Science, innovation and cooperation: OiEau at the heart of the ecological transition at COP30
Every 10 November, World Science Day for Peace and Development reminds us of the importance of research and international cooperation in addressing global challenges.
In 2025, this event will take place in a decisive context: that of COP30, which will be held in Belém, Brazil, in the heart of the Amazon, from 6 to 21 November.
The challenge is clear: to accelerate the ecological transition and strengthen the sustainable management of natural resources, particularly water, a vital and often threatened resource.
Ahead of this event, the International Office for Water (OiEau) reminds us that water is the common thread of the climate:
- 90% of natural disasters are linked to water;
- equitable access to this resource is a prerequisite for peace, health and food security;
- scientific data must guide every adaptation policy.
In this context, the IWO positions itself as a key player in science applied to water governance, through international innovation, training and cooperation projects.
Projects putting science to work for better water management
DYNOBA: strengthening cross-border cooperation in Africa in the face of climate change
The DYNOBA project (Dynamisation des Organismes de Bassin transfrontaliers africains – Revitalisation of African Transboundary Basin Organisations) embodies OiEau's vision: concerted and scientific management of shared resources.
Faced with more frequent droughts and growing pressure on resources, DYNOBA is supporting several basin organisations in West and Central Africa to improve water governance.
This project, supported by the European Union and numerous African institutional partners, promotes political dialogue, the collection and reconstruction of common hydrological data, and the forecasting of flows and flood alerts, which are essential for sustainable planning.
Bio-Plateaux: science as an ecological bridge between French Guiana, Brazil and Suriname
Another flagship initiative, Bio-Plateaux, strengthens regional cooperation in the Oyapock and Maroni river basins, areas rich in biodiversity but sensitive to human and climate pressures.
By mobilising environmental data, this project establishes shared observation platforms and promotes the monitoring of water quality indicators.
OiEau acts here as a scientific and institutional facilitator, demonstrating that shared information is essential for preserving cross-border ecosystems and environmental peace.
Space in the service of water: space hydrology and international cooperation
Water science is also expanding into space.
Through the SCREEN project and studies on space hydrology, OiEau supports researchers, managers and decision-makers in the use of satellite data for water management.
The launch of the SWOT (Surface Water Ocean Topography) satellite in December 2022 is the culmination of the efforts of the working group on space hydrology led by OiEau, with French research, institutional, technical and operational players such as CNES, IRD, AFD, IRSTEA, BRLi, CNR and CLS. It enables continuous monitoring of river and lake levels, complementing field surveys.
These programmes make it possible to exploit cutting-edge space technologies (altimetry, remote sensing, hydrological models) to better predict floods, monitor water tables, improve river navigation and anticipate droughts.
This is a direct scientific contribution to climate resilience, perfectly in line with the objectives of COP30.
SpongeWorks and SpongeScapes: nature-based solutions to withstand hydrometeorological extremes
Against a backdrop of increasingly frequent droughts and floods, the European projects SpongeWorks and SpongeScapes, coordinated in part by OiEau, promote ‘sponge’ landscapes.
These areas are designed to retain water naturally, thanks to green infrastructure (wetlands, urban greening, soil restoration).
While SpongeScapes provides the scientific basis, SpongeWorks focuses on large-scale implementation.
By promoting the co-creation of nature-based solutions with local authorities, researchers and citizens, these projects demonstrate that adaptation to climate change can be based on ecological and participatory approaches.
OiEau plays a central role in facilitating, training and disseminating best practices at the European level.
REISAR: robotics for sanitation and safety
At its La Souterraine site, OiEau makes its educational platforms available to project leaders wishing to test their products and solutions.
These Living Labs for water were recently used for the REISAR project (Advanced Robotic System for the Inspection of Sanitation Networks and Water Preservation), funded by the France 2030 plan.
The aim is to design a semi-autonomous amphibious robot capable of accurately mapping sewerage networks, which are often inaccessible or dangerous for human operators.
Tests carried out on OiEau's platforms are enabling the evaluation of this innovative robot, which is propelled by a worm screw and capable of moving through mud, sand or stagnant water.
Its 3D scanning and indoor geolocation system will pave the way for predictive maintenance, better protection of natural environments and enhanced safety for workers.
The project perfectly illustrates the synergy between applied research, innovation and training, three essential pillars of OiEau's mission.
Science at the heart of the global water transition and OiEau's actions
By promoting dialogue between researchers, institutions, communities and businesses, OiEau helps to build a global water culture based on solidarity, technology and sustainability.
Through these projects, its solutions and expertise, OiEau demonstrates that open and applied science can be a powerful lever for sustainable development, combining technological innovation, institutional cooperation and training for field workers.
Whether it is hydro-diplomacy, remote sensing, robotics or participatory governance, each initiative contributes to a common goal that guarantees sustainable development and peace: better understanding, better management and better sharing of water resources.
Because there can be no climate transition without a water transition, science and cooperation remain our best allies in preserving water, life and peace.