SMAP priority on integrated water management
The water sector is a key area for the protection of the environment and
sustainable development in the Mediterranean.
Water is a scarce and fragile resource, widely exploited and unequally
distributed throughout the region.
Shortage, salinisation and overexploitation leading to considerable losses,
are different facets of an irrational use and management of this precious
natural resource.
Pollution and mismanagement of water can have negative effects on health,
on economic development and on the overall protection of the environment in
the region. It can lead to soil degradation, as well as to loss of precious
wetlands and biodiversity.
In line with the approach established by , the
suggests that action to promote
sustainable water management must be based on a
global and integrated approach capable of
anticipating future problems and aiming at the increase and diversification
of supply and the sustainable management of water demand.
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The , the
establishment of which was decided by the , could be used to
spread information on available water management techniques and new
technologies.
The Helsinky Declaration points out the following urgent actions to be
undertaken in this sector:
- Evaluation and monitoring of water
quality and quantity; assessment of potential resources
especially in critical areas
- Establishment and implementation of programmes for the provision of safe
drinking water, and for waste water
treatment systems in the Mediterranean, encouraging transfer of
appropriate technology and know-how to this regard
- Establishment and implementation of water conservation plans
- Protection of water reservoirs and
wetlands and establishment of river basin and catchment area
management plans
- Identification and use of measures and techniques for:
- improved collection, treatment,
disposal and re-use of municipal and industrial waste water,
sludge and stormwater run-off
- prevention of salinisation
and treatment of brackish water
- Establishment and implementation of programmes to tackle water losses and development of
techniques to reduce irrigation inputs
- Encouragement of decentralised authorities, bringing together users
and local communities on the basis of shared responsibilities, using
appropriate measures to alter unsustainable water production and use
patterns, with the aim of promoting the integrated local management of
water
- Reorganisation of the management of
water resources leading, where appropriate, to the establishment
of financially autonomous enterprises and other similar bodies
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Source: Helsinki Declaration, Nov 1997
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