Solution 01
Interconnected ponds and wetlands
Natural and artificial ponds retain excess water, reduce flood pressure and store water that may be used during dry periods.
WaterMed Hub 2
Agriculture
Sustainable water use in agriculture
Origin Lab
Emilia-Romagna, Bologna, Italy
Territory at a glance
The Lab is located in the rural Lorgana and Botte irrigation district, an intensively farmed area near Bologna. Its interconnected canals, ponds and wetlands play an important role in managing water quantity, water quality and biodiversity.
Water and environmental challenges
- Seasonal water scarcity and increasing irrigation demand.
- Flooding caused by intense rainfall and the area's flat topography.
- Water pollution and biodiversity loss linked to intensive agriculture.
Objectives
- Store water during wet periods for potential use during droughts.
- Reduce agricultural pollutants entering the drainage network.
- Protect wetland habitats and strengthen biodiversity.
Nature-Based Solutions
Solution 02
Floodplain and wetland restoration
Restored wetland areas improve water filtration, support biodiversity and strengthen the ecological functions of the agricultural catchment.
Implementation Lab
Guenfou, Morocco
Territory at a glance
Guenfou is a remote mountain village in the Fès-Meknès region, where livelihoods depend mainly on livestock and subsistence farming. Its cold semi-arid climate, irregular rainfall and lack of perennial surface water create severe pressure on people, agriculture and ecosystems.
Water and environmental challenges
- Droughts, flash floods and highly irregular water availability.
- Soil erosion, riverbank degradation and loss of vegetation.
- Biodiversity decline caused by climate stress, overgrazing and land-use change.
Objectives
- Capture and store rainwater for irrigation and ecological restoration.
- Restore degraded landscapes using native vegetation.
- Improve agricultural water efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
Nature-Based Solutions
Solution 01
Rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation
Existing basins will store more than 12,000 m³ of rainwater annually, supplying a solar-powered drip irrigation system across six hectares.
Solution 02
Riverbank restoration and agroforestry
A 1.2 km riparian buffer will be restored, while agroforestry plantations and a native plant nursery will support biodiversity, soil stability and local livelihoods.