Cooperation in the Water sector
Union for the Mediterranean
 

Local authorities

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Section dedicated to the Contribution of local and regional authorities to the water strategy of the Union for the Mediterranean.

During the Mediterranean Forum for Local and Regional Authorities, held on 22 and 23 June 2008 in Marseille by the Mediterranean Commission of United Cities and Local Governments, local and regional authorities affirmed their intention to mobilize their efforts in order to promote decentralized cooperation in the Union for the Mediterranean.

The Presidency of the Union for the Mediterranean, along with, in particular, Mr. Jean-Louis Borloo, the French Minister for Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Water, and Mr. Mohamad Nasr Eldin Allam, Egyptian Minister for Water Resources and Irrigation, proposed, during the Ministerial Conference for Water that was held in Jordan on 22 December 2008, that local authorities organize a Conference on « Water » strategy of the Union for the Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean Committee of United Cities and Local Governments organised an international conference on 23 and 24 November 2009, at the Congress Centre (Palais des Congrès) of Lyon (France). This conference focused on: the contribution of local and regional authorities to the water strategy of the Union for the Mediterranean.

This meeting resulted in recommendations coming from local and regional authorities on the water strategy of the Union of the Mediterranean. It also allowed to identify the projects of decentralized cooperation to be presented at the Union for the Mediterranean and at reinforcing the support from important donors for the projects led by Mediterranean authorities.

 

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ROLE OF WATER USERS' ASSOCIATIONS IN CLIMATE CHANGE AND POLUTION OBSERVATIONS

ROLE OF WATER USERS' ASSOCIATIONS IN CLIMATE CHANGE AND POLUTION OBSERVATIONS A PROPOSAL FOR A JOINT PROJECT  Introduction Climate change has become a hot issue on the international level. The Mediterranean region is not an exception; but could be one of the hot regions. Most of the theories are based on predictions with a wide range of variability. Water Users' Associations (WUAs) can play an important role in all stages of climate change, from observation up to implementation of measures that can remedy or adapt to the climate change impacts. They can, for example:
  1. Monitor and document the changes
  2. Develop awareness packages, based on real collected data and information; and
  3. Transfer the knowledge to the public, especially the youth to prepare them for future actions.
 Since changes are expected to be slow, a long-term strategy should be developed, starting from a base line survey and continuing as long as the changes are occurring. Monitoring would include, but may not be limited to the following: 
  • Water and air temperature over the seasons.
  • Changes in plants' colors.
  • Soil properties (salinity, sodicity, etc.).
  • Maturity time for a variety of types.
  • Volume and shape of all parts of plants.
  • Groundwater levels and quality.
  • Soil humidity.
  • Air humidity.
 Such data can be processed in suitable simple data bases and collected by experts to facilitate analysis and development of emphases. However, to enable WUAs to share in this activity, they need to develop their knowledge base through simple training and capacity building, including modern information technologies and communication means. This can be preceded by the establishment of a network for WUAs in the Mediterranean under the auspices of the GWP-Med; and governed by appropriate internal regulations.    Project Phases Recording Stage: During which all remarks and notes on changes will be recorded and analyzed. Adaptation Stage: Including two levels:
  1. Adaptation/Implementation of alternatives that meet the needs after changes have occurred.
  2. Adaptation of the public to the new situation.
 Modification Stage: During which all modifications can be implemented and implementation monitored.

Remember

it is a long process
  • Climate change occurs slowly.
  • Learning occurs slowly.
  • Adaptation of nature, including crops and plants, occur slowly.
         
Who ever feels having a stake in this debate is welcomed. Please contact: Mr. Abdul Wahab El HaddadChairman El Rash El Gharbia Water Board, EIC member:Mr_heeba_51@hotmail.comMobile: +20105824830/+20129339033                    ANNEXProposal for a Recording Form: Country:Sector/Governorate:Organization:Coordinate points on earth (Longitude and Latitude):  Example of plant recording (can apply also to soil, water, etc.)Type of plant:Phylum:Sub-phylum:Planting date:Maturity date:Maturity period:Morphology:  Daily Records:Temperature (weather, soil, water):Humidity (weather, soil):Groundwater (depth to, salinity):Remarks of abnormal changes:
Posted by abdelwahab at 10 Apr 2010 15:48:37