INTERREG Italy-Switzerland cooperation > RESERVAQUA project

Integrated water resource management Popularization Raising awareness of water-related issues

Understanding water resources for better management

Water resources in the Alps are under increasing pressure: shortages and deteriorating water quality are just some of the consequences of population growth, the impact of various human activities and climate change. The project is supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the INTERREG V-A Italy-Switzerland cooperation program and the Canton of Valais. Its aim is to assess the factors conditioning the distribution of resources between the Swiss and Italian territories (cross-border aquifers), and to develop a common strategy for the integrated management of water in mountain regions, in order to guarantee the sustainable use and qualitative protection of this resource. The study area covers the canton of Valais on the one hand, and the autonomous Aosta Valley and Piedmont regions on the other. Priority study areas have been defined on either side of the border: to the west, Martigny, Val Ferret, Val d’Entremont, Val de Bagnes and Vallée d’Aoste; to the east, the Mattertal, Saastal, Val Anzasca and Val Sesia regions. The project also aims to enhance the value of this knowledge by making it accessible via a geographical portal providing wide-ranging access for professionals and decision-makers. The general public will be informed about water resources in this cross-border area through exhibitions, conferences and environmental education workshops, as well as through a didactic electronic game. Ultimately, the deliverables will be tools for the sustainable management of water resources, in terms of both quantity and quality, while taking into account their evolution in relation to climate change. Particular emphasis will be placed on optimizing water use by the agricultural sector.

CREALP is involved in the analysis of water resources available on the cross-border territory, organizing the collection and development of thematic datasets and setting up a cross-border information system. It is also involved in discussions on the methodology and production of a hydrogeological conceptual model. In terms of communication, CREALP contributes to the writing of newsletters, the development of a serious game and the organization of temporary exhibitions.

Main themes of the RESERVAQUA Cartographic Atlas

Information

Project manager: Ivann Milenkovic
Project duration: 2019 – 2023
Project leaders: Service de l’environnement(SEN) & CREALP