Water and Biodiversity Nexus: A Call for Innovation

Within the framework of the COP21 on climate change and  the COP16 on biodiversity the Embassy of the Netherlands´Agricultural team hosted the event “Water and biodiversity nexus: a call for innovation”. Dutch and Spanish experts shared valuable input on the links between biodiversity and water and offered innovative solutions.

The effects of climate change are producing an unprecedented water crisis. Healthy ecosystems provide safe water and provide services such as water storage and drought protection. Biodiversity is directly implicated in maintaining most ecosystem functions. Healthy soils naturally absorb water and reduce the risk of floods and droughts, making soils an indispensable ally for mitigating and adapting to climate change.

The pitching session was moderated by Rob Zoutberg, Communication Advisor and former reporter of the Dutch news agency NOS, and Belén Ramos, Manager for International Affairs at the Spanish Association of Urban Water Management Companies.

Marina Jimenez Galindo, President of the Spanish Chapter of the Young Water Professional empowered all kinds of profiles to be part of the water sector, as all views need to be taken into account.

Mónica Ortega and Celia Ortega from Canal de Isabel II shared how they are applying mathematic models to study water quality in reservoirs for drinking water by way of A.I.  to improve sewage surveillance using autonomous drones. Canal de Isabel II is a publicly owned water company responsible for managing the end-to-end water cycle in the region of Madrid, Spain, for nearly 7 million clients.

Gabriela Álvarez from The Ocean Cleanup spoke about plastic pollution in rivers and its major impacts to biodiversity. The Ocean Cleanup aim reduce ocean plasticthrough a dual strategy: intercepting in rivers to stop the flow and cleaning up what has already accumulated in the ocean. Plastic they´ve collected was reused for example to record the latest Coldplay album.

Anna San Llorente from IHE Delft Institute for Water Education makes a call to join the Global Water Education Network (GWEN) a platform to build capacity of institutions and people around SDG number 6.

Belén Barroeta  and Paula Redondo Hasselerharm from IMDEA Agua highlighted the importance of science in communication. Their research on the impact of microplastics in soils is very relevant to link biodiversity and water impacts.  IMDEA Agua is a non-profit organization from the Community of Madrid.

Paula González Domínguez  from  Acciona Agua reminded us of the nexus between water and agriculture. As 72% of fresh water and nearly 40% of the land worldwide is used for food production. Acciona is a global group based in Madrid,  that develops and manages sustainable solutions.