The GENESIS project (Geologically Enhanced Nature-based Solutions for climate change resilience of critical water Infrastructure) was created with the aim of improving the climate resilience of water infrastructure through the use of nature-based solutions (NBS). This initiative focuses on protecting groundwater and enhancing the efficiency of water use and reuse to mitigate the effects of climate change.
The project will test nature-based solutions at the local and regional levels in Macaronesia, specifically in La Palma, Gran Canaria, El Hierro, Faial, Madeira and Santiago. It will explore how nature can be leveraged to combat the impacts of climate change on water cycle infrastructure. These NBS are designed to be replicable in other vulnerable areas of the European Union.
Through the use and validation of a specific methodology for the water cycle, GENESIS aims to improve water management and the climate resilience of the Macaronesia islands against the impacts of climate change.
The Canary Islands Institute of Technology, a public R&D center under the Ministry of Universities, Science, Innovation and Culture of the Canary Islands Government, is part of this partnership, which is composed of a consortium of 20 organizations from Spain, Belgium, Greece, France, Portugal and Cape Verde.
The project aligns with the goals set for 2030 as outlined in the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with particular focus on the following objectives from the SDG strategy:
- Instituto Geológico y Minero de España (IGME-CSIC). Spain
- Federación Europea de Geólogos (EFG). Belgium
- Inlecom Innovation Astiki mi Kerdoskopiki Etaireia. Greece
- Asociación para la Investigación de la Macaronesia (AIM). Spain
- La Palma Research Centre. Spain
- Asociación Europea para la Democracia Local (ALDA). France
- Consejo Insular de Aguas de La Palma. Spain
- Ayuntamiento de Horta. Isla de Faial, Azores. Portugal
- Canaragua Concesiones. Spain
- Comunidad de Aguas Tenisca. Tazacorte, La Palma. Spain
- Viajes y Prácticas Científicas GeoTenerife. Spain
- Asociación del Instituto Superior Técnico para la Investigación y el Desarrollo (IST-ID). Portugal
- Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias (ITC). Spain
- Laboratorio Nacional de Energía y Geología (LNEG). Portugal
- Trisolaris Advanced Technologies. Portugal
- Universidad de Cabo Verde. Cabo Verde
- Universidad de La Laguna (ULL). Tenerife. Spain
- Universidad de Madeira (UMA). Portugal
- Universidad de La Reunión. France
- Oficina de Investigaciones Geológicas y Mineras (BRGM). France
Total budget: 10.512.440 €. Funded by the Horizon Europe programme (70%)
September 2024 – August 2028
General objective:
Improve resilience to the effects of climate change in European regions with water infrastructure dependent on groundwater. Support local, regional, and community authorities in managing vulnerabilities that could affect groundwater systems, promoting the sustainable reuse of water through the treatment and use of wastewater, rainwater, and reclaimed water for irrigation, industry, and urban landscaping.
Specific objectives:
- Assess climate risks in the Macaronesian region in a collaborative and inclusive manner, identifying and protecting the vulnerabilities of water infrastructure.
- Develop, test, and apply nature-based solutions that protect infrastructure from the effects of climate change and strategically integrate them into new or existing infrastructure.
- Incorporate digital monitoring and data sources into nature-based solutions to prevent and manage climate emergencies.
- Evaluate the economic and social savings and losses resulting from the implementation of solutions in response to extreme weather events.
- Obtain climate resilience indicators through a demonstrative project in La Palma.
- Promote climate change adaptation among public and private entities.
- Explore the possibility of replicating these solutions in other Macaronesian islands and in other territories of the European Union.
The Canary Islands Institute of Technology (ITC), through its Department of Scientific & Technological Computing, leads WP1 "Macaronesia Water Climate Risk Observatory" and will be responsible for studying historical climate data and projections for the region. This department will develop climate risk profiles for each island in Macaronesia, identify critical infrastructures and conduct a vulnerability analysis.
Meanwhile, the ITC's Water Department will work on WP3 "Demonstrators and Replications Implementation", with a case study in Gran Canaria. The goal is to prevent the discharge of treated wastewater from the Jinámar Wastewater Treatment Plant (EDAR) into the sea by using it for aquifer recharge (via indirect recharge, localized percolation or direct injection), improving both the quantity and quality of the water, and enhancing resilience to climate change.
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