Author(s): Damian Sanchez-Garcia; Suvi Sojamo
Linked Author(s):
Keywords: No Keywords
Abstract: Water governance refers to a series of political, institutional and administrative processes through which administrations and stakeholders articulate their interests, concerns and needs, in order to implement decisions to achieve a sustainable and equitable use of water resources. EU Member States encounter different water difficulties, which comprise water scarcity, hydro-morphological alterations, and diffuse origin contamination. These issues are projected to worsen due to climate change, increasing demands for development, and structural transformations in associated sectors such as agriculture and energy. In this context, innovative instruments regarding water governance can play a key role in accelerating a path to sustainability transition in water management. The objective of this contribution is to present the first stages taken for the setting-up of a Living Lab where two innovative instruments to support and accelerate a transition towards sustainable and equitable water use in Europe will be tested. The Living Lab is located in the Axarquia region (SE Spain), where the scarcity of water resources, cyclic droughts and the existence of two high-demanding water sectors (agriculture and drinking water production) leads to unsustainable water resources management. The two assessed instruments are a water accounting hydroeconomic tool, and a digital tool based on integrated water management and users’ participation.
Year: 2024