Advancement of the Strategic Plan for Axarquía: Second BONEX Workshop

On November 14, 2024, BIOAZUL, in collaboration with the University of Córdoba and the University of Almería, held the second BONEX workshop in Axarquía, Málaga. Under the theme “Agricultural Innovation for Sustainability: Opportunities, Barriers, and Impacts in the Use of Reclaimed Water in Axarquía”, the event brought together experts and local stakeholders to discuss reclaimed water use in agriculture and its environmental impact on the region. This workshop marks a significant step forward in the Strategic Plan for Axarquía, aiming to optimize water resources and reduce reliance on traditional water sources, addressing the urgent climate crisis affecting the region.

During the session, researchers Julio Berbel and Antonio Hurtado from the University of Córdoba presented a socioeconomic analysis of Axarquía that highlighted the main barriers and opportunities for using reclaimed water in agriculture. Through participatory activities, attendees deepened this analysis, identifying key challenges and contributing to a methodological framework for implementing the WEFE (Water, Energy, Food, Ecosystems) nexus. Concurrently, a team from the University of Almería, led by researchers Enrica Garau and Antonio Castro, coordinated an ecosystem impact assessment, paving the way for a strategic plan that promotes sustainable reclaimed water use.

First BONEX Workshop: Strategic Plan Foundations

This second workshop is part of a series of activities that began with the first BONEX workshop in October 2022. In that initial meeting, participants laid the groundwork for the Axarquía Strategic Plan, which addresses water scarcity and aims to enhance regional resilience. Key figures such as the president of the Costa del Sol Oriental Municipal Association, José Juan Jiménez, and the vice president of AXARAGUA, Gregorio Campos, joined the session to emphasize the need for broad collaboration in Axarquía. This initial session was highly practical; using methodologies like “System Dynamics” coordinated by the NOVA University of Lisbon, participants identified the most pressing issues in the region and developed causal diagrams, which will support a comprehensive view of challenges and potential solutions for sustainable water resource management.

Innovation and Ongoing Projects

BIOAZUL’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in Axarquía is evident in notable projects like reclaimed water use in the town of Algarrobo, a case study from the successful RICHWATER project, now recognized as a “Living Lab” by Water Europe. Furthermore, in collaboration with the Institute of Subtropical and Mediterranean Horticulture (IHSM-La Mayora), studies are underway to examine the impact of reclaimed water on crop productivity and quality through the Axarquía Sostenible operational group. These efforts are supported by additional European projects such as BONEX and P2Green, positioning Axarquía as a center for innovative sustainable water resource management.

Ongoing Commitment and Collaboration

The BONEX workshops have not only allowed for the exploration of innovative solutions but have also strengthened the commitment among local stakeholders, experts, and farmers to build a sustainable future for Axarquía, emphasizing the importance of an integrated and resilient water management approach in the region.