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Introduction |
Welcome to our new edition of SEMIDE’s e-Flash!
SEMIDE is proud to present our latest e-Flash for April–May with a fresh new look and the launch of our newly redesigned website, now live and accessible. In this issue, we share recent news related to Euro-MED cooperation and widespread challenges for the water sector, and showcase the key updates of our projects striving for a sustainable future in our region. Also included are the latest publications, opportunities, and calls, and don’t miss out on our agenda of upcoming events.
Enjoy discovering our 171st e-Flash and join us in sharing water knowledge across the Mediterranean!
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Editorial |
From Nice to the World: Accelerating Ocean Action at UNOC 2025 |
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The city of Nice is hosting the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) from June 9 to 13, 2025, a major international event dedicated to the preservation and sustainable use of the oceans. Bringing together world leaders, scientists, NGOs, and private sector stakeholders, the conference aims to accelerate global action to protect marine ecosystems and address the pressing challenges of climate change, pollution, and overfishing. The UNOC in Nice will play a vital role in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. As part of the Conference a Mediterranean Day, will be held on June 10, 2025, and will focus on the specific issues relative to the Mediterranean. On Saturday, 7th of June, a special event was organized on Ocean rise and coastal resilience where a coalition for cities and regions was launched. Further information on UNOC platform
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EuroMED News |
EU Pushes for 10% Water Use Reduction by 2030
The European Commission is set to propose a plan requiring EU member state to cut water usage by at least 10% by 2030 to address increasing droughts and water scarcity. This marks the EU's first targeted water efficiency initiative, driven by shrinking groundwater reserves and escalating water stress. The plan urges nations to improve water infrastructure addressing leaky pipes that cause 25% average water loss (60% in Bulgaria) and invest in pumps and treatment systems. It also calls for increasing water reuse, currently just 2.4% in the EU. While the 10% savings target is non-binding, the Commission hopes it will spur national goals and improved data collection. Further information on SEMIDE website
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Greece and Bulgaria Sign New Water Agreement
After months of negotiation, Greece and Bulgaria have finalized a new five-year water agreement just before the summer irrigation season, providing much-needed relief for Greek farmers in the Evros region. The deal, signed on 2 May 2025, replaces a 60-year water-sharing agreement dating back to World War Two reparations, which expired in July 2024. The new accord ensures the release of water from Bulgaria’s River Arda into northern Greece to support agriculture across 50,000 acres. The annual volume of water released will be determined each year based on Bulgaria’s domestic needs. Further information on SEMIDE website
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Nature-Based Solutions for Wetland Management- study visit to Valencia
From April 9 to 10, 2025, a study visit was held in Valencia, Spain, as part of the Restore NAW project, bringing together institutional representatives from Morocco and Tunisia alongside Euro-Mediterranean partners. Led by the Sahara and Sahel Observatory (OSS), in collaboration with WWF North Africa and with technical support from SEMIDE, the Mediterranean Network of Basin Organizations (MENBO), and the Júcar River Basin Authority (CHJ), the mission aimed to share best practices in wetland conservation and restoration through Nature-Based Solutions (NbS). Further information on SEMIDE website
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The 22nd Euro-INBO International Conference held in Parma (Italy)
The EURO-INBO International Conference 2025 took place in Parma at the invitation of the Po River District Basin Authority and the Municipality of Parma, in partnership with the French Biodiversity Agency. The event gathered representatives from EU Member States, as well as national, regional, and local water authorities, hydrographic district agencies, and basin organizations. Participants shared experiences regarding the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), its related directives, and broader water management policies. The conference also welcomed delegates from EU candidate countries, Eastern Europe, the Balkans, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and neighboring regions interested in EU approaches and tools for integrated water resources management at the basin level. Further information on INBO Website
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2nd Mediterranean Green Week- Brussels, Belgium
The 2nd Mediterranean Green Week is a key regional gathering convened by the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) to foster collaboration on climate adaptation and mitigation, environmental sustainability, resilient infrastructure, Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus, and inclusive green energy transition across the Euro-Mediterranean region. Taking place in Brussels from 24 to 27 June 2025, this second edition brings together representatives from all 43 UfM Member States alongside civil society, youth, experts and private sector actors to advance shared solutions to the region’s pressing environmental and climate challenges. Through high-level discussions, expert panels and capacity-building workshops, the event will support policy dialogue, strengthen cross-sectoral cooperation, promote innovative and gender-responsive practices, and reinforce the science-policy interface for a more resilient and sustainable Mediterranean. Further information here
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IWA launches new Cluster on Nature-based Solutions for Climate-Resilient Water and Sanitation Management
IWA’s NbS Cluster, launched this year, unites global experts to advance science-based Nature-based Solutions in water and sanitation. Co-chaired by Sylvie Spraakman and Günter Langergraber, it promotes collaboration, shares real-world experiences, and fosters innovation for climate-resilient, sustainable water management. IWA members can join this cluster on ConnectPlus here.
