Vélez-Málaga, June 21st, 2025 – The IV BONEX Workshop, titled “Innovative solutions and unconventional water resources in Axarquía”, was held on June 20th at TROPS headquarters, gathering 37 participants including stakeholders from the agricultural sector, public authorities, researchers and water-related companies.

Organized by BIOAZUL and the University of Córdoba, with support from the PRIMA Programme and TROPS as local collaborator, the event marked the closing of BONEX field activities in the Axarquía demonstration site.

Key results and innovations from the BONEX demonstration

The workshop featured several key contributions:

• The presentation of a digital decision-support tool for nutrient balance calculations in reclaimed water use.

• A technical and economic feasibility study on the joint use of reclaimed and desalinated water for irrigation.

• Impact analysis using the REWEF tool on the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFe) Nexus in the local context.

• Introduction of the BOOST project, which supports agribusiness acceleration and precision agriculture adoption through a digital training and networking platform

• A practical case study on river restoration and water retention techniques, presented by WILDCARES SP.

A space for territorial dialogue

The final roundtable, moderated by BIOAZUL, brought together:

• Julio Berbel (University of Córdoba)

• Francisco Moreno (AXARAGUA)

• Pepe Campos (Central Water Users Association)

• Juan Carlos Gázquez (Cajamar)

• Adriana Linde (Las Mayoralas Irrigation Community)

Speakers highlighted the need for improved governance of reclaimed water, digital transformation, long-term planning and social engagement in the transition toward more resilient water management.

Positioning Axarquía on the European water innovation map

The workshop confirmed Axarquía’s role as a regional reference for sustainable water solutions, capable of inspiring and informing similar initiatives across the Mediterranean. The event also served to bring local voices closer to decision-making forums at regional and European levels.