Project Title: Innovative Driven Decision Support System for Smart Water Management in Rural Areas

Acronym: IDRON

Duration: 45 months

Total Project Budget: EUR 3,999,323.00

Budget for ZRS Bistra Ptuj: EUR 282,550.00 (EUR 226,040.00 funded by the Interreg Euro-MED Programme 2021–2027)

Funding Programme: European Territorial Cooperation – Interreg Euro-MED Programme 2021–2027
Co-financing: 80% Interreg funds / 20% national or partner contribution. (https://interreg-euro-med.eu/)

Partners:

• University of Patras, Greece – Lead Partner
• Municipality of Debrca, North Macedonia – Project Partner
• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of HNŽ/K, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Project Partner
• University of Cyprus – NIREAS International Water Research Center, Cyprus – Project Partner
• Black Sea Farmers Development Association (BFSD), Bulgaria – Project Partner
• ZADRA NOVA – Zadar County Development Agency, Croatia – Project Partner
• Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Montenegro, Montenegro – Project Partner
• Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions – Balkan and Black Sea Commission (CPMR BBSC), Belgium – Project Partner
• Varna Economic Development Agency (VEDA), Bulgaria – Project Partner
• Parco dell’Educazione Stradale (EPEO), Italy – Project Partner
• M3R – Monitoring and Management of Microbial Resources S.r.l., Italy – Project Partner
• Scientific Research Centre Bistra Ptuj, Slovenia – Project Partner

Project Objective:

The IDRON project addresses water scarcity in rural areas through a dual approach:

• development of new water resources
• optimisation of irrigation through smart technologies

Across eight Mediterranean countries, the project introduces:

• soil moisture sensors
• satellite-supported irrigation systems
• an Artificial Intelligence-supported Decision Support System (DSS) enabling near real-time decision-making for farmers

IDRON aims to transfer advanced digital solutions into practical implementation and establish a transnational network of solutions addressing water scarcity.

Key Project Objectives:

• increase water use efficiency in agriculture
• enhance regional resilience to drought
• reduce water losses
• support the development of regional water management policies
• strengthen knowledge transfer among Mediterranean countries

ZRS Bistra Ptuj contributes to:

• engagement of local stakeholders
• support for testing and pilot activities
• knowledge transfer and dissemination of good practices
• strengthening regional water governance.

More information about the project:
https://idron.interreg-euro-med.eu/

This document has been prepared with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents are the sole responsibility of ZRS Bistra Ptuj and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union or the Interreg Euro-MED Programme authorities.