Dr. Josep Pueyo has been awarded second place in the best innovation project #VIIWID prize, granted by the Catalan Water Partnership. This recognition highlights his work in the development of NAT4WAT, an innovative tool designed to facilitate the implementation of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) with the aim of improving water management and promoting more sustainable practices in water resource management.

NAT4WAT is a comprehensive platform that provides tools and resources to assess, design, and apply nature-based solutions in the context of water management. The main objective of the platform is to help technicians, water resource managers, and environmental policy makers integrate NBS into the planning, design, and execution of water-related infrastructure and projects. This tool facilitates the adoption of sustainable solutions that, in addition to improving water quality and conserving ecosystems, contribute to climate change adaptation and the mitigation of its effects, while promoting more efficient and responsible management of natural resources.

The use of Nature-Based Solutions in water management is an emerging trend in the field of sustainability, as it offers innovative and efficient alternatives to traditional approaches, which are often less adaptable to environmental changes. In this regard, NAT4WAT positions itself as a key tool for sector professionals, providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to incorporate more sustainable and effective practices into their projects.

This recognition of Dr. Josep Pueyo underscores ICRA’s commitment to research and innovation in the field of water management, as well as the importance of delving into the study and implementation of solutions that promote environmental sustainability. In a context marked by climate emergency and the need to improve the management of natural resources, NAT4WAT offers an effective way to advance towards more sustainable, efficient, and adaptive water management.

For more information about NAT4WAT, interested parties can visit its official website: https://nat4wat.icradev.cat/.

Additionally, the Flash Seminar in which this tool is presented is available at the following link, where more details about its application and the benefits it offers can be found: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qIaf3wliTb8&list=PLUdrUrYcv7oB43QDU37P8mCs8q2M-hdRf&index=7

This recognition marks an important step forward for the scientific community and all professionals involved in water management and sustainability, highlighting the fundamental role of applied research as a driver of change in a world increasingly aware of environmental challenges. Congratulations to Dr. Josep Pueyo for this well-deserved award.