ICZM, IWRM and management of coastal aquifers

COMPONENT 1: INTEGRATED APPROACHES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SAPs AND NAPs: ICZM, IWRM AND MANAGEMENT OF COASTAL AQUIFERS

(Executed by UNESCO/IHP, UNEP/MAP-PAP/RAC, GWP-Med)

The activities implemented within this component aim at promoting integrated approaches throughout the Mediterranean for the reduction of pollution and the preservation of biodiversity. This will be achieved through appropriate management of the coastal and marine environments, including aquifers. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) are the overarching policy frameworks for all activities within this component. The activities of this component focus on national and regional policy, legislation and institutional reforms taking fully into account the forthcoming adoption/ratification of the ICZM Protocol. In addition, joint demonstration projects at selected sites are included.

Sub-component 1.1. Management of Coastal Aquifers and Groundwater

(Leading partner UNESCO/IHP)

This sub-component aims to reverse the trends in over-extraction and degradation of the coastal aquifers quality through policy interactions in order to provide appropriate capacity and technology for groundwater management.

The activities of this sub-component focus on:

• Assessment of the risks and uncertainties relating to Mediterranean coastal aquifers, involving an updated inventory assessment of coastal aquifer resources and the identification of major risks; vulnerability mapping of aquifers at selected sites with the aim of transferring technology and knowledge to responsible institutions.
• Regional actions for Coastal Aquifer Management through the development of a regional and national plan for actions relating to coastal groundwater.
• Legislative, policy and institutional reforms for Coastal Aquifer Management.
• Spatial technology application to establish models and correlations for local and regional aquifer systems and the interaction between terrestrial freshwater systems and the sea.

 

Sub-component 1.2. Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM)

(Leading partner UNEP/MAP-PAP/RAC)

The main aim of this sub-component is to ensure sustainable management of Mediterranean coastal zones, with particular reference to international waters and biodiversity. This will be achieved by providing assistance to national governments of the Mediterranean countries to manage their coastal resources in an integrated manner and in accordance with priority needs identified by the recently ratified ICZM Protocol.

The activities of this sub-component focus on:

• Support activities in preparation of National ICZM Strategies and National Action Plans in aiming to address the specific needs identified in project countries related to lack of national ICZM strategies and their implementation, at regional, national and local level.
• Application of ICZM approach, tools and techniques in demonstration areas for effective management of coastal areas and the identification and management of sensitive areas and marine protected areas (MPAs).

For more info visit PAP/RAC's website

 

1.3 Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM)

(Leading partner GWP/Med)

This sub-component involves the promotion of IWRM planning at transboundary, national and regional levels as a means to reduce pollution from land based activities. It aims to support countries in the progressive adoption of IWRM policies, the implementation of IWRM practices in pilot areas and associated capacity building.

The activities of this sub-component focus on:

• The preparation of an action plan for integrated water resources management in the Mediterranean that embodies: IWRM policy development and planning; institutional strengthening and law enforcement; management measures; investments; capacity building and training; education;

• Catalyzing action and building capacity for national IWRM planning.

• The development of IRBM in globally important river basins and adjacent coastal areas, carried out in conjunction with the ICZM activity.

• The preparation of a list of transboundary bodies and water issues suitable for the implementation of pilot projects.