Contribution of Mediterranean cities and regions to building water resilience

The world is currently facing a water crisis driven by overdemand, mismanagement and the impacts of the triple crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution. Alarmingly, 40% of the global population resides in regions confronting water scarcity. 

In the southern Mediterranean, particularly within the MENA region, the situation is even more dire. This area harbors fifteen of the world's twenty most water-stressed nations. Water resilience is key to preventing and addressing the current and future health, food and energy crises. 

Consequently, it's imperative to confront these water challenges head-on. Our focus must be on ensuring equitable and sustainable access to water for all. 

Focussing on the southern Mediterranean countries and based on best practices from the region, the study explores the role of local and regional authorities in building water resilience, the achievements so far, the remaining challenges and potential solutions, and provide them with recommendations to expand this role within their respective territories. The study also maps the funding possibilities available for LRAs to fund projects related to water resilience. 

Project sponsor: European Committee of the Regions 

Project leader: CASE 

Project partner: IEMed