Drought risk management in Mediterranean river basins

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Water Resource Management
• Risk Assessment

Background:

• The Mediterranean faces intense water competition among urban, agricultural, industrial, and environmental sectors, especially during scarcity.
• Water scarcity is influenced by precipitation deficits and critically by water management practices.
• Effective adaptation to water scarcity requires strategic planning and informed management decisions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a methodology for drought risk management tailored to water scarcity conditions.
• To establish a framework for evaluating water scarcity levels to inform management actions.
• To define risk management action thresholds based on water scarcity indicators.

Main Methods:

• Evaluation of four key indicators to assess water scarcity levels.
• Development of a methodology for diagnosing the severity of water scarcity.
• Definition of specific thresholds for implementing risk management actions.

Main Results:

• The study provides a structured approach to diagnosing water scarcity.
• Identified thresholds enable differentiated risk management strategies.
• The methodology links scarcity assessment to actionable management responses.

Conclusions:

• An adequate diagnosis of water scarcity is essential for effective risk management.
• Implementing defined risk management actions based on scarcity levels enhances water resource resilience.
• The proposed methodology supports proactive responses to water scarcity in the Mediterranean.