River Contract for Guadalete. 2023
The aim of the project “River Contract for conservation and enhancement of the natural heritage of Guadalete river” is to disseminate the current situation of this river and put into practice the figure of the river contract, as an instrument for improving governance, social innovation and citizen participation around the environment and water in the rural area of La Campiña (Jerez). A study was carried out for the conservation of natural heritage through the figure of the river contract. This includes a technical report that analyzes the figure of the river contract in Spain and the possibilities of application in the Bajo Guadalete. It also includes a participatory diagnosis of the current state of the river, prepared by technicians, public institutions, and social and economic agents of the Campiña de Jerez. The project is funded by FNCA, the Leader Programme and the Junta de Andalucia. More information: https://fnca.eu/investigacion/proyectos-de-investigacion/contrato-de-rio-guadalete
Qclima I y II. Ecological flows: assessment of experiences in Spanish river basins and adaptive proposals to climate change. 2017-2020
The Q-Clima project was developed in two phases. Phase I that began in October 2017 and ended in June 2018 and phase II began in October 2019 and ended in October 2020. The Q-Clima I project aimed to determine the impact of climate change on available water resources and, more specifically, on the establishment of ecological flow regimes. In addition, a set of proposals was prepared with the participation of involved agents to improve the methodologies for determining and applying ecological flow regimes. The Q-Clima II project analyzed the effects om ecological flows of the recently approved drought plans. The usefulness and degree of compliance of various components of the ecological flow regime were also assessed, with special attention to flood flows and generating flows, as river restoration tools. The project was financed by the Biodiversity Foundation and by the New Culture of Water Foundation. More information: https://fnca.eu/investigacion/proyectos-de-investigacion/q-clima
SeGuía. Development of a methodological guide for the participatory preparation of Drought Risk Management Plans. 2017-2018
The main objective of the SeGuía project is to strengthen the capacities of small and medium-sized populations to manage drought in order to minimize its impacts. The main result of the project will be the preparation of a Methodological Guide for the participatory development of municipal Drought Risk Emergency Plans adapted to the needs of these populations. SeGuia will: 1) Update, adapt and improve knowledge on drought risk management in small and medium-sized populations in Spain; 2) Involve interested parties and competent authorities in the participatory development of drought risk emergency plans; 3) Identify needs and facilitate learning and building social capacities for drought management; 4) Prepare and disseminate a Methodological Guide that facilitates the preparation of Drought Risk Emergency Plans in small and medium-sized towns. The project was financed by the Biodiversity Foundation and by the New Culture of Water Foundation. More information: https://fnca.eu/investigacion/proyectos-de-investigacion/seguia
Reservial. Development of tools for the systematic planning of River Reserves in Spain. Application to the Ebro basin. 2015-2017. The general aim is to develop a proposal of river natural reserves based on scientific-technical and social criteria. In addition to the application of tools for systematic planning, the project pays attention to public participation. The New Water Culture Foundation is responsible for the organization of workshos and participation meetings, dissemination materials, social networks and other communication activities.
Sustainable management of rainwater in the city of Zaragoza. 2015. The aim of this project, funded by the Environment and Sustainability Agency of the Municipality of Zaragoza, is to define and apply sustainability indicators in the integral management of rainwater. These indicators allow the objective assessment of the capacity to manage the rainfall events and to ensure the resilience of the water bodies to contribute to the water ecosystems and the climate change adaptation and mitigation in the Zaragoza city.
Assessment and future of public participation in the Internal Basins of Catalonia. 2011. Funded by the Catalonian Water Agency, the FNCA carried out a comprehensive assessment of the participatory process in the elaboration of the hydrological plan of Internal Basins of Catalonia, considered as reference for good practices in the national and international contexts. The assessment took into account the objectives achieved so far and the role of public participation in the follow-up and implementation of the Plan.
Strategic options for water management in the Segre basin. 2011. Supported by the Catalonian Water Agency, in this research project the FNCA assessed the key water problems in the Segre basin, the strategic available options, the view of main stakeholders and the social perception regarding the identified options.
Models and technological options to prevent and control the zebra mussel. 2008-2010. Supported by the Ministry of Environment, this project aims at the development of a management model to prevent and control de zebra mussel in Catalonia. FNCA participated with the elaboration of a participatory management in the Catalonian reaches of the Ebro river for the prevention and control of this invasive species. The project included the ecological modelling of the species, an assessment of socio-economic impacts and a participatory management plan.
Water saving in the Ebro basin. 2008-2009. With the support of the Tortosa municipal company of public services and the Tortosa city council, this research project carried out a diagnosis on citizen perceptions and developed an action plan, including a set of water indicators.
Ecological characterization and assessment of fish populatin in the Genal river (Malaga). Proposals for conservation. 2008-2009. Funded by Caja Madrid, this research project assessed the ecological state of fish populations in the Genal river, the main conservation actions needed and the dissemination and awareness-raising strategies which should be undertaken. To this aim, the project relied on an interdisciplinary research team with experts from ecology, environmental sciences, geography and arts, among others.
Scientific Panel on the Spanish water policy. 2008. Supported by the Ministry of Environment and with the collaboration of University of Sevilla, the FNCA carried out a scientific holistic assessment on the Spanish water policy. A wide interdisciplinary research team of water experts coming from different disciplines and work areas assessed twenty key water issues regarding the ecological state of water bodies, the actual role of economic issues, the integrated management and water technologies, culture and heritage dimensions and legal and institutional issues.
A new model of water management in Catalonia. 2004-2008. Supported by the Catalonian Water Agency, the FNCA developed a wide research program to assess the WFD implementation in Catalonia from an integrated approach. The project was carried out by an interdisciplinary research team composed by water experts in ecology of aquatic ecosystems, legislation issues, urban water services and engineering and water economy, among others. The project gave rise to a set of practical proposals regarding water saving and reuse, groundwater management, improvement water quality in aquatic ecosystems, management of droughts and public participation. This research program also included a scientific panel on climate change, which assessed the expected effects of climate change on water management in Catalonia in terms of climatic scenarios, hydrological impacts, effects on ecosystems and socio-economic implications.
Participatory processes in the Integral Protection Plan of the Ebro Delta. 2006-2007. This project, funded by the Catalonia Government, focused on the citizen participation processes regarding the elaboration of the Protection Plan of the Ebro Delta, providing assessment, specialized support and technical assistance to such participatory processes.
Clean waters, clean hands. 2003-2005. Under this project it was carried out an assessment on the illegalities and corruption around water infrastructures and water management in Spain. The research, carried out by an interdisciplinary team of legal and other experts, reviewed a wide set of study cases, which constituted the basis for in-depth analysis of issues as the concept of “general interest” in water infrastructures, the role of public administration, the mechanisms for financial supervision or the increasing role of civil society and NGOs to demand transparency, democratic control and public participation in water management.