The Development and Management of Water Resources in the Maltese Islands
2001
Azzopardi, E. (Institute for Water Technology, Malta)
Many countries in the Mediterranean region, especially those in the southern rim, have for many years experienced the reality of water scarcity and often endured the consequences of management-by-crises approaches to resolve immediate problems. Malta, a small island state in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, represents a typical example where overcoming repeated droughts is dictated by the need for survival. For the first time in its history, Malta is meeting its water supply requirements irrespective of prevailing drought conditions. That, however, is being achieved at a considerable national cost. The water industry is seeking more sustainable solutions that bring to the fore economic, financial and environmental considerations. This is the main driving force behind the industry's shift from the traditional production -consumption water approach to the more sustainable integrated systems view. After years of fragmented, incremental short-term solutions, the focus is now on an integrated management approach that builds on the complex interactions, interlinkages and interdependencies of the various water subsystems. Every effort is being made to harness and integrate the various disciplines to initiate and execute the necessary reforms, particularly at the institutional, social, economic and political levels.
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