Who We Are
Our Beginnings
The NOR-WATER network was created in 2020 as part of the cross-border project NOR-WATER (2019–2021), focused on contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in the waters of Galicia and Northern Portugal, coordinated by CIIMAR and funded by the POCTEP 2014–2020 programme.
Currently, the network is strengthened through the BlueWWater project (2023–2026), focused on microplastics and emerging contaminants in wastewater and the transboundary coastal environment. The project is coordinated by CETMAR and funded by the Interreg VI-A Spain-Portugal (POCTEP) 2021–2027 programme.
We identify challenges in the management of emerging contaminants in surface waters and turn them into opportunities for innovation and technological development, fostering public-private collaboration.
Main Objectives of the Network
Promote collaboration among research, administration and industry in detecting and managing CECs.
Gather, update and disseminate relevant information, resources and documentation on CECs.
Create a knowledge, experience and capacity map to optimise pollution prevention and mitigation in water bodies.
Identify gaps, needs and priorities, and establish mechanisms to promote initiatives and technological developments.
Scope of Action
The NOR-WATER Network operates in the Galicia-Northern Portugal Euroregion, supported by the NOR-WATER (POCTEP 2014–2020) and BlueWWater (POCTEP 2021–2027) projects.
With the aim of strengthening cross-border cooperation, the network plans to expand to other regions of Spain, Portugal and Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries.
Organisational Structure of the Network
Composed of BlueWWater project partners (many of whom participated in the NOR-WATER project that initiated the network). Includes representatives from the four pillars of the quadruple helix: Academia, Business sector, Public administration, and Civil society.
Its role is to act as an advisory body, providing strategic and technical guidance. It approves the network’s strategy, objectives and work plan, and may propose actions when appropriate. It also monitors, evaluates and validates proposed work lines and participates in outreach and communication efforts.
Managed by the Centro Tecnológico del Mar – Fundación CETMAR, which also coordinates the BlueWWater project.
Responsible for drafting the strategy, objectives and work plan of the network in coordination with the Steering Committee and for managing the network’s administrative and documentary tasks.
Its main functions include overall coordination, organisation of meetings and events, communication and dissemination, support for work lines and proposals, establishing collaborations and synergies, and acting as liaison with network members.
The network’s activities are structured in strategic work lines that address topics aimed at identifying capabilities and needs, and tackling challenges related to CECs. For more details, visit the “Strategic Lines” section.
Funding
The NOR-WATER network was created under the NOR-WATER project (Cross-border Cooperation Programme Galicia-Northern Portugal – POCTEP 2014–2020) and is currently co-financed by the European Union through the BlueWWater project.
Acronym: BlueWWater
Title: Control, treatment and reduction of microplastics and emerging contaminants in urban wastewater and the transboundary coastal environment
Programme: Cross-border Cooperation Programme Galicia–Northern Portugal (POCTEP) 2021–2027. Priority: P4 – Protect and preserve biodiversity in natural and rural areas and enhance natural ecosystems and urban environments in the cross-border area
Budget: 1.357.053,57 €
EU Funding: 1.017.790,19 €
Duration: 09/2023 – 08/2026