The Water Research Institute (IdRA) coordinated a field trip with Students from CHARM-EU ‘Global challenges for sustainability master’s degree. CHARM-EU students at the University of Montpelier (France), together with other students from Michigan State University (USA) could learn the scientific work within the Water4All cooperation program, co-financed by the European Union, the Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades, through the Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI).
These were three days of exploratory work focused on water reuse. The students delegation took full advantage of this experience, delving into diverse yet complementary factors such as wetlands biodiversity, water resource management, their relationship with socioeconomic activities, and their impact on the environment through various activities and discussions. The trip has allowed them to learn firsthand about the intricacies of the Darnius Boadella reservoir, as well as the ambitious water reuse strategy that is carried out in the water treatment plants serving the towns and cities that make up the Consorci de la Costa Brava in order to contribute to the preservation of such unique natural spaces as the Aiguamolls de l’Empordà. Specifically, the walk through these marshes located in the Alt Empordà region has been one of the most stimulating activities for the research group, considering their enormous ecological value and the most interesting aspects of their territorial and environmental management.
The program of activities was completed with visits to the facilities of the campsite La Ballena Alegre and the IRTA Mas Badia center (Institute of Agrifood Research and Technology), where the tourism and agricultural sectors were explored, respectively.
Lectures have also played a prominent role in this field trip to the Muga. Led by Joana Diaz, an Eurecat researcher, participants were able to delve deeper into governance aspects related to water reuse. Ignacio Cazcarro, PhD at the University of Zaragoza and member of IdRA, focused his conference on the socioeconomic points around water resources; while Patrice Ndiaye, and by the European Union PhD at the Université de Montpellier, discussed the European legal framework regarding water reuse and recycling. Finally, the practical class on water treatment and analysis was led by Geoffroy Lesage, PhD at the Université de Montpellier
