta and AQUA can build upon this output and integrate it into its own initiatives and strategies.
Enlarged Focus on Climate Change and ADRION Area: AQUA can benefit from the expanded focus of PROLINE-CE, which includes climate change projections and covers the ADRION (Adriatic-Ionian) area. By leveraging the knowledge, research, and outcomes related to climate change impacts on water resources and the specific context of the ADRION region, AQUA can enhance its understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the target area and tailor its strategies accordingly.
(EN), TEACHER-CE, funded by the Interreg Central Europe Programme
TEACHER-CE integrated and harmonized results of previously funded INTERREG, Horizon2020, and Life projects into the TEACHER-CE Toolbox. This tool focuses on climate-proof management of water related issues such as floods, heavy rain and drought risk prevention, small water retention measures and protection of water resources through sustainable land-use management. The direct local and regional implementation helps municipalities and regions in adapting their processes to the changing climate conditions.
(EN) | By leveraging the outputs and experiences of TEACHER-CE, AQUA can strengthen its strategies and contribute to the development of an integrated and comprehensive approach to water management in the target regions. These synergies include:
Exchange of Tools and Knowledge: AQUA can benefit from the TEACHER-CE Toolbox, which provides a suite of climate-proof tools for water management, including measures for flood risk prevention, drought risk prevention, small water retention, and sustainable land-use management. The integration of these tools into AQUA's activities can enhance its capacity to address multiple hazards, compound events, and climate change impacts in the water management sector.
Enhanced Risk Prevention and Adaptation: By leveraging the knowledge and experiences of TEACHER-CE, AQUA can enhance its own strategies and approaches in adapting processes and measures to changing climate conditions. This can contribute to more effective risk reduction and improved water protection in the target regions.
Transnational Cooperation and Mainstreaming Adaptation: TEACHER-CE emphasizes transnational cooperation in improving water management capacities for climate change adaptation. AQUA can collaborate with TEACHER-CE to promote the mainstreaming of climate change adaptation measures in sectoral plans, such as flood management plans, river basin plans, drought management plans, and spatial plans. By aligning efforts and sharing best practices, both projects can contribute to the development of robust and effective climate change adaptation strategies at regional and local levels.
Enlarged Focus on Compound Events and ADRION Area: AQUA can benefit from the enlarged focus of TEACHER-CE, which includes compound events and covers the Adriatic-Ionian area. By incorporating the knowledge and tools related to compound events, AQUA can enhance its understanding of the complexities of water-related risks and develop more targeted and context-specific solutions.
(EN), ADRIACLIM funded by the Interreg Italy – Croatia 2014-2020
The main objective of AdriaClim is to promote the development of new regional and local adaptation plans and the updating of existing ones to counteract the effects of climate change in the Adriatic and transform potential threats into economic opportunities.
AdriaClim intends to enhance cooperation on monitoring systems, helping to increase the geographical coverage of observational instruments, and develop integrated high-resolution models to improve modeling capacity through the exchange of knowledge and experience between Italy and Croatia. The project focuses on the improvement and creation of transboundary methodologies and protocols for marine-coastal monitoring in order to harmonize the tools and make them accessible to the whole partnership.
As part of the project, an advanced, shared and interoperable information system will be created, with specific indicators and tools for optimal planning of adaptation to climate change, and strategies will be developed to mitigate the impacts on coastal and marine areas at risk. To strengthen the adaptation and mitigation capacity in Italy and Croatia, regional and local plans will be developed in 9 test areas (6 Italian and 3 Croatian) where territorial partners will take the lead and cooperate with local authorities and stakeholders to increase the resilience of the pilot areas involved in this activity.
(EN) | AQUA can leverage synergies with AdriaClim in the following ways:
Climate Change Adaptation: AQUA can draw upon the methodologies, protocols, and strategies developed by AdriaClim to enhance its own adaptation plans and actions. This includes utilizing the shared information system, indicators, and tools for optimal planning of climate change adaptation in the water management sector.
Integrated Modeling and Monitoring: AQUA can benefit from the exchange of knowledge and experience in modeling capacity and monitoring methodologies, particularly in relation to water-related impacts of climate change. This can improve AQUA's ability to assess and manage the risks of floods, droughts, and other climate-related hazards.
Transboundary Cooperation: AdriaClim promotes cooperation between Italy and Croatia to address climate change impacts in the Adriatic region. AQUA, with its focus on the ADRION area, can align its efforts with AdriaClim to foster transboundary collaboration in water management. This includes sharing best practices, exchanging data and information, and harmonizing methodologies to ensure consistent and coordinated approaches in addressing climate change challenges.
Resilience Building: AdriaClim aims to increase the resilience of coastal and marine areas at risk through the development of regional and local adaptation plans. AQUA can learn from the experiences of AdriaClim in building resilience and apply those insights to its own initiatives. This includes collaborating with local authorities and stakeholders to strengthen the resilience of water resources, infrastructure, and communities in the pilot areas identified by AdriaClim.
By capitalizing on these synergies, AQUA can enhance its climate change adaptation efforts, improve modeling and monitoring capabilities, foster transboundary cooperation, and contribute to the resilience building of water systems in the ADRION area.
(EN), CROSSWATER funded by the Interreg IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro 2014 – 2020 Programme.
