of , Regional Environmental Challenges - WATER SECTOR -

Crete, 9th/10th April 2019 1. Introduction 2. Environmental Challenges. Policy management 3. New challenges. Strategy 2030 4. About Roadmap Critical Mass Development 5. About Roadmap Human Capital 6. About Roadmap Transregional Cooperation 7. Progress Report Introduction

Agrofood Cluster of the Region of Murcia is a meeting point for entities that, with business scope, are able to identify, design and develop cooperation projects and actions in the area of activity, influence or interest they share, and with the aim of creating added value for the agri-food system

MEMBERS OF THE FOUNDATION +D+i (Public and Private BUSINESS ORGANIZATIONS: R+D+I ENTITIES: • AGRUPAL • CTC Research org.) • FECOAM • UMU • FROET • ARGEM • AML • CEBAS CSIC MARKET • FREMM • IMIDA • CTMETAL AGROFOOD: (Companies and • TIMUR proffesionnals) SHARED • AMIQ • UPCT • … MEETING CREATION BANKS: POINT OF VALUE PROFFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: • BANCO CAPITAL • INGENIEROS INDUSTRIALES • CABANKIA (Investors) • INGENIEROS AGRÓNOMOS • CAJA RURAL • CHEMISTTRY • CAJAMAR • BIOLOGY • VETERINARY POLICY MAKERS • …. PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIONS: (Public admin.) • INFO • Agriculture and Water Regional Ministry • … Introduction

REGION OF MURCIA and water

The Region of Murcia has always been linked to the use of water “Región de Murcia, ´s Orchard” (especially for agricultural productivity through irrigation), but water is a scarce resource due to the inadequacy and irregularity of rainfall. For this, the farmer in Murcia has learned how to manage scarcity and rationalize the use of water; It is also the one that has led to the gradual incorporation of technological and agronomic applications to its farms: storage and regulation techniques, localized irrigation, irrigation automation, water re-use and re-canalization ...

… And this has caused the productivity of water in the Region to be among the highest in Spain. Introduction

REGION OF MURCIA. River Basin

- Segura Hydrographic Demarcation -

… the River Basin Water Authority and has most of the competences in water management in the basin (management, policy, control, etc.) Introduction

NATIONAL HYDROLOGICAL PLAN 2015-2021

The transfer of water resources complemented with initiatives for desalination of marine waters, savings and reuse, is the strategic option that best meets the requirements of economic rationality and territorial balance, offering greater stability against possible changes in future scenarios, and a framework most suitable for the sustainable use of water resources. The is clearly deficient and should be dismissed because it can affect other rivers. Tagus-Segura aqueduct (water transfer) The Tajo river – Segura river water transfer which came into operation in 1979 became the most important water infrastructure in Spain. Suddenly it became possible to plant crops which require irrigation in many more areas of the Segura basin and in the Region of Murcia (). New Hydrological Plan 2021-2027! Changes are coming Introduction

Research and innovation strategies for smart specialization RIS3Mur Priorities In line with the purpose of the RIS3, in a participatory and consensual process with the collaboration of companies, organizations, research centres, etc., a limited number of economic development priorities have been identified, based on innovation and knowledge and aligned with the existing and potential sectors of the Region of Murcia. It is necessary to emphasize the dynamic character of RIS3 exercise, subject to continuous analysis and to new evidence and circumstances may therefore be subject to the update. • Food chain • Environment and water cycle • Logistics and transportation Efficient use of water resources • Habitat • Health and welfare biomedicine Murcia's agricultural sector has a consumption of 619,113 • Tourism Hm3, while the Segura Basin has a "natural" resource • Sea and marine environment availability of 440 m3/inhabitant/year, an insufficient • Energy amount for sustainable socioeconomic development. 2. Region of Murcia Environmental Challenges. Policy management

