Meet Our Project Partner: Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM)
This week in our “Meet Our Project Partners” series, we’re excited to introduce Fondazione Edmund Mach (FEM) – one of Italy’s leading institutions active in research, innovation and technology transfer related to the environmental sectors and agro-food. And, of course, an important contributor to the DiMark project.
Institutional web site:
What is FEM?
Within the Biodiversity, Ecology and Environment research area, FEM’s team of researchers and technologists works on understanding water quality in line with the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD), with a focus on how factors like eutrophication and climate change affect aquatic biodiversity and how we use our water resources.
FEM’s Expertise in DiMark
FEM brings strong expertise in several research areas, including limnology and microbial ecology of Alpine lakes and rivers. Biodiversity and ecosystem functioning are studied using a wide range of approaches, from traditional scientific monitoring to the use of cutting-edge -omics tools.
In DiMark, FEM is responsible for collecting, harmonizing, and integrating traditional and molecular data from across the Alpine region – helping to build a shared understanding of water quality. A big part of their role is also about promoting knowledge exchange among project partners and beyond.
They also collaborate closely with important observers, including governance (Regions, Comunità del Garda), environmental agencies responsible for WFD implementation in the Alpine Region, and companies involved in water management, such as Azienda Gardesana Servizi.
FEM and the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP)
FEM is an active member of three EUSALP Action Groups: AG3, AG6, and AG7.
Within AG6, which addresses the critical challenges and opportunities related to natural and cultural resources, FEM contributes to promoting Cross-Cutting Priority #3 on Promoting a Joint Water Management Transition of the EUSALP 2023–2025 work plan. Drawing on its extensive expertise in water issues, FEM is directly involved in the Task Force for Water Management Transition (TF-WMT), where it contributes to fostering coordinated, resilient and sustainable water management across the Alpine region.
Looking Ahead
FEM’s work in DiMark combines top-level research with real-world impact. Their contributions help improve how we understand, manage, and protect Alpine lakes and rivers – now and for the future.
Stay tuned for more partner highlights as we continue our journey through DiMark!
