Assuring water Availability in Agriculture under changing CLIMAte conditions (LIFE ACLIMA)

The main objective of LIFE ACLIMA is to demonstrate technologies and tools for the agricultural and horticultural sector to increase water availability and strengthen the resilience of the water landscape to adapt to the effects of climate change (heat, drought and flooding).

The project’s specific objectives are to:

• Demonstrate innovative technologies, strategies and measures for agricultural and horticultural companies to adapt to declining water availability;
• Identify, disseminate and transfer best practices at company, cross-company and regional levels, while respecting plant quality, animal welfare and surrounding water systems and ecosystems;
• Develop evaluation tools and innovative company models that are tailored to fit different branches of agriculture and horticulture and for different climate scenarios;
• Provide advice and guidance on climate-robust water management for the agricultural and horticultural sector in the Province of Antwerp and beyond; and
• Prepare an action plan, including a letter to the local and national authorities, to stimulate policies for the Province of Antwerp and Flanders as a whole to support the agricultural and horticultural sector’s adaptation to changing water availability.

The actions of this project are closely related to the roll-out of Flanders’ climate adaptation policy, developed in the context of the EU strategy on adaptation to climate change. The project will also improve the quality of water bodies and thus contribute to implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive.