13th June the kick-off meOneting of the WATERPROTECT project took place in Ghent, Belgium. This European research and innovation project aims to contribute to the development and implementation of new agricultural practices focused on improving water quality in areas where water quality is under severe pressure due to fertilisation and the use of crop protection products.
This project, co-financed by the ‘Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme’ funds of the European Commission, is setting up ‘action labs’ in seven different countries: the Bollaertbeek (Belgium), Wexford County (Ireland), Llobregat (Spain), Jebjerg (Denmark), Gowiecina (Poland), Val Tidone (Italy), Maramures (Romania). Although agriculture and local challenges differ per action lab, all seven are confronted with drinking water supplies under pressure from excessive nutrients and/or pesticides.
During this three-year project, a multi-actor approach will be used to explore what opportunities exist to improve the water quality in the action labs. New governance models are being tested (policy and surveillance methods) and farmers will be more involved in monitoring and improving water quality in order to increase the level of involvement. At the same time, new agricultural practices will be promoted and introduced.