Water Crisis and Innovation: LIFE Svolta Blu Brings “Blue Credits” to the Biodiversity Table

When: Wednesday, 1 July 2026, 9:00–16:00
Where: Entrance N4, Palazzo Lombardia, Piazza Città di Lombardia 1, Milan

The innovative LIFE Svolta Blu project, funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme and coordinated by Viacqua as the lead partner, will be presented during the event “Finance, Businesses and Institutions”, organised by Business for Biodiversity Italy.

The initiative is one of Italy’s leading national events dedicated to fostering dialogue between businesses, public institutions, and the financial sector on biodiversity conservation and sustainability. Over the years, it has established itself as one of the country’s foremost platforms for discussing these strategic challenges.

Following the success of previous editions, this year’s event returns under the theme “Nature Strategy and the Sustainable Use of Water”, focusing on water risk management as a strategic priority for businesses, investors, and policymakers. Particular attention will be given to financial instruments, governance models, and public-private partnerships capable of generating measurable environmental impact.

During the event, Paolo Ronco, Head of Research and Innovation at Viacqua and Scientific Coordinator of the project, will present LIFE Svolta Blu, an initiative developed in response to the growing water crisis affecting the Vicenza area and beyond. The project aims to promote the sustainable management of water resources through an innovative governance model that balances the needs of households, agriculture, industry, and natural ecosystems.

Among the project’s most innovative features are the “Blue Credits”, a pioneering water credit system designed to encourage citizens, businesses, and public authorities to reduce their water consumption and invest in water-saving and conservation measures. The credits earned can subsequently be traded with organisations wishing to offset their water footprint, fostering a collaborative and responsible approach to water management.

Paolo Ronco will speak at 15:00 during the panel “Blue Finance and Nature-based Solutions: Mobilising Capital for Ecosystems”, presenting LIFE Svolta Blu as a concrete example of innovation and sustainability in water resource management.

The event will provide an important opportunity for discussion and knowledge exchange, helping to transform environmental risk assessments into concrete strategies and decisions while promoting collaboration among economic and institutional stakeholders committed to the transition towards a nature-positive economy.

Participation is free of charge, but places are limited.