ExpectedOutcome:
In support of the European Green Deal and EU water-related policies, successful proposals will contribute to foster the adaptation of water resources to climate change, in particular Destination ‘Land, ocean and water for climate action’ impact “Advance the understanding and science, and support adaptation and resilience of natural and managed ecosystems, water and soil systems and economic sectors in the context of the changing climate”.
Projects results are expected to contribute to several of the following expected outcomes
- Achieve transparent water sharing and adjust water allocation across environmental and human uses towards long-term water replenishment capacity and availability,
- Adopt inclusive, forward-looking and climate risk-informed water allocation planning and management processes, foster adoption of digital technologies in water management
- Guide decision makers in transboundary rivers to share transboundary waters equitably, reaping the benefits of appropriate water allocation regimes.
- Identify water efficiency deficiencies and achieve improvement by at least 50% by 2030, in regions under water stress, now or in the future, and for water bodies at risk of failing to achieve good ecological or quantitative status.
- Reduce the water footprint of water-using sectors, especially agriculture, energy and industry.
- Promote financing mechanisms to smoothen the transition to more appropriate water pricing policies in water supply and sanitation and in the different economic sectors, such as agriculture, energy and industry, taking into consideration the opportunities available in various EU (e.g. CAP, Cohesion Policy funds, etc.) and national funding mechanisms and policies.
- Help structure an appropriate policy dialogue to support water allocation reforms and increase stakeholders engagement.
- Support the implementation of the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Development Goals, notably the SDG 6 “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all”.
Scope:
Current water allocation regimes are largely shaped by historical preferences and usage patterns. They are therefore usually not well equipped to deal with the growing water needs and intensifying competition of the different water use sectors, the impacts of climate changes, especially water scarcity and/or shifts in societal preferences, such as increasing value placed on water related ecological services. It is therefore important to assess current water allocation systems in different regions and sectors and to develop pertinent water allocation models that are able to perform well under both average and extreme conditions and could demonstrate adaptive efficiency in order to adjust to climate conditions.
Actions under this topic should address ways to value water appropriately, taking into account the multiple and diverse values of water to different groups and sectors, and ways to develop appropriate tariffs and prices to ensure access to water which should be available and affordable to all, while also securing adequate pricing policies allowing for systematic renewal of water service infrastructure. Actions should develop and demonstrate in relevant river basins and sectors, innovative tools / instruments on intelligent water allocation schemes relevant for decision-making recommendations (e.g. on permits). The opportunities for developing water allocation schemes based on digital technologies should be explored.
The challenges for water allocation regimes, especially in developing countries, are also aggravated by weak water policies which contributes to structural water scarcity, increasing the risk of shortages for users and the environment. The interaction of policies, regulation and implementation mechanisms should be especially assessed, as well as, the interplay between conventional and non-conventional water resources (e.g. wastewater reuse, desalination, etc.).
Water allocation scheme in transboundary river basins should also be addressed with a view to developing an internationally accepted and standardised mechanism for allocation of water in cross-border river basins, by taking into account the various socio-economic and environmental disparities among these countries and making transboundary waters an area of cooperation rather than conflict.
Climate change impacts on freshwater resources can have significant impacts on agricultural production resulting in destabilising effects on agricultural markets, food security and other non-agricultural uses. Current water allocation regimes in agriculture should be reviewed in this context, with a view to developing the necessary combination of various adaptation measures, such as, water pricing, water use restrictions, improvement of water use efficiency, economic incentives, water reuse, shifting to less water-requiring crops and fallowing, etc., to cope with the reduction of water availability anticipated in climate change scenarios.
International cooperation with non-associated third countries with transboundary rivers is encouraged.
In general, the participation of academia, research organisations, utilities, industry and regulators is strongly advised, as well as civil society engagement whenever necessary, also aiming to broaden the dissemination and exploitation routes and to better assess the innovation potential of developed solutions and strategies.
Specific Topic Conditions:
Activities are expected to achieve TRL 6-8 by the end of the project – see General Annex B.
Cross-cutting Priorities:
Societal EngagementInternational CooperationDigital AgendaSocial sciences and humanities
