Barcelona, 22 March 2016 – The countries of the southern shore of the Mediterranean are located in areas where there is the greatest water scarcity in the world, with over 150 million people suffering due to this. Many countries in the region are already feeling the devastating effects of climate change such as droughts and frequent and intense floods, which may worsen the situation for the coming years. The commemoration of World Water Day this year under the theme “Water and Job” provides an opportunity to reflect on the challenges that the Mediterranean region is facing, not just those related to climate change, but also to water resources management. It should not be forgotten that water management is a major source of job creation and sustainable development.
The Mediterranean faces climate change
The impact of climatic changes and increasing water demand of a growing population are major challenges, but the water is also a source of business opportunities for the region. According to UN-Water, nearly half of workers in the world, 1.5 billion people, work in water-related sectors. In addition to generating direct employment, water is extremely valuable for all the economic sectors in the Mediterranean: agriculture, tourism, industry, etc.
Many projects related to sustainable water management have begun to be implemented in the region in recent years. These projects involve increased innovation and therefore the work of experts and investors. In this sense, start-involved in the water sector and companies established in the area can provide information and valuable information for the development of these projects, while many business opportunities are emerging through the latest innovations of the sector. The Mediterranean is not in lack of potential. The region includes researchers, entrepreneurs and companies who are world leaders, whose potential should be exploited.
1st Mediterranean Water Forum
Given the strategic importance of the sector for the region and the need to promote the active participation of the private and the public sector for its development, the Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME), will organize the 1st Mediterranean Water Forum. The regional economic meeting will be held next November in Barcelona, in the framework of the 10th Mediterranean Week of Economic Leaders, will present water management and wastewater related issues, and will serve as a platform to maximize business opportunities in the sector, which is estimated at 160 billion dollars of investment for years to come. Regional authorities for the sector and multilateral institutions, hundreds of water professionals, operators, engineers, consultants, customers and suppliers are expected to attend the event, which will be a unique opportunity to exchange information and best practices and get first-hand information on projects, policies and national plans in Europe and the Mediterranean, in areas such as procurement or clean water.
The water sector is key to the whole region. Given the need to develop a sustainable water infrastructure in the southern Mediterranean and the technological advances of the north shore, the best way to stimulate investment and sustainable development of the sector and successfully meet the urgent challenges such the scarcity and uneven distribution of water is the collaboration and complementarity among neighbouring countries that share international waters. This commitment will not only prevent the water shortage that hinders regional development but also provides the basis for sustainable economic growth.