The Freshwater Clustering Event, held on 6 March 2025 during the Ocean & Water Week in Brussels, showcased the synergies among EU-funded projects addressing freshwater management challenges. The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss pressing issues, highlight demonstration sites, and promote collaborative efforts in improving freshwater governance. Organized by BIOEAST HUB CR, this second FreshwaterNet clustering event aimed to foster cooperation among projects tackling the Water-Energy-Food-Climate System nexus, circular bioeconomy, and water pollution, among other critical areas.
Several high-level members attended the meeting. This is the case of Ana Gavrilović, a member of the Water and Ocean Board of the EU Mission “Restore Our Ocean and Waters”, who emphasized the significance of focusing on freshwater challenges. Following her speech, Marie Kubáňková, representing the BIOEAST Thematic Working Group on Freshwater-Based Bioeconomy, provided insights into key achievements in freshwater-related initiatives. She underscored the importance of the water-soil-climate nexus in mitigating disasters—a concern that extends beyond the BIOEAST macro-region and also referenced the BIOEAST Stakeholder Manifesto, which articulates a shared vision for sustainable freshwater management.
The Freshwater Clustering Event featured presentations of innovative EU-funded projects aimed at addressing key challenges in freshwater management, pollution reduction, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience. The key takeaway is clear: collaboration, innovation, and inclusive governance are essential for achieving a resilient and secure future for freshwater and oceans. BIOEAST Thematic Working Group Freshwater Based Bioeconomy stands ready to continue supporting this mission, fostering cooperation, and contributing to a sustainable freshwater bioeconomy and the Water-Soil-Climate Nexus approach.