Be active in projects! Opportunities to improve water management

Presentación del tema: "Be active in projects! Opportunities to improve water management"— Transcripción de la presentación:

1 Be active in projects! Opportunities to improve water management
Valencia, 25 August 2009 Juan Manuel Revuelta Pérez General Director Valencian Regional Office in Brussels

2 Who are we? Fundación Comunidad Valenciana – Región Europea
Outline of the presentation Who are we? Fundación Comunidad Valenciana – Región Europea EU projects – Some tips EU Calls: LIFE, Eco-Innovation, Interreg, FP7 & more Project examples and project ideas Let’s discuss again on Friday!

3 WHO ARE WE?

4 4,8 Millions of inhabitants, 10.5 % of the total Spanish population
Immigrants: (14.9%) EU: Non EU: Increase of during 2006 Valencia: third largest city in Spain In our Region, Spanish and Valencian are the co-official languages. In Spain: 1 official language, Spanish, plus 4 co-official languages: Basque, Catalan, Galician and Valencian. Valencian Region: located on the Mediterranean coast of Spain part of the so-called Mediterranean Arch, one of the fastest economic growth rates in the EU 4

5 a macroeconomic outlook (1)
Growth in Regonal Gross Domestic Product ( ) 18,90% 38,30% 39,70% UE-25 Spain Valencian Community Growth of employed population ( ) 5,70% 17,30% 21,36% UE-25 Spain Valencian Community Increase in migratory balance ( ) 167% 759% 1416% UE-25 Spain Valencian Community

6 MACROECONOMIC OUTLOOK
services construction industry farming UE-25 economis sectors disribution Similar distributión Construction doubles the % of the EU-25 Decrease of the traditional industrial sectors Spain Valencian Region farming land Valencian Community

7 Natural protected areas
30,7% 24,3% 11,6% UE-25 Spain Valencian Community The protected surface area in the Valencian Community is threefold that of the EU-25

8 PERMANENT STRUCTURES FOR EU PROJECTS
a. Who are we? PERMANENT STRUCTURES FOR EU PROJECTS

9 Chronology 1989 Opening of the first Valencian Office in Brussels
1999 Local pilot project: valenciainnova.info Nov 2003: New regional approach How to cope with entering Objective 2 (Competitiveness) in 2007 65% less on EU funding Globalization and risks for local enterprises Creation of the Fundación Comunidad Valenciana Región Europea Objectives: Exit of Objective 1 in a structured way communicating civil society challenges Creation of a strategy post Objective 1 Prepare civil society for the change: communication & training 2006 November: Europe INNOVA conference 2007 Facing our Objective 1 Entry into Objective 2 November 2007: Most Innovative region AWARD AER 2009 XX Anniversary of the Valencian Office in Brussels

10 Convergence towards the competitiveness objective:
European partnership as an instrument for added value. Fundación Comunidad Valenciana- Región Europea Convergence towards the competitiveness objective: Before 2007 the Valencian Region was included in the former Objective 1. After January 2007 our Region was included in the Objective competitiveness and employment (formerly Obj. 2). Decrease of the 65% of ERDF Structural Funds for Valencian Region The Valencian Region created in 2003 the Fundación Comunidad Valenciana - Región Europea to tackle this transition: Broker of partnerships and spreading results of projects at a European level. Activating main economic areas of our Region. . During the next economical cycle covering , the Region of Valencia (who takes part in the competitiveness objective), will receive 42% of the regional funds, the region used to receive during the former transition phase (58% less than before). 10 10

11 www.uegva.info A new instrument for the Valencian Region
FUNDACIÓN COMUNIDAD VALENCIANA – REGIÓN EUROPEA A new instrument for the Valencian Region Strategic tool: Public Private Partnership (PPP) Public sector Private sector Regional and local administrations Public organisations Energy companies Saving banks Chambers of commerce Universities Prof. Associations FCVRE Fundación Comunidad Valenciana – Región Europea

