The third workshop focusing on the Italian demonstration site of the BONEX project was successfully held on 14th of January 2025. It was jointly organised by the UNIBO and CBR teams. Firstly, prof. Attilio Toscano (UNIBO) has introduced the project and its objectives, while Michele Solmi (CBR) gave the participants overview of the Lorgana and Botte irrigation district.
The event saw active participation from various stakeholders representing key sectors of the Water, Energy, Food, and Ecosystems (WEFe) Nexus. The workshop provided a platform to discuss critical interventions planned for the Italian demonstration project, including:
- Closure of the water balance in the Lorgana and Botte irrigation district.
- Implementation of nature-based solutions aimed at improving irrigation water quality.
- Assessment of the effect that wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) discharges have on irrigation water quality.
These interventions were previously introduced in earlier workshops, which addressed potential barriers to their broader implementation. During this latest session, project team members and stakeholders engaged in discussions about overcoming these barriers and identified key regional and national actors essential for this process.
A significant concern raised was the lack of communication among institutions responsible for different sectors of the WEFe Nexus. This workshop served as an invaluable opportunity to strengthen connections among these entities and we sincerely look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to enhance sustainability of the agricultural sector in the Mediterranean region.
