AquaLoops4Med, “Mediterranean network for sustainable and circular water management in the agrifood sector” (GA 101161349), has been selected under the Interregional Innovation Instrument (I3) call. This initiative supports mature joint innovation projects in areas of shared smart specialization, structured through value-chain investment portfolios.

AquaLoops4Med aims to tackle the main challenges of water management in the Mediterranean agrifood sector, fostering the transition towards a circular economy through interregional collaboration, investment in SMEs, and knowledge exchange within the quadruple helix (public administration, industry, academia, and civil society).

The project is coordinated by the Catalan Water Partnership and involves 13 partners from four European regions: Catalonia (Spain), Basilicata (Italy), Attica and Thessaly (Greece). The total budget amounts to €3.6M, of which €2.7M are funded.

At ICRA, the team will contribute to several work packages, including the evaluation of human health risks linked to the use of reclaimed water in agricultural irrigation. The project at ICRA is led by Gianluigi Buttiglieri, with the participation of Sara Rodriguez-Mozaz, Lucas Alonso, and Joaquim Comas.

The project’s kick-off meeting took place in Girona on October 1–2, 2024, and its planned duration is 3 years.