The Networking activities with other related projects, both supported by the LIFE program and other calls or entities, is one of the hallmarks of the LIFE Program, and represents a mandatory action for all projects co-financed by this financial instrument.
Its main objective is to create networks of work between entities to facilitate the transfer of technical knowledge, the dissemination of the results obtained, share found problems and lessons learned and thus promote the replicability and transfer of innovative technologies proposed in each Project.
In short, it allows the creation of exchange networks between projects that are very varied but linked together under a common objective: the search for innovative solutions for the conservation of the environment in general and the improvement of water quality and human health in particular.
In a first phase, the LIFE ECOGRANULARWATER team carried out a search for LIFE projects theme on “Water” selected those that put their focus in water treatment techniques, nitrate and other pollutant removal systems for water intended for human consumption or wastewater, in methodologies for the recovery of ecosystems affected by eutrophication or in systems for improving the quality of the groundwater.
A first contact with the projects identified has made it possible to connect with project management teams, mainly dedicated entities, either to management or to research on the integral water cycle.
Also, it has been possible to include links between the web pages of each and other projects and the subscription to the newsletters has been promoted. The contacts have been established with the intention of committing to generate a Network of communication, collaboration and exchange of knowledge within the framework of their different projects.
It is also intended that this Networking strategy be a multiplier element of the impact of the LIFE ECOGRANULARWATER project, offering the solutions to the pollution problem that the project aims to solve, to a wide spectrum of public and private agents related to water quality of human consumption, so that they can be applied elsewhere at national and European level.
It is expected that the innovation proposed in this project will, on the one hand, satisfy the needs of the population in general – guarantee quality drinking wáter -, and of local administrations – reduce the costs of the public water management service –
Since the project is still in an experimental phase, like others approved in the 2016 call, the exchange of results at the moment is limited. LIFE ECOGRANULARWATER will organize Dissemination Seminars in its second year of execution and it is expected that, thanks to the cooperation relationships created through these previous contacts, the presentation of other successful experiences related to the project will be included, enriching and diversifying the contents to be treated in those Seminars.
Some of the LIFE projects to which have been contacted, so far, are the following:
LIFE ALCHEMIA. Towards a smart & integral treatment of natural radioactivity in water provision services. https://www.lifealchemia.eu/
LIFE LIBERNITRATE. Responsible reduction of nitrates in the comprehensive water cycle. www.lifelibernitrate.eu
LIFE NITRATOS. Repercussions of agricultural practices on the nitrate pollution of inland waters. http://www.life-nitratos.eu/index.php/es/
N-SINK LIFE PROJECT. Reduction of waste water nitrogen load: demonstrations and modelling. http://www.helsinki.fi/lammi/NSINK/index.html
LIFE IMPETUS. Improving current barriers for controlling pharmaceutical compounds in urban wastewater treatment plants. http://life-impetus.eu/home/
LIFE EUTROMED. Demonstrative technique for the prevention of eutrophication caused by agricultural nitrogen in surface waters in the Mediterranean climate zone. http://www.eutromed.org
LIFE HYMEMB. Tailoring Hybrid Membrane Process for Sustainable Drinking Water Production. http://www.life-hymemb.eu/
LIFE WATER WAY. Creating a new concept of natural drinking fountains and demonstrating its viability along St James’ way. https://lifewaterway.eu/
LIFE InSiTRATE. In situ treatment technology for drinking water production from nitrate-polluted groundwater. http://insitrate.ctm.com.es/es
In addition to these LIFE projects, one of the main focuses of the Networking actions is focused on the Water Working Group of the GRAMAS NETWORK – Municipalities from Granada Province towards Sustainability.
It is a network that is currently integrated by 90 municipalities of the province and it is used as a tool for cooperation and exchange, allowing the incorporation of the principles of sustainability in the municipalities’ management.
(http://www.a21-granada.org/red-gramas/)
In conclusion, with the development of these activities, Networking will be encouraged with environmental and water efficiency projects currently in development or already completed, as a tool for joint learning, exchange of experiences, cooperation and dissemination of information. results