The FLOWSAFE project (Restoration of FLOod-degraded ecosystems With Synergistic, tAilored bio-/nature-based remediation oF pollutant mixturEs), coordinated by IATA-CSIC, primarily focuses on developing new systems for restoring ecosystems damaged by floods. The kick-off meeting will serve to coordinate the first implementation phase and establish the foundations for the initial work.
Marta Arroyo, a researcher at IATA-CSIC and project coordinator, highlighted that this meeting represents an "important step towards four years of collaboration, research, and innovation." "Together, we will work to promote more sustainable approaches for the remediation and restoration of contaminated ecosystems, contributing to a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient environment," she stated.
From August 31st to September 2nd, the project consortium will convene at the IATA headquarters to organize tasks, review work packages, and plan future actions. The inaugural day will focus on team cohesion, the general project overview, and work package presentations, including a visit to l’Albufera de València, one of the three case study sites affected by the DANA in October 2024. The second day will concentrate on technical aspects and deliverables, while the third day will be dedicated to consolidating decisions, defining governance roles, and establishing next steps. The goal is to achieve a common vision of the first phase's priorities, identify short-term deliverables, and agree on project governance.
These sessions mark the group's second meeting, following a recent online technical meeting to align planned activities.
The FLOWSAFE project, funded by the Horizon Europe 2021-2027 program, will utilize nature-based solutions, combining materials, microbial communities, and plants to eliminate contaminants from water and sediments. It will also incorporate smart sensors to enhance anticipation and response to future floods. With a budget of €4 million and an expected duration from 2026 to 2030, the project will develop an adaptable strategy to restore ecosystems affected by complex pollutant mixtures exacerbated by floods.
The consortium comprises entities from Spain, Poland, Slovenia, Greece, Austria, and Sweden. On behalf of the CSIC, in addition to IATA, the Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Management (INGENIO, CSIC-UPV) and the Barcelona Microelectronics Institute (IMB-CNM-CSIC) are participating. Other institutions include the University of Burgos, LIMNOS Company for Applied Ecology, DRAXIS Environmental, Complexity Science Hub, the Swedish Environmental Research Institute (IVL), INNOWO, the Universitat de València, Global Omnium, the Institute of Soil Science and Plant Cultivation-State Research Institute, Powiat Złotoryja, the Jožef Stefan Institute, and DRAVA Water Management Company.
