AQUAMAN
- PROJECTS
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
AQUAtic systems’ evaluation for the Mitigation of wAter scarcity in mediterranean islaNds and coastal tourist destinations under severe pressure
Duration: 16 July 2025 - 30 June 2027
Funding programme: Interreg Euro-MED
Project budget: € 1.500.000
SEL NTUA budget: € 175.300
Coordinator: El legado andalusí Andalusian Public Foundation, Granada, Spain
SEL NTUA role: Project Partner
Project website: https://aquaman.interreg-euro-med.eu/
AQUAMAN in a nutshell
AQUAMAN is the abbreviated name of the project AQUAtic systems’ evaluation for the Mitigation of wAter scarcity in mediterranean islaNds and coastal tourist destinations under severe pressure, a transnational initiative aimed at addressing one of the greatest challenges currently faced by the Mediterranean region: water scarcity.
Focusing on sustainability and efficient management of water resources in areas under pressure from tourism, the Interreg Euro-MED Program funds the project. The project brings together a consortium of partners from six European countries (Spain, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Portugal), comprising institutional partners (a Ministry of Tourism, a National Water Agency, and a National Tourism Authority), members of the academic and research sectors, all specialists in water scarcity issues, as well as an island municipality, a network of small islands, and an international organization that includes a multidisciplinary team of entities.
The main objective of the AQUAMAN project is to strengthen the capacity of local authorities in water management by promoting:
· the use of non-conventional water sources, such as rainwater and treated wastewater;
· the reduction of water demand in critical sectors, namely tourism;
· the optimization of water distribution systems;
the transfer of knowledge from previous EU projects, such as those funded by the Horizon 2020 (H2020) and PRIMA programmes.
Project demonstration sites
AQUAMAN demonstrates its innovative water solutions through a series of Living Labs established in selected Mediterranean islands and coastal regions that are highly exposed to water scarcity and climate stress. These Living Labs serve as real-world testbeds where local stakeholders, authorities, and experts co-develop and evaluate tailored interventions based on AQUAMAN’s catalogue of solutions.
Each Living Lab hosts two workshops (Inception and Follow-up) to present AQUAMAN tools, gather feedback, and support the design of site-specific transfer strategies. The outcomes contribute to a broader framework for replicating sustainable, climate-resilient water management approaches across the Mediterranean.
SEL NTUA expertise in AQUAMAN
Within AQUAMAN, SEL plays a leading role in the co-design and technical refinement of innovative water solutions tailored for islands and coastal areas under climate stress. Drawing on experience in deploying nature-based solutions, reclaiming non-conventional water resources, and supporting aquifer recharge and circular use, SEL provides both scientific input and practical expertise.
SEL also supports stakeholder engagement, contributes to knowledge transfer activities, and helps monitor the environmental performance of the proposed interventions, such as assessing their carbon footprint. It actively collaborates with local and regional actors to ensure that the solutions promoted are adaptable, impactful, and aligned with the goals of a just and climate-resilient Mediterranean water future.
Research team
Tadej Stepisnik Perdih, Elsa Pantopoulou