12 Fundación Comunidad Valenciana – Región Europea www.uegva.info
Non-profit organisation, based in the Valencian Regional Office in Brussels Created in 2003 in order to help Valencian civil society to obtain European funding as the Valencian Region entered the ‘Competitiveness and Employment’ EU regional objective in 2007 It facilitates the participation of Valencian industrial groups, chambers of commerce, financial institutions, local development agencies, educational organisations, research institutes and other stakeholders in European policies and projects 12 12

13 FALTA ACTUALIZACION; CARMEN ARIAS ME LO ENVÍA
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14 FUNDING OF THE VALENCIAN REGIONAL OFFICE IN BRUSSELS
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 FCVRE € - € € € € REGIONAL GOVERNMENT € € € € € € REGIONAL ENTITIES MoU € € € € € EUROPEAN PROJECTS € € € € € REGIONAL EMPLOYMENT GRANT € € € € THIRD EMPLOYEES € € € € € THIRD STAGIAIRES € € € € € OTHERS 712 € 1.557 € € 87 € 8.135 € TOTALS € € € € € € FALTA ACTUALIZACION; CARMEN ARIAS ME LO ENVÍA 14

15 HHRR: PERMANENT STAFF AND TRAINNEES EVOLUTION

16 In the Valencian Regional Office our best asset is our Human Capital and we share our experience by the exchange of staff: We host your employees in our premises in Valencia or Brussels We can work out an exchange of staff

17 Countries of origin of our staff

18 FOR EACH EURO INVESTED IN THE FCVRE
RETURN ON INVESTMENT FOR EACH EURO INVESTED IN THE FCVRE 86€ FROM THE EU HAVE BEEN INVESTED IN THE VALENCIAN REGION 1€

19 a. Who are we? INVOLVED IN WATER

20 Water in the Valencian Region – A strategic issue
Competences shared by the Administrations: Central state competence on the River basin authorities: Júcar (80% of the Valencian territory), Segura (15%) and Ebro (5%) Regional competences on irrigation, distribution and sanitation. Municipal competences on urban water. Territory in situation of water scarcity Recurrence of severe draughts and violent floods. Several actions planned by the different Administrations. High agricultural demand: 80% for irrigation use High level of organization of the users Cooperation with Europe President Camps Ortiz, reporter in the Committee of the Regions European networks: AER, CRPM, Wateregio.

21 FIRST MAJOR MEDITERRANEAN INPUT IN EU WATER POLICY
President Camps Ortiz, reporter of the CoR opinion on draught and water scarcity in the EU Opinion CDR 313/2007 adopted by majority the 10th April 2008 Role of the Local and Regional Authorities. List of key issues e.g. climate change. Subsidiarity, cooperation and solidarity. Wide consultation process. More than 60 contributions in plenary, 80% accepted and negotiated by the reporter. FIRST MAJOR MEDITERRANEAN INPUT IN EU WATER POLICY

22 AER Working Group on water
Led by the Valencian Region, more than 40 regions have expressed their interest Support to implement the commitments reached by the local and regional governments in the World Water Forum in Istanbul, 20th March 2009 Ideas: drafting of a Local and Regional charter on water and preparation of a AER award for water management Online platform of resources and best practices. More information: and

23 Intermed group on water
Intermed Commission Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions Intermed group on water Led by the Valencian Region. Open to participants. 54 regions members of the Commission, representing Med European countries, Morocco, Tunisia and Lebanon Goal: Mediterranean input. Promotion of Mediterranean positions on EU policies related to water. Structure of co-operation for joint projects related to water management. Adoption of the Mediterranean vision on water for the 5th World Water Forum of Istanbul 2009 More information: and

