Sustainable Water Management On Mediterranean Islands: Research and Education

Abstract

Abstract Considering the long‐term perspectives for sustainable water use in the European Union, the Mediterranean in general and its islands in particular deserve special attention for a number of reasons: Island water resources are largely influenced by the (non‐)existence, timing, and amount of precipitation. In some parts of the Mediterranean, the amount of (winter) precipitation has decreased (2), and the main precipitation period has shortened during the last few decades. This trend may continue as a result of regional climate change, thus exacerbating the problem (2, 3). Of aquifers, in many instances, has led to lowering of the water table and the deterioration of water quality, primarily through saltwater intrusion in coastal areas. In some cases, this has resulted in exploitation of lower lying aquifers, thereby further reducing the remaining reserves of the islands. The demand for water is expected to increase on Mediterranean islands because of, among others, an expected increase in the population and the number of tourists. Conflicts between competing users of water will inevitably intensify. Agriculture is the predominant consumer of water on most Mediterranean islands (Fig. 1). Agricultural activities threaten the availability (quantity) but also the quality of water due to the use of fertilizers, pesticides, and the release of olive‐oil‐mill wastes. During the summer months, tourism also becomes a major water consumer, and competition between agriculture and tourism can lead to serious stakeholder conflicts.