Crete, 9th/10th April 2019 2. Policy management ENVIRONMENT COMPETENCES

Department of Employment, Universities, Companies and Environment - Work and promotion of the social economy; employment; promotion of active employment and training policies; Occupational Health & Safety; administrative simplification aimed at business activity and business and technological innovation linked to ICTs applicable to society; and any others assigned by current legislation. - General coordination of scientific and technical research. - Promotion of regional economic development; coordination and monitoring of investment plans and projects that are unique, strategic or have a great impact on the Autonomous Community determined by the Governing Council; business, industry, energy and mining support; consumption, trade and crafts; Official Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Services and Navigation; authorized prices and defense of competition, and any others that the current legislation assigns. - Competence in the field of environment; forestry policy, hunting and river fishing and protection of wildlife. Management bodies Others Foundation General Public body Autonomous General General Seneca Foundation - Organization Directorate of Directorate of Directorate of Murcia Regional Regional Agency for Universities Natural Development Agency - Science and Technology Regional Service for Environment Employment and and and Research Environment INFO that depends on the Government of Murcia Training - SEFCARM

Office of Socioeconomic Promotion of the Environment - Service for the Promotion of the Environment and Climate Change 2. Policy management

Department of Employment, Universities, Companies and Environment

Development Agency of the Autonomous Community of the Region of Murcia, which is entrusted with the promotion of economic growth, as well as the stimulation of competitiveness, innovation and productivity of its business network. Design and collaborate in the implementation of strategic projects for the regional economy. Establish and execute the necessary actions to improve the efficiency and productive capacity of companies and especially of small and medium enterprises, and of social economy companies.

Contribute to the promotion and execution of scientific and technological research of excellence in all areas of knowledge, of the transfer and application of the results of the research activity and of the social appreciation for science and technology, as one of the System Agents Regional Science, Technology and Enterprise.

Intermediation, career guidance and promotion of employment policies. 2. Policy management WATER COMPETENCES

Department of Water, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries

Responsible for proposing, developing and implementing the general guidelines of the Governing Council in terms of water, agriculture, rural development, livestock farming, agribusiness and fishing, as well as being authorized by regulations to pay the expenses related to the Common Agricultural Policy (paying organization); those related to research and technological development in the agricultural, forestry and food sectors; research on fishing, shellfishing, marine aquaculture, seaweed cultivation and any other form of industrial cultivation, environment, and any other assigned by the current legislation.

Management body Others

Autonomous Public body Foundation General Anonymous society Organization Regional Entity for Euro- Mediterranean Murcian Institute for Directorate Sanitation and Desalination plant of Water Institute Escombreras Agricultural Research of Water Wastewater Treatment Foundation and Development and Food (IMIDA) 2. Policy management

Department of Water, Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries

Guarantee the exploitation and conservation of public sanitation and wastewater treatment facilities of the Region of Murcia. Encourage and contribute to the efficient management of water through the use of techniques for saving and conserving water resources, which are the basis of water culture in the Region of Murcia.

Topics: Hydrology of semiarid and water-scarce areas, improvement of hydrogeological knowledge and overexploitation of aquifers, droughts and floods, evaluation of potential impacts of climate change, use of non-conventional resources, economy of the water resource systems, cost and price of the resource, and governance mechanisms for water management, based on scientific development and interdisciplinary and international collaboration to address the aforementioned problems.

Design, develop and execute research projects, own or arranged with other organizations, related to the agricultural, forestry and food sectors; research on fishing, shellfishing, marine aquaculture, agriculture and any other form of industrial cultivation, as well as any other research assigned by current legislation. REGION OF MURCIA AGROFOOD NETWORK 2. Policy management

Professional FUEM improves Training communication and Schools dialog between the two

Centre for Integrated public Universities and Agricultural Training the companies and Experience (CIFEA)- Agriculture and Water

Technological Centres Private non profit companies research associations. Budget: • Regional Administration for general interest research • European and national projects • Private projects and other activities EUROPEAN2. Policy management FUNDS EUROPEAN FUNDS