CROSSWATER project was focused on the integrated system management plan and integrated guidelines and policies for all 6 partners from 3 countries, as well as on realization of pilot projects in three different areas and the drawing up of best practices for water supply, water losses, waste water, reuse of waters management. CrossWater aims at establishing an efficient and effective cross-border Water Management System in the Programme area, through the joint development of new infrastructures and technologies, as well as new control and measurement systems.
(EN) | The project AQUA can make use of several synergies with the CROSSWATER project:
Integrated System Management: AQUA can benefit from the experiences and outcomes of CROSSWATER in establishing an efficient and effective cross-border Water Management System. By leveraging the knowledge gained from the development of integrated guidelines and policies, AQUA can enhance its own approach to water management and contribute to the establishment of an integrated and coordinated system for water resilience.
Best Practices and Pilot Projects: CROSSWATER implemented pilot projects in different areas related to water supply, water losses, wastewater management, and water reuse. AQUA can draw upon the best practices and lessons learned from these pilot projects to inform its own strategies and measures. This can contribute to the development of innovative and effective solutions for water management and climate change resilience.
Infrastructures and Technologies: CROSSWATER focused on the joint development of new infrastructures, technologies, and control and measurement systems for water management. AQUA can learn from the experiences and advancements made in CROSSWATER to enhance its own approach.
By leveraging these synergies, AQUA can enhance its own approach to water management, improve resilience to climate change, and contribute to the establishment of a coordinated and efficient water management system in the target regions.
(EN), "SUN-WATER" funded by the INTERREG GREECE-ITALY 2014-2020 program relating to the tender for the optimal management of distribution networks for the purpose of containing losses and maintaining the quality of the distributed water. In order to increase the operators' ability to supply safe drinking water, the Project aims to:
1. Define common methodologies to evaluate current water losses and water quality in the reference territories: development of an innovative approach
bottom-up water loss estimation and water quality characterization, based on assimilation of record data;
2. Define common methodologies and tools for sustainable management of Water Distribution Networks (WDN) (i) Hydraulic and water quality modeling by analyzing outlier scenarios, including pressure loss model and hydraulic control apparatus (e.g., pressure reduction (ii) Segmentation design to maximize current system information at minimum investment for installation of flow, pressure sensors, and water quality;
3. Data modeling: identification of system behavior patterns.
(EN) | The project AQUA can make use of several synergies with the SUN-WATER project. These synergies include:
Methodologies for Water Loss Evaluation: AQUA can benefit from the common methodologies developed in SUN-WATER for evaluating current water losses in distribution networks. By adopting an innovative approach, such as the bottom-up water loss estimation based on assimilation of record data, AQUA can enhance its own methodologies for assessing water losses and implementing effective measures to reduce them.
Tools for Water Distribution Network Management: AQUA can leverage the methodologies and tools developed in SUN-WATER as these tools can support AQUA in optimizing the management of its own water distribution networks, ensuring efficient water supply and quality maintenance.
Data Modeling and System Behavior Patterns: AQUA can benefit from SUN WATER approach by incorporating data modeling techniques and analyzing system behavior to improve its understanding of water distribution network dynamics. By identifying patterns and trends, AQUA can make informed decisions and implement proactive measures to enhance water management and mitigate risks.
The synergies between these two projects provide with valuable methodologies, tools, and approaches and by utilizing these synergies, AQUA can enhance its own practices in water loss reduction, network management, and data-driven decision-making, ultimately improving the efficiency and sustainability of its water distribution systems.
(EN), H2020 “Project Ô” shows how local, targeted water treatment technologies can help improve global water management, allowing current and future generations to benefit from this shared resource. Project Ô is developing water management and treatment technologies. They work in harmony with current systems and improve technical and economic success. The combination of innovative treatment technologies with two digital platforms will improve water management for communities in Europe and beyond.
- Increasing the opportunity to reuse water
- Creating new business opportunities to trade water and resource
- Using less operating energy when treating water
Actions are being carried out in Italy, Israel, Croatia and Spain.
(EN) | AQUA can leverage synergies with H2020 "Project Ô" in the following ways:
Knowledge Exchange: AQUA can benefit from the research and development conducted by "Project Ô" in water management and treatment technologies. By exchanging knowledge and lessons learned, AQUA can enhance its own understanding of innovative treatment technologies and their integration into existing systems.
Reuse of Water: AQUA can draw upon the experience of "Project Ô" in increasing the opportunity to reuse water. By implementing similar strategies and approaches, AQUA can promote sustainable water management practices, reduce water scarcity, and contribute to environmental preservation.
Energy Efficiency: AQUA can learn from the efforts of "Project Ô" in reducing operating energy when treating water. By adopting energy-efficient technologies and optimizing operational processes, AQUA can minimize energy consumption in its own water treatment operations, contributing to environmental sustainability and cost reduction.
Transnational Collaboration: Both AQUA and "Project Ô" are conducting actions in multiple countries. This presents an opportunity for collaboration, sharing experiences, and jointly addressing common water management challenges faced in these regions.
(EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 671 999.60

