Med9 declaration as a response to the water crisis in Southern Europe

Southern Europe faces growing challenges related to water shortages, significantly impacting agriculture, the economy, and daily life. The intensification and prolongation of drought periods have made water resource management a key policy issue for Southern European countries. In response to these challenges, the Med9 countries have made a declaration for coordinated action.

The impact of climate change on the water crisis in Southern Europe

Climate change is leading to longer drought periods, significantly reducing water availability in countries such as Spain, Greece, Italy, and Portugal. In a region where agriculture plays a vital economic role, water supply stability is fundamental. Water shortages directly threaten agricultural production and food security. Spain’s Minister of Agriculture, Luis Planas, emphasized the critical role of adapting to climate change in the agricultural sector: We must not only fight climate change but also adapt our farmers’ working conditions to this new reality.

The Med9 declaration

In response to the escalating water crisis, representatives of the Med9 countries – Spain, France, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Slovenia, and Croatia – met on September 3rd in Cyprus to develop a joint water resource management strategy. The key outcome was a declaration committing to actions aimed at improving water management, particularly in agriculture. The document states:

We commit to:

• Implement sustainable water management practices in agriculture and apply advanced irrigation techniques, as well as water-saving practices and agricultural technologies, including drought-resistant crops and varieties;
• Strengthen cooperation between Med9 countries by increasing information exchange, participating in joint research programs, and sharing best practices and innovative technological solutions to mitigate the effects of drought;
• Enhance partnerships with Mediterranean countries in the southern EU neighborhood, whose agricultural sectors also face drought and water shortages;
• Support innovation and digitalization in agro-food production, promoting efficient water use as a tool to adapt agriculture to climate change;
• Support public awareness campaigns and promote a culture of water-saving among farmers.

Innovative technologies are key to sustainable water resource management

Technologies are playing an increasing role in minimizing the effects of drought in agriculture across Southern Europe. Modern soil moisture monitoring systems, which allow for precise irrigation management, are increasingly being used, thereby reducing water losses. Cyprus Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panayiotou, reminded that Europe experienced the worst drought in 500 years, stressing the importance of innovative solutions.

She also highlighted that solar-powered irrigation systems are being implemented in Cyprus, which can reduce water use by up to 30% while generating electricity. The development of renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic installations, supports more sustainable natural resource management, including water.

International cooperation and increasing public awareness

The Med9 countries not only focus on technological innovations but also call for international cooperation in water resource management, emphasizing the importance of education and public awareness in combating drought. The declaration clearly highlights the crucial role of promoting water-saving practices and educating farmers in adapting to climate change.

As part of this approach, the Med9 states call for an integrated approach, ensuring synergistic legislative and financial actions to guarantee access to water resources. This includes simplifying procedures within the framework of the Common Agricultural Policy, enabling the financing of irrigation systems and other adaptation tools. An important aspect is also promoting research into new technologies and drought-resistant crops.

The Med9 declaration is a clear call for coordinated action to protect water resources, particularly in the regions most affected by drought. The solutions proposed by Southern European countries show that technological innovations, international cooperation, and public education are key elements in addressing the growing water crisis.