GENESIS
Geologically Enhanced NaturE-based Solutions for climate change resiliency of critical water InfraStructure
Innovating Water Infrastructures for a Sustainable Future.
Vision.
To enhance climate resilience in European regions with groundwater-dependent water infrastructures. We will showcase local and regional NbS and create a deep demonstrator in Macaronesia. GENESIS' goal is to support regions, local authorities, and communities in addressing climate change vulnerabilities related to potential natural disasters and long-term climate changes impacting groundwater-dependent systems. Additionally, the project prioritizes sustainable water reuse to maximize resource efficiency by treating and repurposing wastewater, stormwater, and reclaimed water for non-potable uses like irrigation, industry, and urban landscaping.
The challenge.
The IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report highlights the acute vulnerability of small islands' water supply infrastructure to dynamic climate impacts, accentuating their distinct environmental and developmental circumstances. In Macaronesia, rising temperatures are projected to heighten water demand, leading to potential scarcity, while altered precipitation patterns and extreme weather events threaten freshwater availability and overwhelm sewer systems, risking flooding and untreated sewage discharge. Projections of rising sea levels further exacerbate concerns, indicating the urgent need for climate change adaptation strategies. Despite efforts such as the 2013 EU Adaptation Strategy, the current trajectory remains unsustainable, jeopardizing the fulfillment of Sustainable Development Goals. The UN Environment Programme's recognition of the "Adaptation Gap" underscores the pressing global risk of inadequate climate adaptation. Safeguarding the supply of safe drinking water is paramount, as disruptions in water infrastructure could have profound socio-economic and public health implications. Therefore, prioritizing the Water Sector as Critical Infrastructure is crucial, given water's pivotal role in human well-being and global sustainability amidst escalating challenges.
Climate Change
Rising Sea Levels
Inadequate Climate Adaptation
Approach & solutions.
To address this challenge, the GENESIS project will introduce cutting-edge Nature-based Solutions (NbS), including dry gallery and underground dike-impounded dam systems pioneered in Macaronesia. By integrating Macaronesian NbS with state-of-the-art techniques like rainwater harvesting, wetland restoration, and ecosystem-based approaches, the project aims to advance a multi-faceted nature-based approach, enabling investigation into synergistic effects :
- Modeling Climate Change Impacts
- Modeling Critical Water Infrastructure
- Modeling Freshwater Resources
- Model coupling and digital twin platform deployment
GENESIS has defined a strategy cantered in identifying and modeling critical water infrastructure to understand how they will be impacted by climate change scenarios, this includes to study climate trends and extract projection from climate global models.
Demonstrators
By merging technological, community and policy-driven actions, GENESIS will co-develop, test, and assess the effectiveness of nine innovative, large-scale Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) demonstrators throughout the Macaronesia bioregion.
The GENESIS demonstrators will be situated across various islands including La Palma, Gran Canaria, El Hierro (Canary Islands), Faial (Azores), Madeira, and Santiago (Cape Verde) in order to enhance our understanding of leveraging nature to mitigate the impacts of climate change on critical water infrastructure.
Cost-Efficient Nature-Based Solutions for Vulnerable Regions
Developing affordable, scalable NbS for places like Macaronesia and similar vulnerable areas worldwide.
Managing Hydrogeological Vulnerability
Investigating and addressing the complex vulnerability of hydrogeological systems in Macaronesia.
Advanced Modeling for Pollution Identification and Impact Assessment
Using advanced modeling, Big Data, and AI to identify pollution sources and assess their impact.
Robust Early Warning Systems for Risk Management
Developing effective early warning systems to manage risks associated with hydrogeological vulnerabilities and pollution.
Smart Monitoring Tools for Real-Time Insights
Implementing smart monitoring tools to create a digital twin for real-time monitoring and simulation.
Innovative Methods for Understanding Groundwater Flow and Pollutants
Introducing novel methods to understand groundwater flow and pollutant occurrence in complex environments.
Our role.
Inlecom Innovation is spearheading the development of the Digital Twin platform, including the creation and integration of underground-surface models and advanced digital twin simulations.
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2023 green research and innovation programme under GA 101157447. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
