Cofunded by the European Union

Update - The ATLAS of Water-Oriented Living Labs (WOLLs) is available online in the media library!

Link to the media library here
It serves as the first version of the 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐮𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐫-𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬.
It represents a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts towards sustainable water management.
As a result of a mapping exercise by Water4All partners and a selection process based on a maturity assessment tool.
This initiative lays the groundwork for establishing a network of test facilities fostering synergies and enhancing collaboration among WOLLs operating in the water sector.

▶ 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐬

It will be presented on June 20 in Brussels for the public event: Water Innovation Europe; the ATLAS embodies Water4All Partnership's vision of fostering a Water-Smart Society.

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April 2024

Advancing Toward a Water-Smart Society: Introducing the ATLAS of WOLLs Two Years into the Water4All Partnership 

The ATLAS of Water-Oriented Living Labs (WOLLs)  represents a significant milestone in the collaborative efforts towards sustainable water management. As a result of a mapping exercise by partners under Pillar D and a selection process based on a maturity assessment tool, the ATLAS serves as the first version of the database of European initiatives of water-related innovations. This initiative lays the groundwork for establishing a network of test facilities aimed at fostering synergies and enhancing collaboration among WOLLs operating in the water sector. 

The ATLAS:  World Water Forum, Bali and Brussels

Scheduled to be published at the WWF in Bali in May, it will be presented on June 20  in Brussels for the public event: Water Innovation Europe; the ATLAS embodies Water4All Partnership's vision of fostering a Water-Smart Society.

Continual updates to the ATLAS in subsequent stages reflect a commitment to staying abreast of evolving water challenges and innovations. A Water-Smart Society is one where water resources are managed efficiently and sustainably to meet the needs of both people and the environment. This involves making smart decisions about water use, investing in innovative solutions, and fostering partnerships to ensure long-term water security for all. 

At the core of this endeavour lies the Water4All Partnership, one of the largest networks for water research, development, and innovation ever created. Given the increasing challenges posed by climate change and anthropogenic activities, which threaten water availability and quality on a global scale, the validation and market penetration of innovations is crucial. The WOLLs approach provides an ideal environment for this process, offering real-life validation and experimentation settings. WOLLs are rooted in the specific water issues faced by local communities, providing a practical environment for developing solutions tailored to their needs. By doing so, these living labs facilitate the co-creation of solutions between users/demanders and suppliers, fostering innovation that effectively reaches the market. 

The concept of a Water-Smart Society requires bold decisions, investments, and stakeholder partnerships at all levels. The Water-Oriented Living Lab concept aligns with this vision, offering support to territories in achieving long-term water security through innovative solutions and collaborative action. 

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The Water4All Partnership - Water Security for the Planet - is a funding programme for scientific research in freshwater. It aims to tackle water challenges to face climate change, help to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and boost the EU’s competitiveness and growth.

It is co-funded by the European Union within the frame of the Horizon Europe programme (a key funding programme for research and innovation). The Partnership duration is for twelve years from 2022.

The Water4All objective is to enable water security at a large scale and in the long term. Its goal is also to tackle water issues in a holistic frame. 

All forms of life on earth need water. All human activities operate with this resource. Water is part of our everyday life. It is also integrated within urban and countryside landscapes. It is one of the most valuable elements we share with plants and animals.

These simple facts must be kept in mind to understand the Water4All ambition.

This resource is weakened in many places due to climate changes, and human habits. We can improve the way we use water. Everyone has a role to play, especially the scientific research community.

Scientific research is the heart of the Partnership as it is a powerful tool to improve knowledge on preserving, restoring, and managing this essential resource. 

International cooperation is also needed as water has no borders on Earth and runs from one country to another.

Water4All brings together a broad and cohesive group of 90 partners from 33 countries in the European Union and beyond. This consortium gathers partners from the whole water Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) chain.