Lisbon, February, 27th, 2025 – The CisWEFE-NEX consortium has been honored with the Prémio Nacional da Água (National Water Award), a prestigious recognition for its groundbreaking efforts in applying circular economy principles to tackle critical water challenges in the Alentejo-Algarve-Andalusia Euroregion. The award was presented at the Fórum BPI: O Futuro da Água, held at the Fundação Champalimaud in Lisbon.
The award, presented by Banco BPI, highlights the relevance and impact of CisWEFE-NEX’s integrated approach to water-energy-food-ecosystem (WEFE) management. The project stands out as a prime example of cross-border cooperation and innovation, offering scalable and sustainable solutions for more efficient water resource management.
A Strong Validation of CisWEFE-NEX’s Vision
Receiving this award at the early stages of the project serves as a powerful validation of its vision and mission. Marta Coto, from INOVA+, communication partner in the project, expressed the significance of this recognition:
“Receiving this award at the very start of the project is a strong validation of our vision and the solutions we aim to demonstrate. It reinforces the relevance of our approach to integrated WEFE management and the impact we are striving to achieve.”
The Banco BPI Executive Board Member, Francisco Matos, emphasized the importance of fostering European cooperation in addressing water challenges:
“CisWEFE-NEX is an example of innovation and cross-border collaboration. The purpose of the National Water Award is precisely to encourage innovation and cooperation at multiple levels to tackle pressing water challenges.”
Recognizing Innovation Across the Sector
CisWEFE-NEX would like to extend its congratulations to the other two finalists of the award: Pizarro S.A. | Lifeanhidra and Universidade de Coimbra | CirRe-Dyeing, both of whom have demonstrated remarkable innovation in the water management sector.
Continuing the Mission for Sustainable Water Management
This award is more than just recognition—it is a call to action to continue advancing research, fostering cooperation, and delivering practical solutions that can make a tangible difference. The entire CisWEFE-NEX consortium, led by BIOAZUL, remains committed to pushing forward impactful results in sustainable water management.
Read more about the event here:BPI Forum – The Future of Water
Learn more about the other initiatives: Pizarro S.A. | Lifeanhidra; Universidade de Coimbra | CirRe-Dyeing
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