About INWF
INWF acts as a joint network and platform for the private and public sector in India and the EU, complying with existing EU standards and applying water expertise to address challenges facing the Indian water sector.
The SPRING project
The building phase of the INWF is funded by a project called SPRING (Strategic Planning for Water Resources and Implementation of Novel Biotechnical Treatment Solutions and Good Practices). SPRING is jointly funded by the EU Horizon 2020 programme and the Department of Biotechnology of the Government of India. It is one of seven projects funded by the EU under the India-EU Water Projects on Research and Innovation initiative.
Mission of INWF
The mission of the INWF is to create sustainable solutions for Indian water challenges with Indian and EU know-how and technology. Our core vision is to enable clean water access for everyone.
Who we are
INWF is born from SPRING, a project funded by the EU Horizon 2020 programme and the Department of Biotechnology of the Government of India. INWF is therefore an Indian and European initiative that aims to provide a platform for diverse stakeholders in the Indian and European water sector to meet, network and build cooperation. The structure of the INWF consists of a board elected by the members, a secretariat located both in India and in Finland and the growing number of members. Get to know the board.
Indian water sector
The water and sanitation sector in India includes ensuring adequate supply of water and treatment of liquid and solid waste. India through the launch of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) and National Rural Drinking Water Program (NRDWP) has made substantial investment and efforts in ensuring safe drinking water and sanitation.
India’s accelerated growth has led to tremendous stress on the water resources that are depleting on account of overexploitation and mismanagement. Sectoral demands for water are growing rapidly in line with urbanisation and industrial growth. There is a need of comprehensive analysis of water management systems in India and a growing imperative to focus on managing water resources efficiently.
EU water sector
The EU water sector supplies 500 million people with safe drinking water, spanning a network of 4 million kilometres of pipes and 18,000 water treatmet plants. The water policies of the European Union span a network of several directives targeting the diverse water challenges and development needs of the continent. Sectoral investments are underway to ensure compliance of member states with sustainability targets. Joint EU-India projects enable Indian actors access to EU funding.
The water policies were expanded through the establishing of the Environmental Technologies Action Plan (ETAP), that enable the focussing of EU water competencies in one platform through public private research partnerships. Through the water technology platform interested stakeholders develop and promote water technology and contribute to the eco-innovation pool of the European Union.
Nordic water sector
The Nordic countries are well-known for their vast, unspoiled nature and pure water. Due to the importance of water and nature in the society, the Nordics have a well-established history of expertise in Cleantech. Through robust and reliable technology paired with successful water management the Nordics have been able to maintain and regain one of the finest water in the world.
The waters were in a worse condition back in 60’s, 70’s and even 80’s, but due to dedicated actions and restrictions to let the untreated wastewater to flow to our streams, rivers and the sea, the waters have become excellent in quality.
Founding members
Finnish Water Forum
Finnish Water Forum (FWF) represents through its members the whole variety of expertise in the Finnish water sector. By gathering all Finnish water experts the forum aims to produce comprehensive solutions for global water challenges. It works closely with its members to promote Finnish water know-how, bring water sector partners together and develop international cooperation.
Palavi Trust
Palavi Trust is an non-profit social organization based in Pune that aims to bring positive change into society through training, education, counseling and facilitation of cooperations. Palavi Trust has conducted projects in the area of community development, environmental protection and health.