OUR COLLABORATIVE APPROACH
The AWR4Climate Cluster at a glance
1. Bringing projects together
The AWR4Climate Cluster brings together three Horizon Europe projects (AWARD, MARCLAIMED and RECREATE) working on alternative water resources.
By joining forces, the cluster creates a shared space for collaboration, knowledge exchange and joint action.
2. Developing solutions for water resilience
The cluster focuses on integrating Alternative Water Resources (AWR) into water management systems.
It aims to:
- strengthen resilience to climate change
- support sustainable water supply strategies
- provide evidence-based approaches for implementation.
3. Supporting impact and implementation
Aligned with European climate and water policies, the cluster works to:
- improve decision-making and planning tools
- promote innovative and reliable solutions
- facilitate the uptake of AWR across territories
Through collaboration and synergies, it contributes to scaling up sustainable water management practices.
A collaborative approach to alternative water resources
AWARD is part of the AWR4Climate Cluster, a collaboration between Horizon Europe projects working on innovative approaches to water management.
Faced with increasing pressure on water systems across Europe, the cluster brings together complementary initiatives to explore how alternative water resources (AWR) can contribute to more resilient and adaptive territories.
Rather than working in isolation, the projects join efforts to connect research, governance and practical solutions.
A shared dynamic
The AWR4Climate Cluster creates a space for exchange between projects addressing similar challenges from different perspectives.
This dynamic collaboration supports:
- cross-learning between case studies and territories
- alignment of approaches and tools
- stronger visibility at European level
- dialogue between science, policy and practice
It reflects a common ambition: making alternative water resources more accessible, understandable and applicable in real-world contexts.
Towards reliable and integrated alternative water systems
RECREATE explores how alternative water resources systems can be made more reliable, efficient and adaptable to climate challenges.
The project focuses on:
- improving water reuse practices
- enhancing system performance and reliability
- supporting regional adaptation strategies
By combining technical innovation with system-level approaches, RECREATE aims to facilitate the transition towards more circular and sustainable water management models.
Managed Aquifer Recharge for climate adaptation
MARCLAIMED focuses on the use of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) as a strategic solution to address water scarcity and groundwater depletion.
The project develops innovative tools and decision-support systems to:
- facilitate the integration of MAR into water management planning
- improve groundwater storage and availability
- support drought mitigation strategies
Through pilot sites and applied research, MARCLAIMED contributes to demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of aquifer recharge solutions in different environmental and regulatory contexts.
Objectives of the cluster
The AWR4Climate Cluster is structured around five key objectives.
Foster collaboration & synergy
Strengthen collaboration within the cluster and with existing initiatives, while encouraging exchange with stakeholders and society.
Shape effective policies
Contribute to the development of more effective and adaptive water and climate policies at different governance levels.
Improve data management and sharing
Support better data management and knowledge sharing through tools such as a dedicated case study hub.
Disseminate evidence-based practices
Promote evidence-based practices and recommendations through joint dissemination activities, including conferences and social platforms.
Support market uptake & exploitation
Facilitate the uptake, valorisation and exploitation of innovative solutions developed within the cluster.
Working groups
The AWR4Climate Cluster is structured around several working groups, each addressing key dimensions of collaboration, innovation and policy integration.
- Coordination & Communication (C&C) – Ensures overall coordination of the cluster, aligns joint activities and strengthens visibility and collaboration with stakeholders.
- Innovation & Implementation (I&I) – Focuses on identifying, assessing and promoting innovative AWR solutions, supporting their implementation and market uptake.
- Data Management & Sharing (DM&S) – Improves data management and sharing through interoperable frameworks, common tools and shared platforms such as case study hubs.
- Policy Impact (PI) – Analyzes the regulatory landscape, supports policy integration of AWR and develops evidence-based recommendations for decision-makers.
- Stakeholder Engagement (SE) – Engages stakeholders, promotes awareness and supports participatory approaches and co-creation of locally adapted strategies.