Assessing the effectiveness of the WFD as a tool to address different levels of water scarcity based on two case studies of the Mediterranean region.

Apostolaki, Stella; Akinsete, Ebun; Tsani, Stella; Koundouri, Phoebe; Pittis, Nikittas; Levantis, Eleftherios

Abstract

Despite being a natural phenomenon, water scarcity is, to a great extent, human-induced, particularly affected by climate change and by the increased water resources vulnerability. The Water Framework Directive (WFD), an ‘umbrella’ directive that aims to provide holistic approaches to the management of water resources and is supported by a number of Communication documents on water scarcity, requires for prompt responses to ensure ‘healthy’ water bodies of good ecological status. The current paper presents a multidisciplinary approach, developed and engaged within the Globaqua Project, to provide an assessment of the main challenges towards addressing water scarcity with emphasis on the climate change projections, in two Mediterranean regions. The current paper attempts to critically assess the effectiveness of the WFD as a tool to address water scarcity and increase sustainability in resource use. Criticism lies on the fact that the WFD does not directly refer to it, still, water scarcity is recognized as a factor that increases stress on water resources and deteriorates their status. In addition, the Program of Measures (PoMs) within the WFD clearly contribute to reducing vulnerability of water resources and to ensure current and future water use, also under the impact of the projected climate change.

Citation

APOSTOLAKI, S., AKINSETE, E., TSANI, S., KOUNDOURI, P., PITTIS, N. and LEVANTIS, E. 2019. Assessing the effectiveness of the WFD as a tool to address different levels of water scarcity based on two case studies of the Mediterranean region. Water [online], 11(4), article ID 840. Available from: https://doi.org/10.3390/w11040840

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 18, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Apr 21, 2019
• Publication Date: Apr 30, 2019
• Deposit Date: Apr 23, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 29, 2019
• Journal: Water
• Electronic ISSN: 2073-4441
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 4
• Article Number: 840
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/w11040840
• Keywords: Water scarcity; Sustainable resource management; Integrated water management; Program of measures; Climate change; Multidisciplinary approach
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/238755