Forum of Local and Regional Authorities of the Mediterranean - Workshop 3: The Environment, a Factor of Development

The environment, and more particularly water issues, appeared outright as a clear example of the need to reinforce the coordination of public policies on territories in order to improve their efficiency.

In view of current urban development trends and the pressure on available water resources, water management must not only meet increasingly demanding uses of water but must also contribute to a more rational global management of water resources.

In the Mediterranean context, agriculture plays and important role in meeting growing food demand, but also creates expectations and uncertainties in terms of available land and water resources relative to domestic needs. 

The Mediterranean space is also confronted with natural risks related to the climate change. Unable to control the unknown, there is no other option but to focus on reducing the vulnerability and therefore seeking better spatial management for sustainable territorial planning.

The workshop will revolve around the following main lines:

Ø A diagnosis of the Mediterranean context, problems, and prospective actions, based on:

-Demographic changes

-Climate changes

-Pressure on water resources

Ø Municipalities and international organisms will share their experiences on events, crisis situations, and feedback on the following topics:

-Water in cities

-Water, draughtness and floods

-Water and Agriculture

Ø Territorial organizations for planning and water management at the basin scale, at the following levels:

-Municipalities

-A basin organization, actor engaged in the EU Water Framework Directive

-International basin network

President:        Alessandro MAZZOLI, President of the Province of Viterbo - Italy

Moderator:       Hachmi KENNOU – Governor at the World Water Council - Tunisia

Rapporteur:      Emilio d’ALLESSIO, Deputy Mayor in charge of sustainable development, Municipality of Ancona – Italy

Speakers:

The Context: the Mediterranean Space, its Pressures, Challenges, and Perspectives

Gaëlle THIVET – The Blue Plan

Major Challenges

“Water and Cities” Adbel Kader ALAMEDDINE, Mayor of the City of El Mina – Lebanon

“Water, Draughtness and Floods” Bachir AHECHMOUD Vice-President of the Regional Council of Souss Massa Drâa – Morocco

“Water and Agriculture” Philippe LEGRUSSE, IAMM - Mediterranean Institute of Agronomy of Montpellier - France

Territorial Answers

“Global Water Management in the Hérault Department”, Louis CALMELS, Honorary General Councilor of the Hérault Department – France

Hydrographic Districts within European and International Frameworks

Bruno REMOND, Rhone-Mediterranean and Corsica Basin Agency – Lyon – France