From 24 to 26 November 2025, the conference “Territorial Transitions – Research and Public Action in a Context of Uncertainty and Tension” was held in Clermont-Ferrand (MSH Clermont-Ferrand and IADT), organised by UMR Territoires.
Within this major scientific framework, the ThermEcoWat project, led by Thermauvergne as the coordinator of the Interreg Sudoe programme, was presented as a concrete example of territorial transition applied to thermal spa destinations. The conference explores the notion of “territorial transition” — defined as a systemic change transforming ways of living, production systems, and relationships with the environment — in a context of multiple crises and climate uncertainties.
ThermEcoWat illustrates this approach perfectly:
-
Transnational cooperation between 8 French, Spanish and Portuguese partners to secure thermal resources in the face of climate change;
-
Concrete pilot sites (Chaudes-Aigues in France, São Pedro do Sul in Portugal, Ourense in Spain) testing sustainable water and geothermal energy management solutions;
-
Scientific tools developed by BRGM and partner geological institutions to model climate impacts on thermal ecosystems;
-
Action plans co-designed with local territories to strengthen their resilience and economic attractiveness.
This contribution highlights ThermEcoWat as a concrete example of territorial transition, bridging research and public action.