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National News |
France: Local Climate Zones (LCZ): A Tool for Visualizing Heat Sensitivity
On May 22, 2025, CEREMA introduced the "Local Climate Zones" (LCZ) tool, providing access to data and maps indicating the degree of exposure to high temperatures. This self-service tool aims to assist in understanding and managing urban heat sensitivity. It is based on high resolution land cover maps. Further information on SEMIDE Website
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France: Legislative Proposal for the Elimination of PFAS
On May 20, 2025, Gabriel Amard, member of the French Parliament, submitted a legislative proposal aiming to equip France with a comprehensive strategy to eliminate PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), addressing widespread pollution concerns. Further information on SEMIDE Website
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Egypt’s Irrigation Minister urges scientific cooperation to tackle water scarcity
At the 50th anniversary of UNESCO’s International Hydrological Programme (IHP) held in Paris, Egypt’s Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam urged stronger scientific and regional cooperation to tackle growing water scarcity. He highlighted Egypt’s critical water stress and called for better hydrological forecasting and green water management. Sewilam emphasized that joint efforts and data-sharing are essential to avoid conflict and ensure sustainable water use across shared river basins like the Nile. Further information on SEMIDE Website
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Malta: Greywater Recycling Initiatives
Malta has launched the Alter Aqua RECAP project, focusing on greywater recycling to enhance water resilience. This initiative builds upon previous efforts to implement non-conventional water resource applications, aiming to integrate proven solutions into national water policy. Further information on SEMIDE Website
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Project News |
OurMED Advances Science: 9 Articles Published and 10 More Submitted on Mediterranean Water Challenges
The OurMED project is proud to announce the publication of 9 scientific articles and the submission of 10 more, showcasing significant progress in sustainable water management research across Mediterranean catchments. Topics range from long-term groundwater stability and the impacts of climate change to innovative river monitoring, wetland mapping, and living labs for co-designed solutions. These contributions reflect OurMED’s commitment to generating actionable knowledge for tackling water-related challenges in the region. Further information on OurMED website
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CRONUS: SEMIDE Promotes CRONUS Results at EUBCE and Launches Market Survey
SEMIDE took part at the 33rd European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE) that was held in Valencia (Spain) from 9 to 12 June 2025. SEMIDE represented CRONUS at the exhibition area of EU projects to showcase the latest innovations, results, and impacts of the Horizon-project in the field of biofuels, circular economy and Net-zero commitments. This event provided a strategic platform for CRONUS to increase its visibility, disseminate the latest outcomes, and foster networking among stakeholders from academia, industry, and policy-makers. SEMIDE, as the leader of the exploitation activities, seized this chance to launch a market survey among the visitors. If you are familiar with the biofuels market in the EU and the Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies please share your thoughts with us by answering this questionnaire: Link
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FutureLakes Identifies Funding Opportunities for Nature-Based and Circular Solutions
In the frame of FutureLakes project, SEMIDE is currently identifying and analysing the green financing mechanisms that can support the implementation of innovative solutions for the restoration of European lakes, notably Nature-based Solutions (NbS), Circular-Based Solutions (CBS), and Biodiversity-Focused Solutions (BFS). The task involves evaluating a diverse range of financial instruments (public, private,blended, and market-based) based on their geographic scope, sectoral relevance, and target beneficiaries. These include EU funding programmes, impact investments, crowdfunding, carbon credits, and payments for ecosystem services.