THE MAIN EU FUNDING INSTRUMENTS FOR WATER ARE THE EUROPEAN STRUCTURAL AND INVESTMENT FUNDS AND THE AGRICULTURAL FUNDS. In the ERDF Operational Program for this period (2014-2020) have been granted till now 1,000,000 € that have been approximately distributed as follows: • 75% Implementation of a lysimetric network in the Mar Menor (implanted in appropriated crops that allows estimating the amount and analysing the drainages of agricultural activity) • 25% denitrification of the salty lake (Mar Menor) with the collaboration of the Polytechnic University of Cartagena UPCT In the Rural Development Program (RDP) 2014-2020 there are allocated approx. 10,000,000 € for the following measures • 80% Modernization of Irrigation (increased irrigation efficiency) • 20% Connection of the WWTPs directly with the agricultural parcels when the WWTP has tertiary treatment, (almost 100% except Murcia and Cartagena) Other projects that are being developed: Rainwater harvesting, Addition of rainwater and reused water to saline water wells and some examples of combining different policies to obtain synergies: Case of La Paca Lorca = unusable saline waters + PDR to connect the treatment plant + Actions to recover water + change crops by others with less water demand (aromatic plants) + Training actions + promotion of the rural areas, etc. The agricultural demand of water is 15 times the supply, so policies must focus on reduce agricultural demand. EUROPEAN2. Policy management FUNDS EUROPEAN FUNDS

Others EU available funds Financial instruments: - HORIZONT 2020 - COSME. Europe’s program for small and medium-sized enterprises - Creative Europe-EACEA - Erasmus + - LIFE 2014-2020 3. New challenges. Strategy 2030

Document of Recommendations and Recognized Actions in the Strategic Plan 2014-2020 Region of Murcia

• Support from RM to turn the sector into a Strategic sector RM: world leader • Promote business cooperation TECHNOLOGIES LINKED TO THE WATER CYCLE • Training of qualified specialists • Study new and reliable sources of wáter supply 3. New challenges

NEW CHALLENGES. Review of Plans and Strategies from Region of Murcia

• II Plan for Urban Wastewater Sanitation and Treatment in the Murcia Region. Horizon 2035 • Hydrological Plan of the Segura Hydrographic Demarcation 2015/21 – 2021/27 • Zero discharge Plan to the Mar Menor of the Region of Murcia • Sustainable development Agenda 2030 • Integrated Management Strategy for coastal areas in the Mar Menor and its surroundings • Circular Economy Strategy of the Region of Murcia 2030 3. New challenges

CIRCULAR ECONOMY STRATEGY OF THE REGION OF MURCIA 2030 Action line 01 Promotion of efficiency in the use of water, in order AL17 to reduce its demand. Reuse and improvement of Promotion of Industry 4.0 as a tool to move energy efficiency throughout the water cycle towards a circular economy model AL18 WATER REUSE New Regulation of the EU Promotion of R&D oriented to the circular economy Top priority in the on the use of reclaimer European Innovation water for irrigation (2019) AL19 Partnership on water MORE RESTRICTIVE Dissemination and communication to society about the circular economy model VOLUME OF REUSED WATER COULD AL20 INCREASE TO 6,600 MILLION CUBIC Training on circular economy METERS PER YEAR IN 2025 AL22 AL02 Inclusion of aspects of the circular economy Development of the bioeconomy and the environment in educational plans EUROPEAN3. New challenges FUNDS EUROPEAN FUNDS

ERDF Operational Programme 2014-2020 of the Region of Murcia

Promote a new model of economic development that allows the creation of employment and wealth and improve the quality of life and the environment, all within the objective of budgetary stability and financial sustainability. €301.4 million of public money that is available for the 7-year period 2014-2020. The period of time for the execution of the actions included in the RDP is between 2014 and 2023. Technological development and research (57% of funds) - environmental priorities (28%) - social priorities (12%)

Strategy for the ERDF Operational Programme Strategic Plan 2014-2020 Region of Murcia

Target Objective 01 – TO 03 - Enhancing the competitiveness of TO 06 - Preserving and protecting the Strengthening research, small and médium sized enterprises, the environment and promoting resource technological development and agricultural sector (for the EAFRD) and the efficiency innovation fisheries and aquaculture sector (for the EMFF) 01+03: 157.740.000 € 55 % 06: 95.550.000 € 33.32 % Support strategic research projects in Support investment projects of SMEs, whose purpose is the Improving wastewater collection, treatment and cooperation, in the priority areas defined new implementation, expansion and improvement of their discharge systems from land to sea. in the Smart Specialization Strategy of the equipment and facilities, while improving the quality of their Improve the prediction and quality control systems of the Region of Murcia-RIS3Mur. products and processes. coastal waters of the Region of Murcia (Water Framework Directive) Strategic sector: Technologies linked to the water cycle EUROPEAN FUNDS EUROPEAN FUNDS 3. New challenges