24 European network for water
Innovative projects to improve water competence Regional co-operation in water scarcity

25 REGION OF EASTERN MACEDONIA AND THRACE REGION OF CENTRAL MACEDONIA
Partners engaged with water Región de Murcia With the support of: HELLENIC REPUBLIC REGION OF EASTERN MACEDONIA AND THRACE HELLENIC REPUBLIC REGION OF CENTRAL MACEDONIA REGIONE CALABRIA

26 WATEREGIO: A platform for water projects
Wateregio is a network of exchange of ideas, experiences and best practices in the field of water management and optimization of water resources. Wateregio is currently open to new participants. Wateregio is a non-formal structure Goals: To foster the participation of the partners in different programs dealing with water, making ideas become a reality. To improve the performance of the partners in good water management. Develop a common methodology Contact: Mr Alfonso Alcolea or visit: and

27 EU PROJECTS

28 Adopt a strategy for EU funding
Calls for proposals: Don’t wait for the calls to be published Identify the strategy of your organisations, stakeholders, region, etc. Select strategic partners Identify the most suitable funding schemes Identify the role you are most likely to play in a consortium Networking: Become an evaluator (if possible) Join EU associations/networks/platforms Be present/exhibit at relevant conferences and EU weeks

29 The European dimension of the project
EU projects should address problems at European level far beyond the specific interests of a Member State The proposed solution must have a direct impact at the European level Participants must be located in a Member State or in an Associated State (3 usually is the minimum threshold and 5 can be a good compromise). Participation of third countries is welcome when international dimension is requested

30 EU projects are good! A good ‘road map’ for projects allows synergies
E.g. Germoplasm bank in the Albufera of Valencia, developed through all the LIFE Nature projects Attraction of funding Projects build issue communities: The EU projects allow to identify and co-operate with most of the stakeholders, and allow holistic approaches to the solutions European added value of EU projects  Mutual learning, transparency, peer review

31 BUT be aware: You need an infrastructure able to assimilate the obligations Define the viability and avoid the risk of dependance  Is there a life after LIFE? Don’t forget the others! You and your partners are not the owners of the issue. E.g. You cannot do a project on wilderness without consulting the hunters, the ecologists… Be flexible!  Be proactive in extending the model to the other possible beneficiaries. E.g. If a neighbour town may benefit, try to invite them.

32 Some factors of success:
Innovation Transnationality Bottom-up approach Corresponding to an EU policy Multiplying effect Equal opportunities New technologies Environment Coherency Budget Communication

33 Conclusions: The European projects are not simply “money that falls from the sky”. The real values are knowledge and promotion of the excellence. Don´t be afraid! Join your partners and play in first division Be the best! Europe helps you to be excellent.

34 EU PROGRAMMES

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36 Transnational & innovative approach, risk.
Direct funding EC Programmes - Funds + Structural Funds - + Transnational & innovative approach, risk.

37 Fostering Interregional Cooperation

38 Exchange their experiences and knowledge;
The INTERREG IVC Programme is part of the European Territorial Cooperation Objective of the Structural Fund policies for the period Objective: To improve the effectiveness of regional development policies and contribute to economic modernisation and increased competitiveness of Europe, by: Exchange their experiences and knowledge; Matching regions less experienced in a certain policy field with more advanced regions; Ensuring the transfer of good practices into Structural Funds mainstream programmes. 38

39 Obj. 1: Convergence : Bi € Sustainable and integrated Economical development and employment Obj. 2: Competitiveness and employment : 49.1 Bi € Sustainable development, growth and jobs Obj. 3: Territorial Cooperation : 7.8 Bi € Cross border, transnational and interregional activities and for the reinforcement of regional policies

40 Territorial Cooperation
Cross border (5.6 Bi €): Interreg IVA: Support local activities, help to “erase” borders. Transnational (1.6 Bi €): Interreg IVB: Cooperation within 13 geographical zones. Interregional (0.45 Bi €) – 27 MS + 2 Interreg IVC: Cooperation between regions Urbact II: Exchange and learning for cities Interact II: Good governance of territorial cooperation Espon II: Analyse of trends development in the EU

