News & Events

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), in collaboration with the European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) and partners – CIMA Research Foundation, United Nations University, and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam – has officially launched the World Drought Atlas at COP16 in Riyadh. This Atlas highlights the systemic risks of drought across critical sectors like energy, agriculture, river transport, and trade. Through maps, infographics, and case studies, it illustrates how drought exacerbates inequality, public health crises, and even [...]

On the 28th of November 2024, MARCLAIMED project held its first Community of Practice (CoP) workshop with entities and organizations from the Baix Llobregat region. This event, organized in collaboration with Aigües de Barcelona, focused on advancing the innovative use of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) techniques with alternative water resources. The workshop served as a platform for experts, organisations, and stakeholders to come together, share insights, and discuss strategies for integrating MAR solutions in regional water management. Managed [...]

On the 26th of November 2024, Beatriz de la Loma Gonzalez, Head of Water Resources Management in Cetaqua took the stage to present MARCLAIMED during the Mediterranean Geosciences Union (MedGU) 2024, held in Barcelona from November 25 to 28, in a hybrid format combining in-person and online participation. The MedGU conference gathers leading researchers and experts from across the globe to share and discuss cutting-edge advancements in geosciences. With topics spanning climate change, water resources, environmental sustainability, and [...]

On 20 November 2024, the Alternative Water Resources for Climate Cluster was officially launched, marking the beginning of an exciting collaboration to enhance the development, uptake, and reliability of alternative water resources. This initiative brings together two Horizon Europe-funded projects, AWARD and RECREATE, united by a shared mission to ensure a more sustainable and resilient water supply in the face of climate challenges. The newly formed cluster will focus on leveraging cutting-edge research, innovative technologies, and stakeholder collaboration [...]

On September 16-17, 2024, the MARCLAIMED team, led by LNEC and AgdA Portuguese teams, successfully installed reactive organic layers (ROLs) in two soil-aquifer treatment (SAT) managed aquifer recharge (MAR) infiltration basins at the Comporta Demo site in Portugal. This installation is a significant step towards enhancing water quality in SAT-MAR systems. Key installation details: Infiltration Basin 1 was equipped with a reactive layer made of Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) (15%) and sand (85%). Infiltration Basin 2 was equipped [...]

In the MARCLAIMED Work Package 3, Fresh Thoughts Consulting is focusing on the challenges faced by circular economy initiatives, particularly those centred on treated water reuse. The objective is to identify, classify, and address the various barriers hindering the implementation and uptake of these initiatives. The barriers are categorised into six key areas: Technology, Economic, Financial, Social, Institutional, Regulatory, and Permitting Procedures, as well as knowledge gaps. Barriers and Challenges Identified Our research so far has compiled a [...]

Persistent droughts are causing significant challenges for water resources and agriculture in Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands, where the MARCLAIMED project hosts its demo sites. While Northern Africa continues to experience severe drought, southern Europe is facing its own crisis, with two consecutive years of below-average rainfall and higher temperatures impacting critical water supplies and crop yields. The situation is particularly dire for water resources, as prolonged drought has drastically reduced reservoir levels, river flows, and groundwater reserves. [...]

Nearly half of the world's land surface is now classified as drylands, and new research indicates that these regions are accelerating their own expansion. Published in the journal Science on August 29, the study shows that around 45% of global land consists of deserts, shrublands, grasslands, and savanna woodlands, all characterized by water scarcity that impacts natural ecosystems and human activities, including agriculture and forestry. While climate change and land management practices have long been known to drive [...]

On May 15, 2024, the recharge of the Vall Baixa aquifer with reclaimed water officially began at the San Viçent dels Horts infiltration ponds. After months of preparation, including sensor installation and blank sampling, this milestone marks a significant achievement for the project. Led by MARCLAIMED partners from Cetaqua, Aigües de Barcelona, Agència Catalana de l’Aigua, and stakeholder CUADLL, this Barcelona pilot site aims to enhance the climate resilience of the region by safely increasing water reserves in [...]

On April 16, 2024, MARCLAIMED partners from Cetaqua, Aigües de Barcelona, Agència Catalana de l’Aigua, and the stakeholder CUADLL conducted the first sampling campaign at the Barcelona demosite’s infiltration ponds. The primary goal was to collect blank samples and install sensors in preparation for upcoming aquifer recharge with reclaimed water. As the aquifer recharge begins, regular sampling campaigns will be conducted to assess the impact of the reclaimed water on the aquifer. The installed sensors will provide crucial [...]

On April 24th, 2024, teams from LNEC and AgdA successfully installed six steel soil water samplers at the Comporta demo site in Portugal. These samplers were placed in three Soil-Aquifer Treatment (SAT) Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) basins to monitor water quality in the unsaturated zone. The samplers are strategically positioned at two depths, 25 cm and 50 cm, to assess the vertical distribution of contaminants. This will provide valuable insights into the adsorption and biodegradation processes that enhance [...]

On June 17, 2024, the world will observe Desertification and Drought Day, marking the 30th anniversary of the Bonn-based United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). This year’s theme, “United for Land: Our Legacy. Our Future.”, emphasizes the critical need for sustainable land stewardship to combat the alarming rate of land degradation. Every year, 100 million hectares of land become degraded – the equivalent of four football fields every second. The UNCCD’s Executive Secretary, Ibrahim Thiaw, highlighted the [...]

Spain has experienced its warmest first quarter since records began in 1961, with an average temperature of 9.5°C, which is 1.9°C above the seasonal average. The National Meteorological Agency, Aemet, reported that this rise in temperatures has exacerbated water shortages, despite recent rains partially refilling reservoirs. Several regions, including Barcelona and Tenerife, have declared drought emergencies, highlighting the severe impact of these unseasonably warm conditions. This trend underscores the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the worsening [...]