Project Summary

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.