SO12 Sustainable water

The aim of the type of action is to improve the knowledge of and coordination among relevant stakeholders and decision makers to manage cross-border water bodies, considering water quality, water ecology, flood hazards, water scarcity, wastewater treatment and drinking water supply.
Indicative actions:

• jointly developing methods for monitoring and modelling of river morphology and habitat quality
• studies, monitoring and modelling activities for example on the water balance of surface waters, cross-border impact of water abstraction on the transboundary groundwater bodies or sediment transport, or on the impact of human intervention (agriculture, tourism…)
• interdisciplinary know-how exchange and show-how e.g. on innovative irrigation measures in sensitive areas
• improving capabilities and skills of relevant stakeholders to make better use of digitization and digital connectivity regarding sustainable water management
• improving capabilities and skills on local water reprocessing possibilities
• know-how exchange, data collection and analysis for integrative river management or on wastewater treatment, especially in remote areas

The aim of the type of action is to boost strategic development across the border to allow for sound water bodies and a more sustainable water management in the border region, involving also other relevant sectors such as nature protection or tourism.
Indicative actions:

• strategies on specific water management measures addressing for example (thermal) water resources, water quality, river restoration or the hydromorphology of the regions’ water bodies
• interdisciplinary strategies addressing more sustainable land use to reduce impacts on water quality as well as ground water level, involving other relevant sectors
• strategies or action plans on improving the regional fresh and drinking water supply in a more sustainable way
• strategies and action plans for flood warning systems

The aim of the type of action is to promote implementing measures for monitoring, protecting and improving the regional surface and ground water bodies and contributing to a sustainable use of water resources including access to clean drinking water.
Indicative actions:

• implementing (integrated) monitoring systems on border crossing rivers
• implementing flood warning systems
• measures addressing biodiversity in water management for example by revitalisation of ecological niches
• measures improving the ecological status of the water bodies and ensuring long-term continuity
• application of replicable good practices enhancing the drinking water supply in rural communities
• measures aiming at improving the groundwater management such as small-scale local practices for retaining water, including rainwater and at developing sustainable management practices of thermal water resources, replicable as feasible
• establishing a know-how exchange centre on integrative water management
• education and awareness raising measures of the general public on sustainable use of water resources also by using digital means and social media, such as field trips or (digital) exhibitions
• implementing actions contributing to the execution of the EU Water Framework Directive, the Groundwater Directive and the Flood Directive