Mediterranean Water Policy

Duration: 2001 – 2003 ● Client: European Commission (FP5) ● WIP Role: Research and Innovation, Communication and Dissemination ● www.medwater.de

The MEDWATER international network of Mediterranean countries for the sustainable management of water resources was co-ordinated by WIP Renewable Energies. This network addressed the limited water resources and the competing situation of water users in Mediterranean countries.

The MEDWATER project analysed the water supply situation in five target regions, which have important agricultural activities and a quickly expanding tourism sector. The selected target regions were: Cap Bon Region in Tunisia, Dead Sea Region in Jordan, Fethiye Region in Turkey, Jericho District in the West Bank (Palestine), and Naxos Island in Greece.

The research monitored the most important water supply sources and water infrastructure as well as the water related energy demand in the target regions. The water demand in the tourist and agricultural sector was assessed. A major focus laid on the use of renewable energies to cover the water related energy demand.

In addition, technologies for enhancing the efficiency of water use, for allowing larger share of water reuse and for exploiting marginal water sources were surveyed, and an analysis of the political options of sustainable water supply was performed.

MEDWATER was co-financed by the European Commission in the 5th Framework Programme - Specific Measures in Support of International Cooperation (INCO).