The 2025 edition of Water Market Europe (WME) took place on Thursday 27 March in Girona, bringing together leading voices in the water sector to explore market-driven solutions and foster innovation in sustainable water management. The event was organised by Water Europe with the support of the EU-funded MULTISOURCE project. WME 2025 is designed to foster collaboration and innovation by directly addressing the technological needs identified in the MULTISOURCE project.
The NATALIE project was proudly represented by David Smith, Ph.D. and Sara De Llobet Payàs, both from NATALIE partner We&B (Water, Environment and Business for Development). They actively contributed to the event’s expert discussions and networking activities.
During Session 2 "Facing the Challenge: Overcoming Barriers to Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) Implementation", David Smith, delivered a presentation entitled: “International Cooperation in Advancing NBS for Urban Water Challenges.” In his intervention, David highlighted the importance of international collaboration in scaling up nature-based solutions to tackle urban water challenges. Drawing on insights from the NATALIE project, he showcased how NBS can restore ecosystems, reduce flood risks, secure water resources, and support biodiversity, all while helping regions adapt to the effects of climate change. His contribution provided a concrete abd practical example of how EU-funded initiatives can drive practical innovation across borders.
Also attending the event, Sara De Llobet Payàs engaged in dialogue with stakeholders from across Europe. The afternoon matchmaking sessions offered participants a chance to connect directly with water professionals, innovators, and institutional representatives, fostering new collaborations and knowledge exchange.
Water Market Europe serves as a recurring platform for connecting research, policy, and market opportunities in the water sector. By participating in WME 2025, NATALIE strengthened its visibility and demonstrated how research-driven solutions are shaping Europe’s water-smart future.
More information about the event: https://watereurope.eu/event/water-market-europe-2025/