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EcoAdvance European Project

Conversation about balancing hydro renewable energy goals with freshwater ecosystem environmental goals

Starting a conversation about balancing hydro renewable energy goals with freshwater ecosystem environmental goals at a CINEA - European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency meeting with introductions by Thomas Schleker for DG RTD and Jill Michielsen DG ENV.

Mark Morris, EcoAdvance (Horizon Europe) coordinator joined a cluster of hydropower research projects managed by CINEA - European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency in Brussels earlier this week. 
The meeting, with presentations by AFC4Hydro, XFLEX HYDRO, ALPHEUS, Hydro4U, HYPOSO, H-HOPE, AGISTIN (Horizon Europe project), ETIP HYDROPOWER showed important efforts to address the energy crisis and support the clean energy transition with hydropower playing a key role in the integration to the energy grid of renewable sources such as wind and pv. Hydro pumped storage solutions also offer an effective option for storing and providing energy on demand. However, balancing the needs for clean energy with the needs for freshwater ecosystem restoration, and in particular river connectivity, poses a challenge.
 
That's where EcoAdvance comes in, Coordinator Mark Morris explained – finding the nexus where measures are being taken to create more sustainable hydropower solutions which address or minimise impacts and provide an acceptable balance between energy and environmental goals.
Know of an example or have some thoughts to share? Comment below and register for the consultation at www.EcoAdvance.eu

#freshwater #Ecosystem #restoration #hydropower #connectivity

Cluster coordinators

Great pix of the cluster coordinators with Mark Morris coodinator at EcoAdvance

Calling all Freshwater Champions!

Europe has taken one more step for restoration!

After the win in the Council of the European Union yesterday to move a revised Nature Restoration Law forward, Europe is getting closer to fulfilling the intent and potential of the European Green Deal.

But the battle is not over!

This version serves as the basis for further negotiations, of course, so changes are possible. For Member States with plans to restore freshwater ecosystems not yet protected that have languished in the wings for lack of resources or attention, this is the opportunity for Freshwater Champions to make sure freshwater ecosystems move to the top of the list.

The original specificity of binding targets took a bit of a beating, but the new version will hopefully mean serious restoration for freshwater ecosystems – and not just an exclusive focus on one type of habitat or project. The revised text allows Member States to look at all habitats together and prioritize the most urgent restoration needs.

If you know a Freshwater Champion in your country – someone who has advocated for restoration and protection of freshwater ecosystems – tell them about EcoAdvance – an EU project to help freshwater ecosystem restorations be more successful. Join at www.ecoAdvance.eu.