Lake Geneva, a model of water cooperation in the heart of Europe

Honored to have been invited as a speaker at the 22nd EURO-INBO (International Network of Basin Organizations) international conference this week in Parma.

Representatives of EU Member States, national, regional and local water authorities and administrations, hydrographic authorities, basin organisations and, more broadly, stakeholders involved in basin management exchanged their experiences on the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD), its "daughter Directives" and other related policies, directives and regulations.

A valuable space for discussion dedicated to water governance, a topic that has become essential in the face of current challenges related to the preservation of this vital resource.

💧 We drink water, and it also nourishes, irrigates, heals, refreshes, shapes our lands, and produces energy.
Its good ecological condition is a fundamental condition of resilience.

🎯 As part of session 4:
"Towards a good ecological state of water: fight against emerging pollutants and innovative solutions", Nicole Gallina , the general secretary, was able to present:

👉 The CIPEL cross-border governance model, a sustainable cooperation tool that has proven its worth in preserving the quality of Lake Geneva waters;

👉 The results of our PFAS surveys in fish, illustrating in particular the net decline in PFOS in whitefish fillets between 2008 and 2024, thanks to its ban. However, highlighting the need for increased monitoring, particularly for sensitive species and long-chain PFAS;

👉 Encouraging trends for pesticides, a positive message to send to the agricultural world: agro-environmental measures are bearing fruit;

👉 And progress on microplastics in the Lake Geneva watershed: in sediments, fish, on beaches, with new studies planned on tributaries, and concrete recommendations already sent to the surrounding municipalities.

🎙️ Our key message:
Science and governance must move forward together.
It is this close collaboration between researchers, authorities and stakeholders in the field that makes it possible to detect emerging risks, respond to them effectively, and sustainably preserve one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in Western Europe.
It is precisely this model of governance that CIPEL has been defending for over 63 years, designed by visionary minds and more relevant than ever today.

🌍 In a warming world, Lake Geneva is more than just a lake: it is a climate refuge, a strategic reservoir for drinking water, an island of freshness to be collectively preserved.

🙏 Thank you to the organizers and everyone we met for the richness of the discussions and the shared inspiration.