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 421 199.65

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

n.1 Comprehensive report on water resource analysis and future projections, including best practices
n.6 Press releases and media briefings to raise awareness about the project (one per country)
n.1 Joint transnational review of the weaknesses jeopardizing water availability and quality
n.18 Local and n.1 Transnational Meetings
n.6 fact sheets and n.6 videos
Dataset repository projected climate and impact indicators
n. 1 user-tailored information portal
n. 2 newsletters and n.1 webinar to demonstrate portal functionalities
Procured Equipment and Installed Sensors
n.1 joint pilot action assessment report with joint methodology
Media package (press conference, press release, social media campaign)
n. 18 trained people (3 x water company)
Newsletter and brochure with containing training materials, including resources
Scaling strategy document
n. 1 MOOC content and materials
n. 10 issued certificates after successfully finished training
n.6 communication awareness campaign to reach water companies
n. 3 transnational water events organized
MoU signed with different water companies
Communication activities to share project results and success stories

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The project's contributions align primarily with the "Environmental Quality" pillar 3 of the EUSAIR Strategy and Action Plan. By focusing on enhancing water management practices, increasing resilience to climate change, and promoting environmental sustainability, the project directly supports the objectives and actions related to environmental protection, resource efficiency, and climate change adaptation within the EUSAIR framework.
Furthermore, the project's emphasis on collaboration, knowledge exchange, and capacity building also aligns with the governance. Through the establishment of a transnational collaboration network and the promotion of stakeholder involvement, the project contributes to the objectives of fostering multi-level governance, enhancing cooperation, and strengthening the involvement of civil society and stakeholders in decision-making processes.
While the project's activities may have indirect contributions to other pillars of the EUSAIR, such as promoting sustainable tourism or fostering economic growth and jobs, its primary focus on environmental quality and governance makes it a key contributor to those specific pillars.
EuropeanGreenDeal The project AQUA contributes to the European Green Deal by addressing climate change impacts, promoting sustainable water management, considering biodiversity and ecosystems, supporting the circular economy, facilitating the clean energy transition, and fostering research and innovation in the water sector. The project's main objective of enhancing resilience to climate change in water management aligns with the goals of the European Green Deal. By developing strategies, measures, and tools to address the impacts of climate change on water resources, AQUA supports climate action efforts and contributes to building a climate-neutral and resilient Europe. Further, AQUA emphasizes the optimization and efficient use of water resources. By promoting sustainable water management practices, including water reuse, recycling, and efficient distribution, the project contributes to the principles of the circular economy outlined in the European Green Deal. Finally, AQUA's focus on developing innovative solutions, sharing knowledge, and promoting scientific cooperation aligns with the European Green Deal's emphasis on research and innovation. By contributing to advancements in water management practices, the project supports the development and implementation of innovative solutions for a sustainable and green Europe.
Other The project AQUA contributes to the implementation of the Floods Directive by raising awareness about flood hazards and risks, providing information for risk assessment, promoting stakeholder engagement, and enhancing the resilience of water management systems to reduce the negative impacts of flooding. By providing valuable information, data, and tools related to flood risk assessment and management, the project supports stakeholders in accessing relevant information and being actively involved in the planning process. This contributes to the objective of the Floods Directive to improve the understanding of flood risks and enhance preparedness. Also, through its activities and research, the project AQUA provides insights into the changing flood patterns, potential vulnerabilities, and risk factors associated with floods. This information can contribute to the comprehensive risk assessments required by the Floods Directive. AQUA's objective of enhancing resilience to climate change in water management directly supports the goals of the Floods Directive. By developing strategies, measures, and tools to address flood risks and improve the resilience of water resources, the project contributes to reducing the negative consequences of flooding on human health, economic activities, the environment, and cultural heritage.
Other The project AQUA plays a significant role in contributing to the EU action on Water Scarcity and Drought by addressing the improvement of drought risk management and enhancing knowledge and data collection. Firstly, AQUA focuses on conducting in-depth assessments of the impacts of climate change on water resources, particularly in relation to drought risks. By studying patterns, trends, and drivers of drought events, the project aims to enhance our understanding of these risks and their implications. Another important aspect of the project is the improvement of data collection and monitoring. AQUA recognizes the significance of accurate and up-to-date data in managing water resources effectively. It works towards enhancing data collection methodologies, including the establishment of monitoring and forecasting systems. By improving data availability and quality, AQUA aims to develop reliable drought monitoring systems and early warning mechanisms. Furthermore, AQUA facilitates knowledge exchange and capacity building among stakeholders involved in water management. Lastly, AQUA provides valuable insights and scientific evidence to support policy development and decision-making processes related to water scarcity and drought. The project's findings and recommendations inform the development of strategies, guidelines, and frameworks at regional, national, and EU levels. By ensuring that policies are evidence-based, AQUA contributes to the overall EU action on Water Scarcity and Drought, aiming to build resilience, improve water resource management practices, and mitigate the impacts of water scarcity and drought in the EU.
