Cofunded by the European Union

Water4All participated in the third participatory workshop of the Val d'Orcia Living Lab (AG-WaMED, PRIMA project).

ISPRA (the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research), as a partner in the activities of Pillar D (Demonstrating Solution Efficiency) of the Water4All partnership, was invited to participate in the third participatory workshop of the Val D'Orcia Living Lab on November 22. The event took place in the charming town of San Quirico d'Orcia.

Workshop event objectives

The event aimed to bring together stakeholders from different sectors (local authorities, water management experts, farmers, environmental organisations and researchers) to engage in a collaborative dialogue on water use in the region.

The AG-WaMED project aims to promote non-conventional water management while promoting innovative, climate-adaptive water management. The project focuses on developing sustainable strategies that combine traditional practices with advanced technologies, addressing both environmental and social challenges in the Mediterranean region.

Organisers & partners

This workshop, part of the AG-WaMED project (“Advancing Non-Conventional Water Management for Innovative Climate-Resilient Water Governance in the Mediterranean Area”), is supported by the PRIMA programme of the EU Horizon 2020—Partnership on Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area. Organized by the University of Florence (Department of Agricultural, Food, Environmental and Forestry Science and Technology - DAGRI),

The Val d'Orcia region example

The Val d’Orcia region, located in Tuscany (Italy) is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and rich agricultural heritage. However, it also faces significant water-related challenges, particularly in terms of water availability and quality, which are exacerbated by climate change and increasing human activity.

During the workshop, a draft Integrated Management Plan for the River Orcia was presented and discussed. This strategic document is the result of a joint effort to optimise the use of water resources, taking into account the environmental and socio-economic characteristics of the Val D'Orcia region.

The Val D’Orcia Living Lab has been selected to join the WoLLs network (Water oriented Living Labs) and will be included in the Water4All Atlas of WoLLs, set to be published in 2025. This inclusion is due to its focus on policy development and its ability to create value by fostering collaboration between stakeholders and strengthening their collective demands towards regional and national institutions.

Event Water4All focus

During the event, Maria Chiara Sole and Vittoria Laterza (ISPRA) highlighted key elements of the work of the Water4All partnership, including:

  • Water4All Pillar D
  • Water4All WoLLs definition
  • Water4All WoLLs Assessment & Atlas of WoLLs
  • Water4All WoLLs Network
  • The New WoLL: Val D’Orcia Living Lab (AG-WaMED project)

Water4All’s participation in this territorial event confirms its commitment to promoting an innovative and resilient approach to water resources management at various scales.

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The Water4All Partnership - Water Security for the Planet - is a funding programme for scientific research in freshwater. It aims to tackle water challenges to face climate change, help to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and boost the EU’s competitiveness and growth.

It is co-funded by the European Union within the frame of the Horizon Europe programme (a key funding programme for research and innovation). The Partnership duration is for seven years from 2022.

The Water4All objective is to enable water security at a large scale and in the long term. Its goal is also to tackle water issues in a holistic frame. 

All forms of life on earth need water. All human activities operate with this resource. Water is part of our everyday life. It is also integrated within urban and countryside landscapes. It is one of the most valuable elements we share with plants and animals.

These simple facts must be kept in mind to understand the Water4All ambition.

This resource is weakened in many places due to climate changes, and human habits. We know that we can improve the way we use water. Everyone has a role to play and especially the scientific research community.

Scientific research is the heart of the Partnership as It is a powerful tool to improve knowledge on preserving, restoring, and managing this essential resource. 

International cooperation is also needed as water has no borders on Earth and runs from one country to another.

Water4All brings together a broad and cohesive group of 90 partners from 33 countries in the European Union and beyond. This consortium gathers partners from the whole water Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) chain.