Sustainable water supply and sanitation is fundamental to the food
security, health, survival, societal well-being and economic growth in
developing countries, especially in Africa. Developing countries are
also particularly vulnerable to water-related problems which are
expected to be exacerbated in the future by more frequent and severe
floods and droughts due to climate change. A prerequisite for tackling
these challenges is a profound analysis of water resources at
cross-boundary catchment scales, pressures on water resources and
conflicts in water use that require sound approaches to water
management, taking into consideration broader socio-economic factors and
greater gender balance in decision making. International cooperation
can play an important role in mitigating negative effects.
At the same time, the EU should aim to strengthen international
cooperation also with emerging economies, especially China and India,
through strategic partnerships in the field of water. This will allow
for joint development of technological solutions that, capitalising on
the mutual knowledge and experience of the water industry in EU Member
States and these countries, have a great potential for further
replication and market uptake. Building on its leadership in
international water-related negotiations, the EU will promote its
experience in water policy and river management in order to share best
practices.
Scope: Proposals shall address the following issue:
[2015] Development of water supply and sanitation technology, systems and tools, and/or methodologies
to manage risks associated with water supply and sanitation and
cross-boundary water management issues, or integrated water resources
management systems for sustainable agriculture and food security,
sustainable environment protection and economic growth, focused on the
non-EU Mediterranean countries and Africa. Proposals should connect to
local knowledge, socio-economic development cultures, policy
institutions and implementing bodies, and take into account the gender
dimension where relevant. In line with the EU's strategy for
international cooperation in research and innovation[1] international
cooperation is encouraged, in particular with non-EU Mediterranean
countries and Africa. Proposals should include participation of
organisations from the above-mentioned regions is considered essential.
The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution
from the EU of between EUR 2 and 3 million would allow this specific
challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not
preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.
Expected impacts:
Application of innovative technological approaches/solutions adapted to local conditions, operational
and effective application of integrated water management, better identification of water vulnerability by
policy makers, advanced regulatory and economic instruments, improved capacity building of local
actors, and increased economic and social well-being at local and regional levels in the non-EU
Mediterranean countries and Africa. Support to internationally agreed water-related goals, including in
the context of the post-2015 development framework and Rio+20 follow up, by bridging the water and
sanitation gaps.
Type of action: Research and innovation actions