41 Calls for proposals: Autumn Contact person: Ms Sara Rodriguez More information in:

42 Europe in the Mediterranean
The MED Programme Europe in the Mediterranean Total budget: more than € ERDF contribution for each project: from € to 2 millon Duration of the project: 36 months Deadline: 1st quarter of 2010 website:

43 The Programme in the Mediterranean space:
1 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE: “ to make the whole MED space a territory able to match international competition” 12 STATES from the Mediterranean coastal regions, together to take on common challenges 4 main priorities: innovation, environmnet, accessibility to the territories dimension 2 KEY CRITERIA: project with strong transnational and concrete dimension website:

44 CIP & Eco-innovation http://ec.europa.eu/cip

45 What is eco-innovation?
New services: green banking, consultancy New processes: cleaner production New business and management methods: labelling, eco-management « All forms of innovation reducing environmental impacts and/or optimising the use of resources » Eco-innovation: all forms of innovation reducing environmental impacts and/or optimising the use of resources. This is a new strand of innovation offering many business opportunities. Environmental technologies: all technologies whose use is less environmentally harmful than relevant alternatives. They have a huge potential to protect the environment and contribute to growth and jobs 45

46 Eco-innovation in the EIP (part of the CIP)
Financial instruments Network of actors Pilot and market replication projects 46

47 Pilot and Market replication projects €195 million (2008-2013)
Support the first applications and market uptake of innovative technologies and practices Aim at bridging the gap between Research & Development and commercialisation Cover market oriented activities, with a strong emphasis on SMEs To be run by the European Agency of Competitiveness and Innovation in close cooperation with DG Environment 47

48 Call for proposals 2009: Deadline: 10th September 2009 Priority areas:
Materials recycling  Includes eco-friendly design Food & drink sector  Including Improved efficiency water management processes that reduce the use of water across the food & drink supply chain; Building & construction  Innovative water systems including water saving, re-use of natural waters, rainwater collection and re-use, green roofs. Green business and ‘smart’ purchasing  Including Action Plan on Sustainable Consumption and Production and Sustainable Industrial Policy, innovative EMAS. 48

49 Valencian Region leaded the EU LIFE projects
New period LIFE In his first year of application, the Valencian Region represents 18% of total approved projects in Spain: ,00€ for projects leaded by the Valencian Region Period LIFE Valencian Region leaded the EU LIFE projects A total of € have been allocated to invest in innovation and environment Examples of best projects in life publications: ECOBUS, URBANBAT, RESITEX Responsible for LIFE + Programme in FCVRE: Laura Bas 49

50 LIFE+ 2009: ongoing projects
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51 LIFE 1992-2006 best practise Valencia Region
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52 Life+ 2009 Call Priority areas:
Nature & Biodiversity: Best practice/ demonstration in implementing Habitat Directive. Innovative / demonstration in halting loss of biodiversity Environmental policy & governance: Development of innovative policy approaches, technologies, methods and instruments/Knowledge base environment policy-legislation (monitoring ) Information & communication: Implement communication and awareness raising campaigns on environmental, nature protection or biodiversity conservation issues, awareness raising and special training) Deadline: 15th September 2009 Info:

53 Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)
What is FP7? FP7 is a key tool to respond to Europe's needs in terms of jobs and competitiveness, and to maintain leadership in the global knowledge economy. Budget of over € 50 billion for the period ( ) Who can apply? FP7 is open to a wide range of organisations and individuals: SME, Universities, postgraduate students, international organisations… 4 parts: COOPERATION, IDEAS, PEOPLE, CAPACITIES and NUCLEAR RESEARCH More information:

54 Seventh Framework Programme (FP7)
COOPERATION PRIORITIES Area 6 Environment 6.2 Management of resources Area Integrated Resource Management Area Water resources Sub-activity Management of marine environments Area Marine resources Sub-activity Environmental technologies for observation, simulation, prevention, mitigation, adaptation, restoration of the natural and man-made environment Area Water Area Marine environment

