Press Release
Issue Date: November 20, 2024 at COP 29, Baku, Azerbaijan
Subject: The Regional Government of Andalusia and IDRA Unite to Drive Global Water Sustainability
The Regional Government of Andalusia and the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) have signed a landmark General Collaboration Protocol to promote innovative water reuse and desalination solutions. The agreement, signed by Andalusian President H.E. Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla and IDRA Secretary General Ms. Shannon McCarthy, establishes a framework for advancing sustainable water management with the use of water reuse solutions.
Key Initiatives include establishing Seville as a Global Water Hub through hosting the become IDRA Water Reuse Summit, which is held biennially by IDRA. In this scope, the first International Water Reuse High-Level Symposium is scheduled for May 2025 under the esteemed patronage of His Excellency President Moreno Bonilla. A dedicated committee will coordinate efforts to enhance non-conventional water resources and support IDRA’s mission of advancing desalination and water reuse technologies.
The partnership aligns with Andalusia’s Article 60 of Law 3/2023, dated March 30, on Circular Economy in Andalusia, regional and local administrations, within their competences, shall draft the necessary plans for implementing circular economy in water management and water strategies, prioritizing reclaimed water use, efficient wastewater treatment, and biodiversity conservation. Analysis of possible synergies for water reuse at the local level. Definition of reclaimed water production infrastructures to improve effluent quality to make it compatible with intended uses, as well as the necessary means for its distribution.
Promotion of water reuse for agricultural, industrial, recreational, and environmental purposes through incentives for using reclaimed water. Study of the feasibility of reusing water for environmental purposes, such as saline intrusion control, aquifer recharge, forest irrigation, silviculture, and maintenance of wetlands and minimum flows, among others. Promotion of water reuse for urban uses, including street cleaning and green area irrigation, among others. Economic study of regeneration costs, as established by the National Plan for Wastewater Treatment, Sanitation, Efficiency, Savings, and Reuse (Plan DSEAR).
Moreover, Article 62 of the aforementioned Law on Circular Economy in Andalusia stipulates that, without prejudice to compliance with specific regulations on discharges, when the private uses referred to in the previous section generate discharges into the hydraulic or maritime-terrestrial public domain exceeding an annual volume of one cubic hectometer, their holders must compensate water extraction by properly treating at least half of the volume of wastewater produced for its subsequent reuse.
Shared Vision
This agreement reflects Andalusia’s commitment to addressing water scarcity and IDRA’s leadership in promoting innovative water technologies and convening international gatherings to address water scarcity. “Andalusia is proud to collaborate with IDRA to tackle global water challenges and solidify our role as a leader in sustainable water innovation,” stated Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, President of Andalusia. IDRA’s Secretary General Shannon McCarthy stated, “This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in advancing water sustainability and addressing critical global needs.” Together, they aim to set a global collaboration for sustainable water solutions. This agreement signifies a transformative step toward addressing water scarcity and achieving long-term water sustainability for Andalusia and beyond.
