On the 31st October 2024, WATERVERSE project hosted a Multi-Stakeholder Forum in Larnaca, Cyprus, bringing together over 40 participants from public and semi-public organizations, private companies, and experts across the water sector. The forum aimed to address the critical role of Digital Twins and Data Spaces in revolutionizing water management.

During the event, Dr. George M. Milis from PHOEBE Research and Innovation Ltd presented the topic, “Digital Twins and Data Spaces as Tools for Developing Smart Water Management Systems.” The discussions underscored how these innovative technologies can optimize and secure water resources for a more resilient future.

Key Takeaways from the Forum

  1. Digital Twins: These computational models, updated in near real-time with data, allow for precise monitoring, simulation, and optimization of water systems.
  2. Informed Decision-Making: Digital Twins enable algorithm evaluation, validation, and certification before real-world application, ensuring efficiency and accuracy.
  3. Enhanced Integration: Combining sensors, simulators, AI, and optimization tools maximizes operational effectiveness.
  4. Data Spaces: Collaborative data-sharing frameworks are essential for achieving seamless and efficient water management.

Proposals for the Future

  1. Water Data Spaces in Cyprus: Establishing these frameworks to promote secure, collaborative data-sharing among stakeholders.
  2. Expanding Digital Twin Capabilities: Supporting dynamic, risk-based water management systems aligned with the latest EU guidelines.
  3. Unified Technical Specifications: Setting clear tender requirements for Water Data Platforms and Digital Twin implementations.

The event was co-organized by PHOEBE Research and Innovation Ltd, the KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence ( special thanks to Demetris Eliades from KIOS for the organisation and presentations during the forum) the University of Cyprus, and the Limassol District Local Government Organisation, under the Horizon Europe framework. It also benefited from collaboration with the WATERVERSE and IDEATION projects.

The enthusiastic participation and collaborative spirit among stakeholders demonstrated a shared commitment to building smarter, more resilient water management systems. This forum was a pivotal step toward leveraging cutting-edge digital technologies to safeguard our water resources for future generations.

The forum saw the participation of the IDEATION project, focused on defining a roadmap for the development of a Digital Twin for inland waters, integrable to the EU Digital Twin Ocean.