Most countries in European Union are suffering severe water scarcity caused by a negative balance between water resources and water demands. A sustainable management of hydrological resources results totally necessary, as it is established by the European Water Framework Directive (60/2000/EC), which makes compulsory for every water management authority in EU to prepare a river basin management plan by the end of this year 2009. In order to fulfill these obligations and considering the complexity of water bodies control and the undefined future scenario provided by climate change, there is an imperative demand of the use of integrated management tools and methods, such as computerized models. Thus, integrated Water Resources Management must be faced from a multi-sectorial point of view, involving scientific research, social and economic aspects and administrative proceedings. The NOVIWAM project will tackle these challenges by synthesizing the different perspectives of research institutions, authorities and entrepreneurs, introducing them into promotion of interregional co-operation. Based on several top level research results in water management and leaded by a consolidated cluster managed by a regional authority with exclusive competences on a major European river, the project will establish a European network to strengthen synergies between regional, national and EU initiatives addressing the Integrated Management RTD and innovation challenges. NOVIWAM aims to establish long-lasting links between clusters throughout the regions, and allow the triple-helix components to benefit from the scale economies deriving from this multilevel and interregional co-operation. Mentoring activities are strongly considered, as specific needs of clusters from a candidate country (Albania) and insularity problems (Cyprus), have been included. NOVIWAM will produce a Joint Action Plan (JAP) at European level with specific measures and calendar beyond the end of the project.

Universidad de Granada