Prof. Michael ScoullosChairman, GWP-Med

Promoting alternative water sources in urban areas and islands

GWP Consulting Partners Meeting 2010Stockholm, 3-4 September 2010

Fig. 1. Mean rainrates over Mediterranean Basin from January 1998–July 2007 (Mehta & Yang, 2008)

Rain

Rate (m

m/d

ay)

Water is a rare and fragile resource in the Mediterranean.The Mediterranean climate is typified by an enormous irregularity

in the distribution of rainfall in space and time.

Greece is a typical Mediterranean country, with unbalanced rainfall, where integrated water management systems are still either deficient or absent.

Management efforts are concentrating on the implementation of provisions of the Water Framework Directive.

There are parts of the country that are under severe water stress, such as numerous islands of the Aegean Sea.

Annual mean precipitation values(in mm H2O)

Cycladic Islands

• Demographic growth• Urbanization• Intense irrigation• Touristic activities• Disposal of effluents• Climate Change

Causes Consequences• Threats to the quantitative

and qualitative regenerative capacities of freshwater

• Degradation of the quality of freshwater and ecosystems

• Growing cost of water

Water Security is the reliable availability of an acceptable quantity and quality of water for health, livelihoods and production, coupled with an acceptable level of water-related risks. [Grey & Sadoff, 2007]

To achieve water security, investments are needed in infrastructure to store and transport water, treat and reuse waste water as well as in robust institutions and the information and capacity to predict, plan for and cope with climate variability. [GWP TEC, 2009]

• There is an urgent need to enhance water efficiency and to explore further alternatives to ensure water availability using innovative approaches.

• The revival of traditional water harvesting and management techniques, which have been overlooked in favour of modern technologies, sometimes less sustainable, can be a move in this direction.

• HYDRIA PROJECT

http://www.hydriaproject.net/index.html

A step to the right direction in order to address the water challenges in the Mediterranean, particularly in view of Climate Change, is a ‘New Water Culture’ which includes:

Revisiting, adapting and “renewing” century old practices, useful today and tomorrow Respect and restoration of old water “works” as learning devices and sources of creative inspiration Change of the “mindset” –mostly through ESD- about water supply and demand in the region Application of technologies and practices which use water more efficiently and wisely.

Through:

Rain water harvesting systems

Grey water use

Treated wastewater reuse

Desalination

In Greece, until the middle of the twentieth century, one third of the houses in villages and most of remote farmhouses were equipped with underground water storage tanks (cisterns).

In recent decades this practice was gradually abandoned and it was replaced by connections to municipal water supply systems.

Anafi & Santorini

To promote rainwater harvesting as a sustainable way of providing community access to safe water, thereby improving ecosystem conservation. To promote multi-stakeholder rainwater harvesting initiatives. To promote the knowledge on all aspects of rainwater harvesting systems and approaches. To position rainwater harvesting as a powerful tool for climate change adaptation.

Rainwater Harvesting ProjectAims & Objectives

The project is essentially a “demonstration case” aiming at educating people of all ages towards a “new”

(eventually not so new..!) “water culture” necessary for addressing the current water needs.

• Global Water Partnership Mediterranean (GWP-Med)

• ‘Mission Water’ (Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company & Coca-Cola Hellas)

• Local Authorities

• Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (MIO-ECSDE)

Participating islands: Phase Ι (2008-9) Syros, Tinos, Naxos Phase ΙΙ (2009-10) Naxos, Iraklia, Koufonisia, Santorini, Ios, Anafi

Installation of Rainwater Harvesting Systems in selected public buildings/properties (schools, town halls etc.). The harvested rainwater is used for several non-potable uses (watering, toilet flushing etc.) contributing to water supply consumption reduction and water saving. All installations are harmonized with the architectural identity of the islands and the landscape. They include both above- and under-ground tanks.

Educational Programme: (i) Production of educational material, ‘The Gift of Rain’ (ii) Educational programme for students aged 10-15 years old (iii) Teacher training on education for sustainable development, focusing on water issues.

Training Seminars for local technicians/workers (construction workers, plumbers, engineers etc.).

Tinos

Syros

Iraklia

Koufonisia

Santorini

Ios

Naxos

8 Cycladic Islands 710 students participated 218 teachers trained 91 technicians and citizens trained/informed Installation of 10 new RWH systems Repair of 9 existing RWH systems Estimated rainwater yield: 1.5-1.8 mi. liters

Rainwater Harvesting Project2008-2010

Local Authorities Engagement & Ownership Sustainability & Water Security at local level Awareness Raising on Rainwater Harvesting and water

saving practices Publicity and Dissemination Excellence Award for "Environment" in the "Water

Resources/Use" in Greece, 2010

Rainwater Harvesting Project2008-2010

e-mail:secretariat@gwpmed.org

Thank you Thank you for your attention!for your attention!