A Common Cross-Border Strategy for the Prevention of Seawater Intrusion in Coastal Aquifers and the integrated management of their adjacent ecosystems, Acronym SUSWATER, Funding program: Cooperation Program Interreg V/A Greece-Italy 2014-2020, Priority Axis 2 “Integrated Environmental Management”, Specific objective 2.2. – “Improving joint management and governance plans for the biodiversity of coastal and rural ecosystems, with attention to natural resources and protected areas and the development of environmental protection measures”, Budget: €876,389.80, Funding: European Union, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and national funds from Greece and Italy. Horizon – Center of Research, Technology, and Innovation participates as an external expert.

The “SUSWATER” project aims at the sustainable and integrated management of coastal groundwater resources and the protection of adjacent coastal and rural ecosystems, through coordinated cooperation and the development of a common approach and tools between Greece and Italy. In particular, the project aims to address seawater intrusion in coastal pilot areas in Corfu, Preveza, and Brindisi, to prevent the degradation of coastal aquifers and neighbouring ecosystems.

Within the framework of the project, common strategies and tools will be developed to minimize the environmental and economic impacts of the salinization phenomenon, with multiple benefits for the conservation of biodiversity, the mitigation of water scarcity, the maintenance of the connected ecosystems’ health as well as the availability and quality of water supplies for use by local communities and productive groups.

Main results

  • the creation and implementation of a model (SusWatermodel) which will integrate data analysis, environmental monitoring and evaluation contributing to decision-making through the implementation of specific steps and procedures
  • the installation of a Monitoring System in selected pilot area locations
  • the development of an Integrated Management Plan for coastal groundwater and neighboring ecosystems per pilot area
  • the creation of cross-border coordination and operational centres
  • training actions

Partnership

1. Decentralized Administration of Epirus and West Macedonia (Main Beneficiary/Greece)

2. A.I.P- Apulian Water Authority (Partner2 / Italy)

3. Consortium of Universities for Training and Innovation (Partner3 / Italy)

4. Union of the Provinces of Puglia(Partner 4 / Italy)

5. Decentralized Administration of Peloponnese, Western Greece and Ionian Islands (Partner 5 / Greece)

6. Special Secretariat for Water (At present General Directorate of Water – Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy – Observer Partner / Greece)

Project Duration: 30/04/2020 – 28/02/2023

Total Project Budget: €876,389.80 (85% from Community Resources & 15% from National Funds)

Project website: https://greece-italy.eu/rlb-funded-projects/suswater/