Between September 22 and 26, a delegation from the SWACH project conducted a technical and scientific visit to Belgium with the aim of strengthening collaboration with KU Leuven (KUL) and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), while also learning about innovative experiences and strategies related to climate change adaptation and sustainable water management.
The delegation was composed of Verónica Polo, General Manager of ETAPA EP; Rigoberto Guerrero, Deputy Manager of Environmental Management; Ana Elizabeth Ochoa, SWACH promoter in Ecuador and representative of the University of Azuay; Patricio Crespo, co-promoter of the project; Rolando Célleri, Senior Researcher at the University of Cuenca; and Santiago Núñez, doctoral researcher.
During the visit, the team was welcomed by Professor Patrick Willems and his research group at KU Leuven. Together, they exchanged experiences and discussed initiatives that connect scientific research with decision-making processes to improve water resource management in the Flanders region.
As part of the agenda, the delegation visited Arenberg Castle Park and participated in technical meetings to gain first-hand insight into the collaborative mechanisms established among universities, public institutions, and decision-makers. This model has played a key role in strengthening climate adaptation and water management strategies in Belgium.
The delegation also explored several nature-based solutions implemented for flood control, including projects developed on the KU Leuven campus and the renowned Sigmaplan program, an integrated strategy that combines ecological restoration, land-use management, and flood risk reduction throughout the Flanders region.
The visit also included field tours of controlled flood zones and urban areas designed to enhance natural water infiltration and reduce surface runoff. Among these were the “wadis” constructed in newly developed urban areas of the city of Antwerp. These systems temporarily store rainwater, promote groundwater recharge, and help reduce flood risks.
Another highlight of the visit was a tour of the Aquafin wastewater treatment plant in Leuven, where the delegation learned about innovative approaches to wastewater treatment and water reuse in urban environments.
The scientific agenda continued with meetings with Professor Anne Gobin, an expert in remote sensing and nature-based solutions, as well as Professor Ann Van Griensven and her team from the Department of Water and Climate at VUB. This meeting marked the beginning of activities under the VLIR-SI AWARE project, an initiative aimed at implementing the CRIDA approach for climate risk assessment in the Province of Azuay.
These exchange opportunities strengthen the technical and scientific capacities of the SWACH project by incorporating international experiences, innovative methodologies, and new paths for cooperation to address the challenges associated with climate change and sustainable water management.
This visit reaffirms SWACH’s commitment to generating applied knowledge and strengthening international partnerships which contribute to the development of solutions for water security in Cuenca and the surrounding region