55 AidCo/EuropeAid Programme 2009
Programme for the Environment And Sustainable Management of Natural Resources, including Energy Budget : € 450 million Priorities related to water: Priority 1: Promoting environmental sustainability Priority 2: Promoting implementation of EU initiatives and internationally agreed commitments (desertification, climate change, biodiversity, sustainable production, consumption and waste) Priority 5: Support for sustainable energy options in partner countries and regions Deadline: 1st of October 2009 

56 Programme ENPI CBC- “Mediterranean Sea Basin” 2007-2013: 174.000.000€
Valencia Antena

57 Programme ENPI CBC- “Mediterranean Sea Basin”
STANDARD PROJECTS STRATEGIC PROJECTS Proposed by the local actors organized in cross-border partnerships, following the calls for proposals. Total budget: 32 million €, 9’6 Mo € for environment Project threshold: € to € Partnership: 3 minimum, 1 from EU country and 1 from the other side of the Mediterranean Call for proposals OPEN: May 2009 Horizontal, specific thematic approach; Geographically concentrated, shared solutions to common issues Project threshold: € to €  Partnership  4 minimum including at least 1 EU Mediterranean Country and 1 Mediterranean Partner Country Call for proposals: June 2009

58 Programme ENPI CBC- “Mediterranean Sea Basin”
ENPI Antennes: Joint Monitoring Authority Joint Technical Secretariat Sardinia, Italy EAST: Aqaba, Jordan WEST: Valencia, Spain

59 PROJECT EXAMPLES & IDEAS

60 PROJECT EXAMPLES PROJECT ECOBUS LIFE - Environment 2002 1.000.000€
BEST LIFE-ENVIRONMENT PROJECTS System of withdrawal and recycling of vegetable oils of domestic use for its reutilization as biocombustible in the public fleet of buses in the municipality of Valencia PROJECT EXAMPLES 60

61 PARTNERS OF LIFE-ECOBUS
Municipal Company of Transport Of Valencia: Leader Of The Project IDAE (Institute for Energy Diversification and Saving) UPV (Polytechnic University of Valencia) FENEBUS (National Passenger Road Transport Federation) FEVET (Valencian Federation of Tourist and Environmental Businesses) National Association of Urban Collective Transport (Atuc) Regional Minister for Environment Valencian City Council PROJECT EXAMPLES

62 PROJECT EXAMPLES URBANBAT Project LIFE - Environment
.com PROJECT EXAMPLES Integral management model for the liquid waste generated by the fleet of buses of the municipal transport company in the city of Valencia Budget: € 1,720,000 EC contribution: 48% Duration: 1 /12/ 2003 – 30 /11/ 2006

63 PROJECT EXAMPLES

64 PROJECT EXAMPLES PROJECT ZEROPLUS LIFE - Environment 2005 2.567.609 €
Integrated management model of liquid wastes in the surface treatment industry through BAT’s. Best Available Technologies assessment for galvanic sector concerning air, water and soil emissions in the framework of Directive 96/61/EC IPPC. Community contribution: 50% PROJECT EXAMPLES

65 PROJECT EXAMPLES PROJECT ULLALS LIFE 2004 NAT/E/000048
Recovery of a priority habitat 7210 Calcareous fens with Cladium mariscus and species of the Caricion davallianae in l'Albufera natural Park PROJECT EXAMPLES

66 PROJECT EXAMPLES PROJECT ULLALS
The ullals are points of emergence of fresh water, that support specific and valuable communities but are very vulnerable. The ullals host some of the most endangered species of the Albufera, including the endemic fish Valentia hispanica. PROJECT EXAMPLES Objectives: Recovery of the priority habitat Promote the recovery of the flora and fauna Increase the surface of ‘reserve area’ Increase the resources for research, education and nature preservation Samaruc (Valentia hispanica) Carricerín Real (Agrocephalus melanopogon) Programme: LIFE-Environment

