Sustainable Water Management and De-pollution of the Mediterranean

Aims at enforcing sustainable water management policies, disseminating good practices in the region and supporting the initiative for the de-pollution of the Mediterranean

Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Occupied Palestinian Territory, Syria, Tunisia

Timeframe: 2009-2013

Budget: €22 million

Objectives

 
The programme promotes the enforcement of sustainable water management policies and the dissemination of good practices in the region. This, in a context of increasing water scarcity and pressure on water resources from a wide range of users and desertification processes, directly linked to climate change.
 
It draws attention to threats to water resources and solutions that exist, as well as the need to adopt a more appropriate model of consumption, supporting Partner Countries in implementing sustainable water management policies.
 
It carries forward the results achieved by two earlier regional programmes, SMAP I, SMAP II and SMAP III and MEDA Water.
 
What does it do?
 
The programme contributes to raising awareness of water value and of the continuous depletion of water resources through policy dialogue and the dissemination of information and good practices, while assisting Partner Countries in updating and implementing their strategies at the national and local levels, in cooperation with other international initiatives. It also contributes to institutional reinforcement and the development of planning and management skills, in line with the objectives of the Horizon 2020 (H2020) initiative for the de-pollution of the Mediterranean Sea.
 
It supports activities aligned with the four priorities of the Mediterranean Water Strategy (MWS), namely water governance, water and climate change, water financing and water demand management. A few demonstration projects will promote integrated and ecosystems approaches in the fields of integrated water management, or coastal zone management, and in sectors covered by the Horizon 2020 initiative, and to put them into practice at local level. A team of experts will deliver the technical assistance needed to capitalise the results of the demonstration projects and to support the implementation of both initiatives, the MWS and Horizon 2020.

 

Actions in brief

  • Conducts capacity building activities.
  • Supports the implementation of demonstration projects in integrated water management, coastal zone management and H2020.
  • Identifies good practices and success stories in the region and elsewhere.
  • Organises events aiming to mobilise Partner Countries and donors, discuss thematic issues, harmonise policies, facilitate dialogue.
  • Mobilise finance to support infrastructure development.
  • Develops a communication and awareness-raising strategy targeting decision makers and stakeholders.

 

http://www.swim-sm.eu/

EU Cooperation with Syria is currently suspended due to the political situation in the country; however, since in principle Syria is eligible for cooperation under the ENPI, activities may be taken up again once the situation improves.

http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/122168.pdf
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Covenant of Mayors
Horizon 2020