Other The project AQUA makes a significant contribution to the implementation of the Water Framework, Drinking Water, and Bathing Water Directives by addressing both water quantity and quality aspects. Firstly, the project recognizes the need to enhance the framework of data, indicators, and tools related to water degradation caused by water quantity extremes. While the Water Framework Directive (WFD) primarily focuses on water quality, AQUA aims to bridge the gap by improving the understanding and management of water quantity issues. By developing and implementing innovative methodologies and tools, AQUA contributes to the overall transposition of water quantity considerations within the WFD framework. Secondly, AQUA recognizes the close link between water quality and human health, as addressed by the Drinking Water and Bathing Water Directives. The project emphasizes the importance of efficient monitoring, assessment, and enforcement of water quality to ensure the provision of safe drinking water and suitable bathing water. AQUA works towards developing robust monitoring systems, including monitoring and data collection, to assess and address water quality issues. Additionally, AQUA contributes to the improvement of the overall understanding of water degradation related to both quantity and quality aspects. Through its research activities and knowledge exchange initiatives, the project generates valuable insights into the factors impacting water resources and their associated risks. These insights contribute to the development of evidence-based strategies and measures for water resource management, aligned with the objectives of the Water Framework, Drinking Water, and Bathing Water Directives.
Other The project AQUA contributes to the implementation of the INSPIRE Directive by generating and providing spatial data relevant to water resource management. AQUA plays a crucial role in this context by generating and providing valuable spatial data related to water resources and their management. Through its research activities and data collection efforts, the project contributes to the creation of datasets that are relevant for environmental policies, particularly those related to water management, water scarcity, drought, and climate change impacts on water resources. By adhering to INSPIRE principles and guidelines, AQUA ensures the interoperability and accessibility of its data, enabling effective environmental decision-making. The project also promotes collaboration and data sharing among stakeholders, supporting the development of an EU spatial data infrastructure for environmental policies.
Other AQUA plays a vital role in the implementation of the Montenegro Water Management Strategy (2017) by providing support for water sector reforms, enhancing professional and institutional capacities, and contributing to the development of water management plans. In line with the Water Law and its amendments, AQUA acknowledges the importance of legislative bases and accompanying regulations. The project supports the new requirements set by the management of water resources, offering expertise and guidance for amending existing legislation and ensuring compliance with European Union standards and ratified international conventions. The project's activities are aligned with the strategic determinations and goals outlined in the strategy, serving as a basis for the sustainable development of water activities and their integration with other areas such as spatial planning and environmental protection.
Other The project AQUA supports the implementation of the Albanian National Strategy for Climate Change 2020-2030 by providing a comprehensive strategy and measures to enhance water management resilience to climate change, particularly in the context of flood risk management. AQUA addresses the challenge of water management in the face of climate change by developing an integrated joint transnational strategy and measures. By focusing on the impacts of climate change, variability, and extreme events on surface water bodies and groundwater, the project contributes to the identification and assessment of flood risks in Albania. Furthermore, AQUA helps in the formulation of flood risk management plans, which are essential for mitigating and managing flood risks effectively. These plans involve the implementation of measures to reduce vulnerability, enhance preparedness, and improve response and recovery capabilities. By providing support in the areas of data analysis, risk assessment, and planning, AQUA contributes to the overall objectives of the Albanian National Strategy for Climate Change.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-10-06

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

70 / 70 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

646 / 646 (100%)

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Enhancing Water Management for Climate Change Resilience in Adriatic-Ionian area

Description

Thematic information

Partners (7)

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Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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