Experts, policymakers, and environmental stakeholders gathered on April 4th at the IIAMA-UPV headquarters in Valencia for a workshop titled “Adapting to Climate Change in the Jucar River Basin: Indicators, Policies, Challenges, and Innovative Water Management Strategies”.
Organized under the TRANSCEND and RETOUCH NEXUS European projects, the event brought together representatives from the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation (CHJ), TRAGSA, the Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research (IVIA), environmental organizations, and more to tackle pressing water management challenges in the face of climate
Diagnosing the Jucar’s Challenges
The local team of researchers led a participatory diagnosis session outlining climate change impacts on the Jucar Basin, including model-predicted effects under current management and adaptation measures proposed by the CHJ. Participants actively engaged, sharing insights and concerns about the region’s water future, setting the stage for a collaborative approach.
Innovative Solutions Take Center Stage
The workshop then turned its attention to crafting solutions for climate change. Facilitators prompted a deep dive into perceived challenges before opening the floor to brainstorm innovative adaptation and mitigation measures. Ideas ranged from advanced water-saving technologies to economic incentives and improved policy frameworks, with a strong emphasis on enhancing collaboration across sectors.
The Role of Indicators
Next, the focus shifted to indicators of environmental and water management health. The UPV team shared the current system of indicators, sparking a lively debate about their adequacy. Participants proposed new quantitative and qualitative indicators aligned with earlier discussions on challenges and solutions.
A Step Toward Resilience
The joint TRANSCEND & RETOUCH NEXUS workshop highlighted the critical need for climate adaptation in one of Spain’s key river basins. By uniting diverse expertise, it forged a roadmap of actionable strategies and forward-thinking indicators to safeguard the Jucar’s sustainability. With climate challenges looming, these efforts signal Valencia’s leadership in building a resilient, water-secure future.
