The Catalan Institute for Water Research (ICRA) hosted a delegation from the Secretariat for Ecological Transition of the Government of Catalonia. The visit was aimed at identifying administrative needs and exploring potential avenues for collaboration with ICRA’s research.

The meeting is part of the ICRA Business and Social Council‘s framework, an initiative designed to bring scientific activity closer to society and establish a direct dialogue with public and private stakeholders to better understand their challenges and priorities. Within this context, participants discussed points of synergy between public policy and the institute’s research, focusing on aquatic biodiversity, ecosystem services, and nature-based solutions.

The institutional delegation included Jordi Sargatal, Secretary for Ecological Transition; Marc Vilahur, Director General for Environmental Policies and the Natural Environment; Anna Estella, Deputy Director General for People and Nature; Pau Sainz de la Maza, Head of the Information and Knowledge Unit; and Josep Planas, Deputy Director General for Biodiversity and the Natural Environment.

During the visit, key current environmental challenges were addressed, highlighting the need for robust scientific knowledge to support decision-making. Opportunities were identified to enhance the transfer of knowledge from ICRA to public policy and to promote joint projects contributing to the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems.

This meeting reinforces a shared commitment to fostering close collaboration between the administration and the research community to address present and future environmental challenges.