Cofunded by the European Union

On January 23, 2025 the workshop “Alignment with National and Local Water-Related Programs” was held in Rome, Italy. 

The event, organised by ISPRA in collaboration with Polytechnic University of Marche (UNIVPM), is framed within the activities dedicated to monitoring and assessment of alignment objectives (subtask A.2.4). The subtask is part of the Water4All Partnership structure (Pillar A: learn more), focused on the definition of strategic orientations and programme decisions. 

The workshop and its impact 

Announced during the Ecomondo 2024 exhibition (4-7 November, Rimini - Italy), this workshop represented an important opportunity for fostering the collaboration and alignment among the various stakeholders in the fields of research funding and water resource management. For this purpose, representatives from academia, research, funding agencies, basin authorities, and water service operators from a pilot group of European countries (Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal) have been invited to participate. 

During the working sessions, the experts - together with Water4All partners and the European Commission - have shared their experience on research in specific areas and alignment and interactions with research programmes.  

The meeting was highly productive: the experts discussed all contents in depth, generating numerous insights on how to approach future challenges. 

Research programmes, results and practical applications:

Another crucial topic discussed during the workshop was the evaluation of alignment between research programmes, with a focus on funded projects, their results and practical applications. It was emphasised how important it is to ensure that research results are effectively applied to promote locally useful innovations to respond to the real needs of the territories. This alignment is essential not only for the advancement of scientific knowledge but also for tangible improvements in water management, conservation and infrastructure development avoiding fragmentation and loss of resources 

Moreover, the discussion focused on: 

  • Effective harmonisation strategies 
  • Identification of mechanisms for aligning national and regional programmes with Water4All. 
  • Tools and methodologies for assessing progress in alignment and fostering collaboration amongst different groups of actors in the R&I chain 

Conclusions and future perspectives 

The workshop highlighted how strategic alignment is key for addressing water challenges in an effective and sustainable manner. The results obtained during the event will guide the next activities of the Water4All Partnership, reinforcing the role of sub-task A.2.4 as a key activity for the purposes of the Partnership and, more in general, for the future of European research programmes. Additionally, these efforts aim to enhance the appeal of the water sector to private sector investment. 

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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.