Water footprint in Portugal: See, Understand and Act
Study on water use and consumption in Portugal
Promoter: Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation
Territorial reach: National
SDG: 6. Clean water and sanitation
The Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation challenged C-Lab – The Consumer Intelligence Lab, to study water stewardship in Portugal to understand what stage the country is in when it comes to conscious water use. Anticipating risk scenarios related to the management of available water, the Foundation’s goal was to contribute to the efficient and sustainable use of water resources.
Through fieldwork and talking with experts across the water value chain in agricultural sector, C-Lab conducted 52 interviews which resulted in over 100 hours of conversation that were key to understanding the issue and research design.
By understanding the value of water in the sector that uses it the most – agriculture and livestock – and by keeping water use top-of-mind in the routines and purchasing decisions of the average citizen, in 2020 the Foundation intends to raise awareness and mobilize a network of organisations capable of leading by example and implementing measures the ensure sustainable water use in the country. A necessary movement that is beneficial to all.
The study is also expected to contribute to the creation of an exhibition module at the next large exhibition at the Pavilion of Knowledge, the theme of which will be “Water”.
Sustainable Development Goals
This project contributes to the following SDG target:
Target 6.4
By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity