The GENESIS project is pleased to invite stakeholders, researchers, public authorities, water managers, and practitioners to the “Water Nature-Based Solutions for Islands’ Resilience” Clustering Workshop, taking place on 7-8 October 2026 in Horta, Faial (Azores), with the possibility to participate both onsite and online.
This international workshop will bring together experts and representatives from several leading European initiatives working on nature-based solutions (NbS), climate adaptation, and resilient water infrastructure. Participants will have the opportunity to exchange experiences, explore innovative approaches, and discuss how nature-based solutions can strengthen the resilience of island territories facing increasing climate change pressures.
At the heart of the workshop is the GENESIS approach, which aims to enhance the climate resilience of critical water infrastructure across island regions in Macaronesia and other European outermost regions through innovative, systemic nature-based solutions. In Faial, GENESIS is developing an aquifer storage and recovery system to address saltwater intrusion and improve freshwater availability through managed aquifer recharge supported by digital monitoring and stakeholder engagement.
The workshop will also showcase experiences and solutions from LIFE IP CLIMAZ, Med-IREN, NATURE-DEMO, ORLA, and S+T+ARTS Aqua Motion, highlighting diverse perspectives on climate resilience, ecosystem-based adaptation, water management, infrastructure protection, digital innovation, and community engagement.
What to expect
- A field visit to the GENESIS demonstrator in Faial, including the Furo das Cancelas site.
- Presentations on Faial’s critical water infrastructure, climate challenges, and nature-based solutions.
- A project clustering session to expand the nature-based solutions toolbox through knowledge exchange among European initiatives.
- An interactive NbS Cost-Benefit Canvas workshop, enabling participants to collaboratively assess the broader value and impact of nature-based solutions.
By bringing together projects, institutions, researchers, practitioners, and local stakeholders, the workshop aims to foster collaboration, mutual learning, and the replication of successful nature-based solutions that contribute to water security and climate resilience across island territories and beyond.
Dates: 7-8 October 2026
Location: Salão Nobre dos Paços do Concelho da Horta, Câmara Municipal da Horta, Faial, Azores
Format: Hybrid (onsite and online participation available)
Registration: Register here