In 2019, nearly 40% of the EU population experienced water scarcity, and climate change is expected to further stress Europe’s freshwater resources. Efficient water use is increasingly crucial, including in zoos, which require large amounts of high-quality water daily for animal care and habitat maintenance, generating significant wastewater.
The LIFE4ZOO project, a 3.5-year, €2.7 million initiative running until February 2027, presents a sustainable approach by showcasing an innovative circular wastewater management system in Czechia and Spain. This effort helps zoos reduce freshwater use, lower emissions, and improve resilience to water scarcity.
LIFE4ZOO treats used water as a resource rather than waste. The project has implemented a full-scale water recirculation system at Zoo Liberec in Czechia and is developing a pilot system at Zoo Barcelona in Spain. By integrating nature-based solutions, advanced filtration, and renewable energy, these systems allow for water reuse in animal care, reduce freshwater dependence, and maintain high animal welfare standards.
Linda Frydrychová, the LIFE4ZOO Coordinator, explains that the project combines nature-based solutions like constructed wetlands and floating vegetation islands with advanced technologies such as ultrafiltration and disinfection, returning treated water safely to zoo operations.
Beyond zoos, the initiative aims to cut water consumption by up to 50% at Zoo Liberec, saving about 40,000 cubic meters of water annually. The pilot at Zoo Barcelona could lead to broader implementation across the site, potentially meeting 60% of the zoo’s water needs through reuse. The project is also expected to halve the carbon footprint linked to water supply at both zoos, equivalent to 92 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
Although developed for zoos, the technology has broader applications. It offers a model adaptable to other visitor attractions and water-intensive facilities across Europe, bolstering resilience to water scarcity and supporting a transition to a circular economy.
Linda Frydrychová emphasizes that LIFE4ZOO provides a practical model for reducing freshwater use via local treatment and reuse, benefiting zoos, parks, ponds, and similar sites. It aligns with the EU’s strategy of treating wastewater as a resource, easing pressure on drinking water supplies, and enhancing climate resilience in Europe.
By showcasing practical water reuse solutions, LIFE4ZOO supports Europe’s goals for efficient water use and climate adaptation. The project aligns with the EU Directives on Water Framework, Urban Waste Water, and Waste Framework, the new integrated framework for European climate resilience and risk management, and the EU circular economy action plan. Other related projects include CROSS-LIFE, LIFE-SWITCH2O, HIPPOCRATES, and LIFE SALTEAU.
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