You can contribute to this mapping by answering this questionnaire (estimated time: 25 min): Link. Further information: FutureLakes website
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CARDIMED: Nature-based Solutions replication in the Mediterranean
The second phase of depaving at the Saint Jérôme university campus site in Marseille (CARDIMED demo 5) is scheduled for July 2025, adding 1,000 m² of permeable surface with in-depth soil monitoring. Meanwhile, initial construction will begin at the Saint Charles campus in August 2025. SEMIDE was in Marseille on April 30, alongside other national partners, for a working day focused on developing the project’s scientific communication. Various user-targeted questionnaires and individual interviews are conducted, and a second expanded steering committee is planned for July 4 at the Saint Charles site, with all regional stakeholders invited. In parallel, SEMIDE has been actively involved in developing and implementing monitoring indicators for Nature-Based Solutions (NbS), working closely with research teams from Aix-Marseille University. More than twenty indicators will be monitored for each of the 2 French sites in the project. Further information on CARDIMED website
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NIAGARA: ZeroPollution4Water Cluster Application towards securing drinking water
The project is progressing with the development of the first product prototypes. SEMIDE is currently drafting a “Policy Brief with recommendations” on risk assessment related to the potabilization of water from natural sources. This work involves extensive bibliographic research combined with exchanges with international partners to identify regulatory barriers and enablers for the implementation of the project's products. Additionally, the stakeholder mapping conducted by SEMIDE has been completed, and the stakeholder engagement phase is set to begin this summer and will continue throughout the entire duration of the project. Further information on NIAGARA website
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The Voice of the Mediterraneans is an international declaration in support of coastal resilience — a foundation for strengthened dialogue with local authorities across the Mediterranean region, and the result of collective work among expert partners. |
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Published on May 6, 2025, a new scientific article titled "Worldwide replicability of alternative water recovery technologies to close water loops in decentralized contexts" highlights the feasibility of implementing water recovery technologies in decentralized settings. |
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On March 21, 2025, the French government released the third National Climate Change Adaptation Plan (PNACC3), aiming to strengthen the country's resilience to the impacts of climate change. |
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Published on 03 June 2024 the strategy aims to:
Restore and protect the water cycle.
- Ensure clean and affordable water and sanitation for all.
- Promote a competitive EU water industry as part of a clean, water-wise circular economy.
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Call for tenders/proposals |
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The launch of the PRIMA 2025 calls brings a much-anticipated opportunity for researchers, innovators, and practitioners across the Mediterranean to step up and shape the future of our region. With climate change accelerating and recent floods highlighting the fragility of our ecosystems and food systems, this year’s call feels especially urgent and timely.
The 2025 programme places a strong emphasis on environmental resilience through ecosystem restoration, with a particular focus on implementing nature-based solutions in both farming and water management.
PRIMA 2025 targets specific gaps across its three key themes:
- Water Management: Accelerating the use of digital tools such as AI and IoT for adaptive water management, while strengthening impact assessments to inform better policy decisions.
- Farming Systems: Supporting smallholder farmers through precision agriculture, promoting soil health, biodiversity, and inclusive farming practices.
- Agri-food Value Chain: Engaging consumers in more sustainable choices, broadening plant-based protein options, and improving traceability throughout food systems.
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Euro-Mediterranean Journal for Environmental Integration |
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Submission Deadline: August 30, 2025
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This special issue seeks papers addressing water security challenges and climate change impacts in the Euro-Mediterranean region. |
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Extended Abstract Submission Deadline: June 14, 2025 |
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Full Paper Submission Deadline: July 5, 2025
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This event seeks abstracts on themes including sustainable water management, climate change adaptation, and nature-based solutions. |
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Abstract Submission Deadline: June 30, 2025 |
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The 5th International Symposium focuses on water resources, climate change, and sustainable technologies. Topics include AI in water management, hydrogeology, and water treatment innovations. |
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Abstract Submission Deadline: June 15, 2025
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The I SENTIATECH Congress centers on the detection, measurement, and control of emerging risks. Contributions are welcome in the form of oral communications, posters, and limited round table discussions. Authors may submit up to three abstracts, selecting preferred formats and topics. All abstracts must be submitted in English. Registration and fee payment are required for inclusion in the final program. Participants are encouraged to present innovative work and explore the city of Valencia. |
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Abstract Submission Deadline: 30 September 2025
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This high-level event provides a forum for meetings, exchanges and debates between academics and researchers as well as civil society experts, lawyers and artists. It will be organized along 3 components: i) scientific research and innovation; ii) Law, institutions and society; iii) Literature, poetry and the imaginary. |
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This event is organized by the Horizon Europe-funded MAGICA Climate project and it will convene multi-sectoral stakeholders to showcase innovations and exchange good practices in science and policy fields for a climate-resilient society. |
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The Geneva Water Hub is launching the 8th edition of its Summer School on “Water Governance: Frameworks and Negotiations”, taking place in person in Geneva from. |
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Ministry of Equipment and Water/ IWRA |
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The XIX World Water Congress will explore innovative solutions and adaptive strategies and approaches for water resources in an increasingly changing world. |
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25 September - 2 Octobert 2026 |
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The Forum, which has previously focused solely on Mediterranean countries, will for the first time include all European and Balkan states. This decision was announced in Bali, Indonesia, during the 10th World Water Forum. |
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