67 IMPLEMENTATION OF BEST TECHNOLOGIES FOR WATER EFFICIENCY IN BUILDINGS
Objective: Implementation of public policies to promote the water efficiency in buildings. These technologies would include the reuse of rainwater and air condition water to human use (non drink water) keeping it in small tanks in the building or big tanks integrated in public spaces. Possible uses of recycled water: -WC -Irrigation (private or public garden) -Street washing PROJECT IDEAS 67

68 BACTERIA- AND GERM-FREE TREATMENT OF URBAN SEWAGE, WITHOUT THE EMISSION OF CO2 OR METHANE, WITH THE ELIMINATING HEAVY METALS The treatment of urban sewage has two main priorities: To prevent heavy metals pollution of groundwater and stop environmental pollution by emissions of CO2 and methane. Avoiding the noxious odours produced by conventional treatment plants, and secondly, to recycle and subsequently use the water for agriculture, which has as a priority for water consumption. PROJECT IDEAS 68

69 TREATMENT SYSTEMS OF COLD WATER IN CONTAINERS FOR IRRIGATION OF GARDENS The proposal aims to solve the problem of treatment and disposal of wastewater not only by introducing any contaminant discharge to the environment but also by giving a new efficient use of treatwater avoiding damage to the environment and the usage of more water then necessary The STP model is the most advanced formula for purifying domestic wastewater from small towns or business areas (hotels, shopping malls, airports) converting it into suitable water for irrigation gardens or landscapes areas, sport facilities, also for washing and cleaning and its reuse in the toilets PROJECT IDEAS 69

70 RECYCLED WATER GENERATOR MODULE
The treatment of urban sewage and domestic waters with biological origin. Use at urban scale: irrigation for parks, gardens, sport and leisure facilities, other urban uses. Treatment in a same and unique MODULE : firstly based on water treatment through “air” exposition and secondly decantation process, where finally water is disinfected.  PROJECT IDEAS 70

71 INUNDA – FLOOD PREVENTION 2
The Valencian Regional Government participated in the project Interreg III B Sudoe “Inunda”. “Inunda” provided authorities with criteria and alternatives for action to minimise human and material losses caused by floods in heavily built-up basins. The 2nd phase proposal would include: Legislative issues Information and remediation actions Insurance policy and insurance Law Contact: Mr Luis Juaristi PROJECT IDEAS Catastrophic flood in Valencia, 1956 Project INUNDA lasted 30 months – budget € 71

72 INTEGRATED WATER PLANNING IN COASTAL AREAS
Problem of water in Mediterranean areas: Scarcity, salinization, seasonal pressure Goals: Exchange good practices and knowledge of water resources Make a common problems list Develop common strategies and plans PROJECT IDEAS Actions: Assessment of the state of the art and feasibility study Dialogue platforms to develop local and regional strategies Comparative study and benchmarking Awareness and dissemination Torrevieja, Alicante, copes with heavy human pressure and is partially supplied by a controversial desalation plant Contact: 72

73 PROJECT IDEAS Aquaval Sustainable urban water management plans Goals:
Ensure the sustainable management of water Minimize power consumption and CO2 emissions. Efficient management of rainwater in urban environments, to resolve the problems of quantity and quality of urban runoff. Minimizing the impacts of urban development. PROJECT IDEAS 73

74 e. Let’s discuss again on Friday!
PROJECT FORUM CORNER

75 PROJECTS d. Let’s discuss again on Friday!
The participants are invited to contribute with their projec ideas. Project forum corner - Friday 28th 14:30-16:30 How to prepare projects. Different EU calls: LIFE, Eco-innovation, Interreg, Youth. Methodology: pre-project data sheet and search for partners. PROJECTS

76 LET’S WORK TOGETHER!

77 Thank you very much for your attention
Juan Manuel Revuelta Fundación Comunidad Valenciana – Región Europea 77