1. Addressing Desertification by Efficient Irrigation in Agriculture
DESIRAS
Addressing Desertification by Efficient Irrigation in Agriculture
thanks for invitation
discussion on cooperation between Delft and EWP have been going on for some time and we look forward to starting this cooperation concretely
In this presentation I would like to discuss the programmes and activities of EWP in detail and how they will match with the activities and needs of Delft.
Harro Riedstra – Project Manager EWP

2. Background DESIRAS
Desertification – growing challenge in Europe, mainly in Southern regions of Europe.
One of the main causes of desertification is the lack of available water due to water scarcity and drought.
Water scarcity and drought will become more severe due to the effects of climate change, especially in Southern Europe
Large part of the available fresh water is used for agriculture (irrigation), especially in dry areas:
Spain: 70% of total water supply used for irrigation
Cyprus: 63%
Measures to reduce water use in agriculture will therefore have the largest impact on the total available water supply
Would be good I guess to stress the strong role of NWP in setting up EWP + fact we have large Dutch and SME membership
FYI (((NWP has the lead in the “Dutch Delta Design (DDD)” initiative. This is an initiative to better promote the Dutch Water sector. As part of DDD, regional expertisecentres have been set up, one of which is Delft on “Deltatechnology and water”)))

3. The DESIRAS project - objectives
To pilot test an innovative technology to reduce water use in agriculture
reducing frequency of irrigation
reducing frequency of applying pesticide, reducing water used and wastewater produced
To test this technology under Southern European circumstances and with crops widespread in Southern Europe  large potential for uptake.
To test the technology within the framework of the Water Stewardship Program  providing an inclusive analysis of the impact of the technology and further improving the potential for uptake.
To actively involve local stakeholders (farmers, (regional) governments, ngo’s) to disseminate the results and achieve widespread uptake
To actively reach out to stakeholders in other regions, and cooperate with other projects to disseminate the results and achieve widespread uptake.
Would be good I guess to stress the strong role of NWP in setting up EWP + fact we have large Dutch and SME membership
FYI (((NWP has the lead in the “Dutch Delta Design (DDD)” initiative. This is an initiative to better promote the Dutch Water sector. As part of DDD, regional expertisecentres have been set up, one of which is Delft on “Deltatechnology and water”)))

4. The Agri Yield Management System
Agri Yield Management System (AYMS)
Measures the soil moisture. Combined with software models on the crops need for water the optimum moment for irrigation can be established
Saves up to 45% of water used in irrigation
On the basis of detailed local weather data and forecasts, combined with software models, the most probable time for certain diseases and insects to appear is established. By spraying pesticides and insecticides on only these times, spraying can be used 30% less frequent, saving fresh water and reducing waste water.
Increases crop-yield.
Would be good I guess to stress the strong role of NWP in setting up EWP + fact we have large Dutch and SME membership
FYI (((NWP has the lead in the “Dutch Delta Design (DDD)” initiative. This is an initiative to better promote the Dutch Water sector. As part of DDD, regional expertisecentres have been set up, one of which is Delft on “Deltatechnology and water”)))

5. The DESIRAS project - activities
Pilot testing at Oikozoe, Cyprus – olives and potatoes
Pilot testing at Arissandra, Cyprus – verbena
Pilot testing at Plataforma, Spain – olives
Stewardship evaluation at each of the three farms
Outreach to stakeholders in both Cyprus and Spain
4 stakeholder events and final event
Cooperation with European projects
Outreach to stakeholders in other European countries facing desertification
Would be good I guess to stress the strong role of NWP in setting up EWP + fact we have large Dutch and SME membership
FYI (((NWP has the lead in the “Dutch Delta Design (DDD)” initiative. This is an initiative to better promote the Dutch Water sector. As part of DDD, regional expertisecentres have been set up, one of which is Delft on “Deltatechnology and water”)))

6. Envisaged results
The AYMS technology tested and evaluated for its practical applicability in halting desertification in Southern Europe
The European Water Stewardship Standard tested and evaluated for its practical application as a holistic tool to evaluate and promote SWM
Local stakeholders in Spain and Cyprus actively involved in the project to ensure maximum dissemination and uptake
Facilitating the sharing of best practices on addressing desertification by cooperating with existing networks and projects
Wide outreach of the project results using European networks
Would be good I guess to stress the strong role of NWP in setting up EWP + fact we have large Dutch and SME membership
FYI (((NWP has the lead in the “Dutch Delta Design (DDD)” initiative. This is an initiative to better promote the Dutch Water sector. As part of DDD, regional expertisecentres have been set up, one of which is Delft on “Deltatechnology and water”)))

