Multi-functional and Integrated Natural Treatment Solutions for Clean Water and Sustainable, Ecological and Climate-REsilient Cities

Urbanisation and climate change have caused significant water related problems and challenges all over the world, particularly increased extreme events, more frequent flooding and drought, increased pressure on water resources and heavy air and water pollution and degradation of ecosystems and biodiversity. To tackle the problems and challenges, Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) have become a EU Research and Innovation policy agenda, and are recognised among the most cost-efficient and sustainable solutions to reduce climate change and urbanization impacts. Water, because of its multiple connections with many other sectors, plays an important role in reducing pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and to contribute to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The project SECUREWater-Cities aims to capitalise upon the knowledge and successful experience and engineering practices of nature treatment solutions, optimise and guide the future implementation of these solutions for stormwater and wastewater collection, treatment, recycling and reuse of wastewater resources, and ultimately ensuring sustainable management of urban water resources, improve urban landscape, sustainability and climate resilience of cities. The goal will be achieved through learning from the past and the current practices in the aspects of policy governance, management approach, finance, technologies and engineering practices. Key research and innovation efforts will be placed on the development of assessment framework, methods and toolkits to evaluate the multi-benefits and effectiveness of NTSs and testing in case studies from different geographical and climate regions. Develop common protocol for technology verification and discover appropriate financial and business model to foster the implementation of natural water treatment solutions worldwide.