National Sustainability Day '26

Building a Sustainable Future Starts Today 

On National Sustainability Day, it's important to reflect on the need to build a more sustainable future and on the role that Science and Innovation play in addressing today’s environmental and societal challenges. 

Climate change, water scarcity, soil degradation, and the increasing pressure on natural resources make it increasingly necessary to adopt practices that balance environmental protection with economic development and the well-being of communities. Sustainability therefore involves using available resources more efficiently and responsibly, meeting present needs without compromising those of future generations. 

In this context, scientific research plays a fundamental role in developing knowledge, technologies, and solutions capable of promoting more sustainable and resilient systems. At CITAB, several projects advance this goal by addressing different dimensions of sustainability, from water management to agricultural production and food systems. 

I-ReWater promotes the reuse of treated water in irrigated agriculture, contributing to a more efficient use of water resources and greater resilience of the agricultural sector in situations of water scarcity. BIOsCherry, in turn, focuses on the development of new natural biostimulants, with the aim of making cherry production more sustainable and resilient, contributing to agricultural practices that are better adapted to current environmental challenges. Meanwhile, ReFOOD4North seeks to promote more sustainable and resilient food systems in northern Portugal through the valorisation of local resources, innovation, and the development of solutions that address the challenges faced by the agri-food sector. 

Building a more sustainable future requires a collaborative approach involving science, productive sectors, policymakers, and society. Through the generation of knowledge and the development of innovative solutions, research contributes to a more responsible management of natural resources and to more resilient agricultural and food systems, helping to address today’s challenges and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.