7. Water Stewardship Framework (4)
DESIRAS workpackages
Pilot Plataforma (1)
Pilot
Oikozoe
(2)
Pilot
Arissandra (2)
Water Stewardship Framework (4)
Would be good I guess to stress the strong role of NWP in setting up EWP + fact we have large Dutch and SME membership
FYI (((NWP has the lead in the “Dutch Delta Design (DDD)” initiative. This is an initiative to better promote the Dutch Water sector. As part of DDD, regional expertisecentres have been set up, one of which is Delft on “Deltatechnology and water”)))
Promotion, Dissemination, Exploitation and Exit Strategy (5)
Management (1)

8. Main project deliverables
Management
3 monthly project reporting (content)
Final report (content and financial)
Per pilot
Pilot meetings and workshops
Mid term and final report
Water Stewardship strategy document and final report
Communication and Dissemination
Communication plan and material
Meetings with local stakeholders (4) and final event
Cooperation with projects and networks
Exit strategy document
Would be good I guess to stress the strong role of NWP in setting up EWP + fact we have large Dutch and SME membership
FYI (((NWP has the lead in the “Dutch Delta Design (DDD)” initiative. This is an initiative to better promote the Dutch Water sector. As part of DDD, regional expertisecentres have been set up, one of which is Delft on “Deltatechnology and water”)))

9. Partners European Water Partnership (BE) Dacom BV (NL)
Atlantis Consulting (CY)
Cyprus Organic Farmers Association (COFA) (CY)
Arissandra (CY)
Oikozoe (CY)
Plataforma (SP)
Would be good I guess to stress the strong role of NWP in setting up EWP + fact we have large Dutch and SME membership
FYI (((NWP has the lead in the “Dutch Delta Design (DDD)” initiative. This is an initiative to better promote the Dutch Water sector. As part of DDD, regional expertisecentres have been set up, one of which is Delft on “Deltatechnology and water”)))

10. EWP
Would be good I guess to stress the strong role of NWP in setting up EWP + fact we have large Dutch and SME membership
FYI (((NWP has the lead in the “Dutch Delta Design (DDD)” initiative. This is an initiative to better promote the Dutch Water sector. As part of DDD, regional expertisecentres have been set up, one of which is Delft on “Deltatechnology and water”)))

11. European Water Partnership
Independent, non-profit organisation helping to coordinate initiatives and activities in international water issues and undertaking worldwide promotion of European expertise related to water
Open and inclusive member association, combining
Governmental organisations;
Business (SME’s);
Research sector;
NGO’s.
History:
Water Supply and Sanitation Technology Platform (WSSTP).
European Regional Process for WWF4
Would be good I guess to stress the strong role of NWP in setting up EWP + fact we have large Dutch and SME membership
FYI (((NWP has the lead in the “Dutch Delta Design (DDD)” initiative. This is an initiative to better promote the Dutch Water sector. As part of DDD, regional expertisecentres have been set up, one of which is Delft on “Deltatechnology and water”)))

12. Water Vision for Europe
“We have achieved sustainable water resource management and universal access to modern and safe water supply and sanitation because we value water in all its dimensions – in its economic, social, environmental and cultural importance.”

13. EWP Objectives Putting water on the mainstream political agenda.
Increasing and developing co-operation between all stakeholders.
Promoting:
Innovation;
European expertise;
Achievement of MDG’s and Horizon 2020;
Mobilise funding for innovative water solutions.
Supporting effective implementation of European legislation.
Building a reference base of projects with tangible examples, and visible user impact .
Focus on creating market and projects. Delft is mainly looking for three things: Promotion of its position on water, increasing market and jobs for the water sector in Delft, and more involvement of SME’s in the Delft water sector.

14. EWP Activities Four Programmes: Three European projects:
European Water Stewardship Programme - Establishing a voluntary
scheme to promote sustainable water use in industry.
European Water Awareness Programme - Promoting a water saving
efficient culture among European politicians, key stakeholders and citizens.
European Water House - A concrete location making the Water Vision a reality.
European Dialogue on Climate Change Adaptation and Water - Setting up a
stronger European cooperation and coordination on Climate Change and Water (tbc).
Three European projects:
INNOWATER (coordinator) – Facilitating the market uptake of innovative water
technologies.
STREAM (partner) – Disseminating state-of-the-art results of earlier EU science
and research projects on water.
DESIRAS (coordinator) – Pilot testing an innovative technology to reduce water
used in irrigation, addressing desertification in the Mediterranean.
In this presentation mainly focus on Stewardship, Dialogue and INNOWATER and the benefits these programmes could have for Delft.
Apart from INNOWATER:
Water Dialogues (LIFE+): focusing on improving communication by the water sector + improving grassroots participation in implementing legislation
STREAM (FP7) : improving dissemination of FP7 research and technology results
INWATER (FP7) : setting up new methods for urban water management.