Water Europe, alongside Lea Appulo (Global Europe Programme Manager, Wetlands International Europe) met with Commissioner Kadis, Commissioner for Fisheries and Ocean, to discuss the interconnections between the Water Resilience Strategy and the new Oceans Pact.
The EU Oceans Pact and the Water Resilience Strategy, which were published on June 4, are two sides of the same coin: from upstream to source, freshwater systems efficient management is fundamental to achieving the Ocean Pact objectives.
A key takeaway from the meeting was the importance of implementing the source-to-sea approach. Reflected in both strategies, it is fundamental to ensure pollution control at source, avoiding pollution at source that impacts in coastal areas. To designate water resilience and source-to-sea as cross-cutting pillars in Ocean Pact actions is a way forward.
At the same time, other key points referred were:
- Ensure the Digital Twin of the Ocean incorporates freshwater dynamics upstream and at source, to support data collection, leakage reduction in water-stressed areas and pollution monitorisation;
- The need to improve investments and research in desalination plants in the Mediterranean region;
- Commit to coordinated enforcement of zero pollution directives across all water types;
- The need to promote education and skills in blue economy sectors;
- Support the restoration of wetlands under both the Water Resilience Strategy and the Ocean Pact as nature-based solutions. Wetlands are crucial for both mitigation and adaptation strategies to climate change and play a role for blue carbon credits.
From Water Europe’s perspective, this meeting also served as an opportunity to highlight the ongoing research and innovation activities led by our members in the pursuit of innovative solutions toward achieving a Water-Smart Society. For example, the IDEATION project contributes to the development of a digital twin, while iMERMAID focuses on preventing and addressing pollution through a source-to-sea approach.
We thank Commissioner Kadis and his cabinet for having received us and we stand ready to keep on engaging with policymakers to make Europe water-smart and water-resilient.
