Water Availability and Security in Southern EuRope and the Mediterranean (WASSERMED)

Description:

Southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East are recognized as being at risk of water shortage as a result of the impacts of climate change. Climate change will put an increased strain on the two main economic sectors in these regions: agriculture and tourism. This will result in wider environmental and societal impacts at both the national and local scales. This problem was addressed by the 'Water availability and security in southern Europe and the Mediterranean' (WASSERMED) project. The initiative built on the knowledge amassed through the efforts of previous EU-funded projects. The consortium used a series of case studies to investigate the social effects caused by climate change and the allocation of scarce water supplies. The case studies were conducted with the involvement of local communities and stakeholders. They reflected a variety of conditions facing the Mediterranean, for both European and partner countries. Project partners examined changes to average rainfall and frequency, including extreme rain events, runoff water and groundwater levels. Potential conflicts on water usage, such as between tourists and residents, were also studied. WASSERMED aimed to develop strategies, technological solutions and management practices for mitigating the negative impacts of climate change. Project results contributed to improvements in existing climate change and hydrology models. This leads to a better understanding of the impact of climate change on water resources, water usage and possible security risks. WASSERMED, therefore, improved understanding of the effects of climate change and the adoption of better policies. These policies will help mitigate potential threats to socio-economic development and environmental sustainability in vulnerable areas around the Mediterranean.

Project information

Lead

CENTRO EURO-MEDITERRANEO PER I CAMBIAMENTI CLIMATICI (IT)

Partners

CENTRO EURO-MEDITERRANEO PER I CAMBIAMENTI CLIMATICI (IT), MINISTRY OF WATER RESOURCES AND IRRIGATION (ET), UNIVERSITY OF JORDAN (JO), INSTITUT NATIONAL AGRONOMIQUE DE TUNISIE (TN), NATIONAL CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH AND EXTENSION (JO) CENTRO INTERNAZIONALE DI ALTI STUDI AGRONOMICI MEDITERRANEI - ISTITUTO AGRONOMICO MEDITERRANEO DI BARI (IT), CLU SRL (IT), UNIVERSIDAD POLITECNICA DE MADRID (ES), INSTITUT DE RECHERCHE POUR LE DEVELOPPEMENT (FR), POTSDAM INSTITUT FUER KLIMAFOLGENFORSCHUNG (DE), NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS (GR), THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER (UK)

Source of funding

FP 7