Water Resource Management in the Mediterranean Basin

Abstract

In arid and semi-arid regions of the Mediterranean, fresh water resources are finite and most of the economically viable development of these resources has already been implemented. The situation has worsened further owing to the increasing population and the associated expansion of urbanization and economic activities, all of which require more water and thus impose a tremendous strain on this already limited and fragile water resource. Following the traditional technique of increasing supply is questionable. The alternative option is to manipulate the demand side for all water use sectors, particularly the agricultural one, which accounts for up to 80% of water consumption. In the Mediterranean region there is no question about the crucial importance of integrated demand management aiming at efficiency, equity and long-term water security, using the tools that the legal and economic policy, scientific and technological advancement have made available. © 1995 Journals Oxford Ltd.