The upcoming World Water Day, which is celebrated annually on the twenty-second of March, serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainable water management and access to clean water for all. As climate change and urbanisation continue to pose challenges, innovative policies and solutions are needed more than ever.
One key development in the European water sector is the Water Framework Directive, which sets ambitious targets for water quality and management across the continent. In order to achieve these goals, there is a growing recognition of the role that Nature-Based Solutions can play in improving water resilience. These approaches, which include constructed wetlands, permeable surfaces, and green infrastructure, provide sustainable alternatives to traditional grey infrastructure by enhancing water filtration, reducing flood risks, and restoring ecosystems. Integrating nature-based solutions within the framework of European water policies can help cities meet regulatory requirements while fostering long-term environmental and societal benefits. Find more details on the Water Framework Directive.
Upcoming Nature-based Solutions Water Events: Join the Conversation
Several key events are on the horizon, providing opportunities to engage with experts, policymakers, and innovators working to shape the future of urban water management. Here is a sample of a few.
MULTISOURCE Events
The Water Market Europe 2025 event will take place on 27 March in Girona, Spain, at the Centre Cultural La Mercè. This event will provide a platform for cities, utilities, and solution providers to collaborate on nature-based solutions. It will include matchmaking sessions, expert-led discussions, and business opportunities. Those interested in attending can register here.
The Gender and Water Governance Webinar will take place on 18 March from 11:00 -12:30 CET. This online event will focus on the role of gender mainstreaming in urban water governance and the implementation of nature-based solutions. Those interested in attending can register here.
A MULTISOURCE Technical Workshop is also planned, and further details will be announced soon.
Global Insights with EU Water cluster
To mark this year’s World Water Day, five EU-funded projects—WATERUN,
D4RUNOFF, STOP UP, NBS NICE, and MULTISOURCE—are coming together to host
an insightful joint webinar: Global Insights from Nature-based Solutions in Case Studies – Lessons Learned and Future Perspectives. The webinar takes place 26 March 14:00 – 16:00 CET. Access the event.
CitiesWithWater Webinar Series
This webinar, organized by ICLEI and the World Water Council, aims to address global water challenges, promote sustainable water and sanitation management, and foster effective multilevel governance. The first session, focusing on water scarcity, will take place on 26 March at 13:00 (CET). The event will explore urban water resilience through case studies from Cape Town, São Paulo, Barcelona, and Singapore (TBC). Register here and learn more on the website.
Explore More on the Water Europe Website
For more insights, research updates, and details on upcoming events in the water sector, visit the Water Europe website and stay engaged in the conversation on sustainable water management and nature-based solutions. More information can be found at Water Europe.