Nature-based Solutions (NbS) hackathon in the Alto Tajo

Overview

The European Engineering Learning Innovation and Science Alliance (EELISA) Water in an Era of Change (EWEC) Community, in collaboration with the EELISA Green Planet Community, is convening a three-day academic hackathon in Madrid, Spain, focused on prototyping Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for pollution and geohydrological hazards in the upper Tagus River. The activity is supported by the European Union through the EELISA Alliance, and funding from Universidad Politecnica de Madrid (UPM).

This is a three-day international interdisciplinary hackathon to design and propose nature-based solutions (NbS) to address the impact of hazards such as mining sediment discharges (from two kaolin mining operations - one active and one restored) and flash flooding events in the upper reaches of the Tagus River. This environment of high ecological and geomorphological value is affected by a significant alteration of the sedimentary regime, which compromises water quality, physical habitat and aquatic and riparian biodiversity.

The activity combines watershed management, analysis of associated geological and hydrological risks (erosion, sedimentation, induced flooding), and river restoration, with an ecological and social focus. Through classroom and field activities, students will address a complex case that requires consideration of both the geomorphological dynamics of the steep-sided valleys and the interaction between extractive activities, land use, ecosystem vulnerability, and environmental rehabilitation strategies. Through combining fieldwork, environmental modelling, ecology, and social sciences, this hackathon aims to improve the sustainable use of the natural environment.

Organised by faculty from the UPM's Higher Technical School of Forestry and Environmental Engineering, in collaboration with the École Nationale Supérieure des Mines de Paris (PSL), the activity integrates skills in limnology, geology, natural hazards, environmental planning, circular economy and socio-ecological transitions, from an applied and transdisciplinary perspective.

The design of this activity is based on active methodologies: challenge- and project-based learning, teamwork, and real-world problem solving. It promotes collaboration between students and teachers from different disciplines: geology, ecology, hydrology, environmental restoration, sustainability, and social sciences.

Schedule

The methodological design incorporates project-based learning and real challenges, including: 

• Day 1 (UPM): theoretical introduction, methodological training, hackathon dynamics, organisation of student teams.
• Day 2 (field work): specific training, inspection of the river section, preliminary prototype design.
• Day 3 (UPM): design of NbS solutions and prototyping, conceptual modelling, joint evaluation of results, and generation of sustainable proposals of interest to local mining companies or other potential stakeholders facing the same problem.

Attendee criteria

• Any young Bachelor (last years), MSc or PhD students who have already attended any earth related sciences graduate contents (i.e. geological, civil, mining, basin management, etc.).
• Have an interest, worry, curiosity or passion about river pollution by mining activities and the application of natural recovery measures to mitigate the human contamination effects.

Notes on application

The activity organization will make a final selection among applications received. Applications will be evaluated in order of arrival (before 1 November) and based on quality of motivation and information provided, until the available places are filled. You can attend and participate in person or remotely (only indoor training).

The registration fee is FREE, and:

• For internationals students, must look for funding possibilities at your local EELISA office.
• For locals (UPM students), the inscription fee is free.