WaterConnect Europe

Across Europe, agricultural regions face increasing challenges related to water availability, water quality, and biodiversity loss. These challenges are largely driven by agricultural intensification and are further exacerbated by climate change, which leads to longer drought periods alternating with intense rainfall. European policy frameworks such as the European Green Deal and the Water Framework Directive aim to restore ecosystems, reduce pollution, increase climate resilience, and promote more sustainable agricultural systems.
The Lectorate Agricultural Water Management at Aeres University of Applied Sciences in Dronten conducts farm-level research to develop integrated solutions for improving water availability, reducing nutrient pollution, and enhancing biodiversity. Research at Aeres Farms shows that nature-based solutions, such as helophyte ditches, can effectively reduce nutrient loads while increasing water retention and ecological value.
The project builds on collaboration with the Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO) in Belgium and the Biology Centre CAS in the Czech Republic. INBO also coordinates the Specialist Weatherfish Action and Monitoring Partnership (SWAMP), a European network focused on conserving the Weatherfish, an indicator species for healthy aquatic ecosystems. Improving habitats for this species supports broader goals related to water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem functioning.
The project “WaterConnect Europe” aims to establish a strong European network on agricultural water management. Rather than conducting research itself, the project focuses on building the organizational, relational, and strategic foundations required for participation in European research programs, particularly Horizon Europe, with a focus on Cluster 6 (Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment).
Through network activation, partner identification, joint meetings, and collaborative proposal development, the project will prepare a draft Horizon Europe proposal and establish a stable European consortium. The network will strengthen collaboration between applied research institutes, policymakers, and practitioners, ultimately contributing to more sustainable water management, improved biodiversity, and greater climate resilience in European agricultural landscapes.