Netherlands and China can learn from each other to handle household and livestock wastewater more sensibly. In the FOREWARD project, scientists from Leiden, Wageningen, and China are working together with local partners on feasible solutions that advance the environment, health, and economy.

The FOREWARD project, jointly led by Leiden University, Wageningen University, and CAS, will focus on advancing innovation and strengthening knowledge on wastewater from both human and livestock sources. Working closely with a diverse range of stakeholders, the project seeks to develop new models and technologies that are environmentally friendly, climate-resilient, cost-effective, and adaptable to various local contexts.

The two-day kick-off event began with consortium-wide meetings, presentations, and workshops, followed by project-specific sessions. This structure fostered a shared understanding of the consortium’s overarching goals and helped align perspectives, ambitions, and objectives across all participating projects. Representatives from industry and government also took part, underscoring the interdisciplinary and solution-driven nature of the consortium.