Unlocking Freshwater Innovation: BIOEAST Policy Discussion Tackles Water-Soil-Climate Challenges.
As Europe faces mounting climate-related challenges – droughts, destructive summer fires, and recent floods, the BIOEAST Thematic Working Group on Freshwater-Based Bioeconomy (TWG Freshwater BBE) convened a pivotal policy discussion on December 18, 2024, to address these challenges using the potential of freshwater based bioeconomy innovations. Policy-expert debate, held on 18th December 2024 as a week hour workshop organised by BlueMissionAA highlighted innovative strategies to integrate the water-soil-climate nexus into sustainable bioeconomy practices.
The event showcased the Water-Soil-Climate Nexus approach, a comprehensive framework developed by the Slovak Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development. This approach introduced by Martin Kováč (Water Holistic NGO) aims to restore water cycles, improve soil health, and enhance climate resilience through measures such as decentralized water retention and rainwater harvesting, restoration of floodplains and riparian zones and regenerative agricultural practices to promote biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
Barna Kovács, Secretary-General of the BIOEAST Initiative, emphasized the initiative’s commitment to fostering knowledge-based circular bioeconomies, enhancing regional collaboration, and bridging the gap between science and policy. Marie Kubankova, leader of the TWG Freshwater BBE, unveiled the updated Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda, which integrates the water – soil – climate principles into the region’s bioeconomy strategies. Michael Kravčík, of People and Water NGO, presented pilot projects addressing flood and fire management, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land use in the Baltic and Mediterranean regions. Béla Hasi-Kovács, SCIAP Ltd., underscored the role of freshwater aquaculture in the blue bioeconomy, calling for greater EU investment and recognition of its contributions to sustainable development. Ana Gavrilović, EU Mission “Restore Our Ocean and Waters,” outlined the mission’s objectives to achieve a carbon-neutral and circular blue economy, emphasizing the need for freshwater-focused solutions. Ariane Blum from Water4All emphasized the importance of collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to address water management challenges, highlighting a strategic research agenda aimed at translating findings into actionable policies aligned with EU water resilience goals. Allison O’Reilley from Danube4All concluded by showcasing efforts to restore the Danube River Basin through interdisciplinary approaches, integrating stakeholder engagement, environmental sustainability, and climate adaptation to shape effective restoration strategies.
Participants reaffirmed the BIOEAST Initiative’s Stakeholder Manifesto, which emphasizes sustainable and integrated approaches to freshwater management. By fostering innovative practices and stakeholder collaboration, the BIOEAST region is taking decisive steps to address its freshwater challenges and unlock the potential of a resilient, sustainable bioeconomy. During the webinar, participants emphasized the necessity of decentralized water retention, regenerative agriculture, and circular aquaculture as key strategies to restore ecosystems, mitigate climate risks, and drive sustainable economic growth.
The recording of the webinar is available on youtube.
Marie Kubankova
Anastasia Perouli
BIOEAST HUB CR
