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 Printable version |
Water resources and demands in the Mediterranean: Current situation and perspectives |
Science et changements planétaires / Sécheresse. Volume 20, Number 1, 9-16, janvier-février-mars 2009 : Eau et zones arides, Article de recherche
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 Résumé
Article gratuit
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Author(s) : Mohammed Blinda, Gaëlle Thivet |
Summary : In the Mediterranean rim countries, water resources are limited and very unequally distributed over both space and time. The southern rim countries receive only 10% of the total annual average rainfall. The number of people living in countries in situations of water scarcity, with less than 1000 m
3/capita/year of renewable water resources, could reach 250 million in 2025, 80 million of whom would be facing extreme shortage conditions with less than 500 m
3/capita/year. During the second half of the 20
th century, water demand increased twofold, reaching 280 km
3/year in all rim countries in 2005. It may increase by a further 20% by 2025, essentially in the southern and eastern countries. Agriculture accounts for nearly 65% of this total water demand. Losses during water transport and use are estimated at more than 35% of the total water demand. In some countries, water withdrawals approach or even exceed the limit threshold of renewable resources. Water demand is increasingly met by unsustainable water production relying on fossil water withdrawals and over-exploitation of renewable water. The prevailing national strategies still focus on extending the water supply while both using and constantly deteriorating natural resources, thus posing a serious threat to the long-term. Within a context of increasing shortage in parts of the region and in view of the uncertainties brought about by climate change, it is even more pressing to adapt water management policies, to better manage the different water uses and to ensure a more efficient and effective use of resources if present and future needs of populations and development are to be satisfied. It is for all these reasons that the improvement of integrated water resources and water demand management was identified as the first priority action point in the Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development adopted in 2005 by all the Mediterranean rim countries. |
Keywords : climate change, the Mediterranean, water demand management, water resources, water scarcity |
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