Rural Development Programme (RDP) for Murcia (2014-2020) Instrument of the structural agrarian policy that the Region possesses to articulate actions, helps and investments directed to contribute to the maintenance and sustainable development of the rural areas of the Murcia Region. €348.1 million of public money that is available for the 7-year period 2014-2020 (€219.3 million from the EU budget and €128.8 million of national co-funding). The period of time for the execution of the actions included in the RDP is between 2014 and 2023. Necessity 14 à To continue the efficiency taking advantage of the hydric resources in the Region of Murcia, reducing the uncertainty before his availability “Providing reclaimed water to the agricultural sector” 29.774.240 € Priority 5: Promote resource efficiency and support the shift towards a low carbon and 8.5 % climate resilient economy in agriculture, food Measure 01 – M02 – M04 – M16 and forestry sectors. Most of the support provided is devoted to physical investments in more efficient irrigation systems (These Focus Area 5A à to increase the efficiency of investments are complemented by support for water use by agriculture. knowledge transfer, training, advise and cooperation) EUROPEAN3. New challenges FUNDS EUROPEAN FUNDS

As shown before there are funds, but … New Regulation of the EU on the use of reclaimer water for irrigation (expected in 2019) MORE RESTRICTIVE (still not in force) Region of Murcia has to adapt the technology of the WW treatment plants with an additional cost. Moreover RM has to promote also the creation of a new position: a Qualified Individual to control the microbiological levels in the waters for irrigation as well as other parameters included in the new regulation. THIS IS ONE OF THE MAIN CHALLENGES FOR THE REGION OF MURCIA 3. New challenges CHALLENGES

Improving energy ratio Maximum reliability of the WWTP Retrofitting more efficient Adjustable speed-drivers Electric load monitoring Previous detection equipment devices Predictive maintenance Telecontrol and elimination of systems critical breakdowns

Study and improvement oxygen Renewable energies transfer

Research

CFD MODELING TOOLS FOR ANAEROBIC TREATMENT FOR OPTIMIZATION OF FACILITIES WASTEWATER Co-digestion Cleaning diffusers with formic acid (maintenance) 4. About Roadmap Critical Mass Development

RM CIRCULAR ECONOMY STRATEGY 2030

TO IMPROVE WATER POLICIES FORUMS – NEW IDEAS 4. Critical Mass Development

REGION OF MURCIA MAIN ACTOR IN THE USE OF RECLAIMED WATER

Pedro J. Simón Andreu (Technical Director of ESAMUR) 2018 The continuous effort to get excellent reclaimed water continuously has given to the region a huge experience in treatments and management of reclaimed water, supported by innovative technologies. Currently, our main challenges are to achieve the maximum reliability in our plants, to work every day to improve food safety, both microbiological and chemical aspects, and decrease the salinity in the effluents of some WWTPs. Other aspect very important for ESAMUR is the research. We are working to get the most effective systems to reclaim the treated water and with affordability. Currently we are participating in nine European research projects, many of them related with the water reuse.

NEW PROJECT SuWaNu Europe. Network for effective knowledge transfer on safe and economic wastewater reuse in agriculture in Europe. H2020-RUR-2018-1 4. Critical Mass Development

To generate and transfer knowledge through research in three key areas (Resources, Agriculture and Food), whose purpose is to contribute to the Sustainability of existing resources (soil and water), without renouncing the realization of quality agriculture

IWA Regional Conference on Water Reuse and Salinity Management. Murcia 12-14 2018 Conference Topics

•Industrial and urban water reuse. •Innovation in desalination and water reclamation. •Sustainable soil management under irrigation with saline water. •Renewable energies for water reclamation and desalination. •Crop response to salinity and added value of salt tolerant crops. •Emerging technology for minimization and valorization of brine. •Nutrients and fertilizers management using reclaimed water. •New tools for mapping salinity at regional scale. •Cost and benefits of alternative water resources in agriculture. •Plant and soil field salinity measurements. •Socio-economic impact of salinization and water reuse. •Best practices of water reuse for irrigation. •Safety aspects of treated wastewater use in agriculture •Scheduling irrigation protocols for salty and/or reclaimed water. •Public perception of water reuse and governance regulations.