Back to the WOLLs Network Webinar Series

On April 29, 2025, the Water4All WOLLs Network launched its first webinar in the new WOLLs Webinar Series, bringing together over 75 participants from across Europe.

This exciting session showcased inspiring experiences from Spain, Belgium, and Finland, highlighting how Water-Oriented Living Labs (WOLLs) are driving local impact through collaboration and shared methodologies like the Water-Smart Principles and the Harmonization Cube.

Interactive Mentimeter polls sparked lively engagement, prompting reflection on key financial barriers, new funding pathways, and the success and failure factors influencing long-term WOLLs operations. The open exchange of experiences created a strong sense of community and reinforced the growing value of this European network.

Missed the session or want to revisit it? Watch the full recording here: 👉 Watch the recording

Don’t miss the next webinar on 1 July 2025, where we’ll explore Policy Innovation and Regulatory Sandboxes for Water Management. Save the date and stay tuned!

Back to EU Water Directives' Webinar

This engaging webinar, on April 15th, 2025, focused on solutions to governance gaps in the implementation of three key EU water-related directives: the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, and the Drinking Water Directive.

Organized under the Water4All Partnership (Policy Support Working Group – Pillar C activities), the event brought together more than 60 researchers, experts and policy makers to discuss innovative approaches to stakeholders' involvement and cross-sectoral cooperation.

Key Highlights

The webinar explored case studies from different Water Oriented Living Labs (WOLLs) : the Catalan Water Partnership and Canale Reale River Contract, showcasing practical solutions and lessons learned:

1. Canale Reale: River Contracts for Local Change - Video link
   • Participatory democracy: A voluntary and negotiated planning process involving stakeholders for local development, water and ecosystem conservation.
   • Innovative engagement methods: Activities like the Canale Reale Green Festival, citizen science initiatives, and educational events (e.g., yoga, trekking) were used to raise awareness and foster stakeholder involvement.
   • Personal benefits as motivation: Demonstrating the impact of individual behavior on river quality encouraged active participation and targeted actions in the territory.. 
2. Catalan Water Partnership: Cross-Sectoral Collaboration - Video link
   • Cluster approach: With 167 members, the partnership promotes open innovation and collaboration across sectors to improve water management.
   • Best practices and awareness: Events showcasing novel technologies and sustainable practices helped bridge the gap between demand and existing solutions.
   • Regulatory dialogue: The involvement of the Catalan Water Agency facilitated discussions on directive implementation, fostering understanding and cooperation.

Why It Matters

Participants gained valuable insights into:

• Innovative tools and approaches: Practical methods to address governance gaps and foster collaboration.
• Stakeholder engagement: Strategies to motivate and involve diverse groups and individuals in water governance.
• Cross-sectoral solutions: Examples of successful partnerships driving sustainable water management.

This webinar also served as a precursor to a physical workshop, held during the EURO-INBO conference in Parma, Italy, in May. Link here

Looking Ahead

The discussions highlighted the importance of funding, motivation, and collaboration in ensuring the uptake of solutions by problem owners. By bridging the gap between stakeholders and solution providers, the Water4All Partnership continues to drive systemic transformations for water security.

For those who missed the webinar, stay tuned for more events and opportunities to engage in shaping the future of water governance!