Doc. 8746

23 May 2000

Creation of a hydrotechnical Euro-Mediterranean institute of the Council of Europe
(water technology and management)

Report

Committee on Science and Technology

Rapporteur: Mr Adolfo Fernandez Aguilar, Spain, Group of the European People's Party

Summary

      The problem of fresh water resources management in Europe was highlighted by the Assembly's programme of action on this theme in 1992-93. In addition it has been the subject of several debates dealing with environmental and agricultural issues in the Mediterranean.

      Arid and semi-arid regions of the Mediterranean basin are facing serious problems due to the increasing demand for water: not only for agricultural purposes, but also for domestic use, tourism, and industry. It becomes more and more serious due to the deterioration of water resources as a result of overuse and pollution.

      The European Union’s Euro-Mediterranean Conference held in Barcelona in November 1995 also recognised that "water provisions, adequate management and development of water resources are priority matters for all Mediterranean countries".

      Many institutions and organisations are working in this field and have made considerable contributions to a better understanding of the problem. Development work and suggestions have contributed to improve the situation.

      Fundamental research on water technology issues should, however, be strengthened in order to improve technological and managerial knowledge and practices. For this reason the present report proposes a strengthening of co-operation in this field among European and Mediterranean countries. It particularly welcomes the generous offer of the Autonomous Region de Murcia and the Spanish government to create a new institution aimed at water technology and management specifically for this co-operation. This report also recommends that the Council of Europe and the European Union give their full support to this co-operative venture by establishing an open partial agreement to attain this goal.

I.       Draft recommendation

1.       The Assembly refers to its programme of action on the management of fresh water resources in Europe and the resulting recommendation and order (Recommendation 1224 (1993) and Order No. 492 (1993)).

2.       It also refers to its many debates on co-operation in the Mediterranean region and in particular to the work of the Conference of Mediterranean Regions, (currently known as the Conference of Mediterranean and Black Sea Regions), which defines the water problem as the most crucial factor for future development and peace in the region.

3.       Co-operation between the European Union and the Mediterranean countries began at a high level meeting in Lisbon in 1992, where a general framework for political, economic and cultural co-operation was established. Three years later, the Euro-Mediterranean Conference, held in Barcelona in November 1995, recognised that "water provision, adequate management and development of water resources are priority matters for all Mediterranean countries and it is important to develop co-operation in these areas".

4.       The Assembly welcomes the work of the many organisations and institutions in the Mediterranean region that are, and have been engaged in the study and management of water problems. It is particularly satisfied with the contributions made within the framework of the International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies – ICAMAS (created on the initiative of the Council of Europe and OECD), UNESCO, the Mediterranean Blue Plan, the World Water Council, the International Association for Hydraulic Research, and the many institutes and agencies working in this field (the Mediterranean Water Institute, the Rhone Mediterranean Water Agency, the Water Rights Institute, etc). It also notes with interest the activities of the European Science Foundation related to water-issues.

5.       Nevertheless, there are enormous challenges to face, such as:

i.       renewed generalised efforts to address the needs in water resources and crisis situations (tensions between supply and demand) in different regions of the Mediterranean area, with special attention being paid to the effects on the environment that are increased by the process of desertification;

ii.       greatly increased collaboration between the industrialised countries, countries in transition and developing countries. This is especially important in the case of the countries, which possess the lowest water resources in the Euro-Mediterranean area. Particular attention must be given to problems such as:

      a. adapting to local, social and economic conditions and introducing techniques for a more efficient use of water in different sectors;

      b. increasing recycling and the re-use of polluted water while maintaining environmental high standards;

      c. improving the evaluation of the environmental impact produced by the different uses of water by means of adequate indicators and suggesting means to enforce actions;

      d. increasing initiatives in education, information and awareness raising, specifically designed for each country or region of the Euro-Mediterranean area, in order to create a culture of efficient water use;

      e. establishing communication and exchange of experience;

iii.       limiting the current deterioration of water and taking additional preventive measures for its protection and improvement, as an effective way to maintain current resources in good conditions;

iv.       putting proposed solutions into practice involving users (from the foundations up systems);

v.       improvement of the property criteria for territorial waters, namely by transferring resources as one of the possible solutions to scarcity;

vi.       defence of the Mediterranean Sea, which is ultimately receives all the contamination of continental origin transported via rivers and coastal aquifers;

vii.       necessity of applying more control when elaborating international norms on the use and misuse of potable water for human, agricultural, touristic and industrial purposes.

6.       The Assembly is of the opinion that the advancement of science in different fields, and the development of new technologies will be important factors for addressing problems regarding the improved handling of water and the enhancement of water availability. This knowledge will be of benefit to those regions, both in Europe and worldwide, that are poor in water as well as to those that are rich in water. For water-poor regions desalination of seawater is one of the solutions, which could be further developed by using new technologies and solar energy.

7.       It welcomes the generous offer of the autonomous region of Murcia, supported by the Spanish government, a gesture also welcomed by other Mediterranean regions and states, to create the facilities and make the necessary resources available for the creation of a new instrument of co-operation for water technology development and for improvements in water management in the Mediterranean region.

8.       In the light of the above, the Assembly recommends that the Committee of Ministers:

i.       assist in the creation of a Euro-Mediterranean water technology and management institute by supporting this co-operation project through the establishment of an open partial agreement to this end, in accordance with the Committee of Ministers' statutory Resolution (93) 28 and invite the European Commission to be a full member of this agreement;

ii.       make contact with the Spanish Government and the authorities of the autonomous region of Murcia with a view to establishing the headquarters of the hydrotechnical Euro-Mediterranean institute of the Council of Europe (water technology and management) in Murcia;

iii.       launch active consultation among member states, and other states bordering the Mediterranean sea, the European Union, the European Science Foundation, UNESCO, ICAMAS and all other organisations and institutions with an interest in this particular field, in order to ensure that the new Euro-Mediterranean water technology and management initiative will have the broadest possible support and co-operation base.

II.       Explanatory Memorandum by Mr Adolfo Fernandez Aguilar

Table of Contents

Paragraphs

A.       Creation of a Hydrotechnical Euro-Mediterranean Institute

Foreword       1-7

1.       Introduction        8-14

2.       Water problems - a proposal for future technical activities.       15-21

3.       The suggested Institute        22-25

4.       Modes of operation       26

5.       Solution of local problems in the Region de Murcia       27

6.       Means        28

7.       Organisation       28

8.       Financial resources       29-30

B.       Water problems and ways to solve them with

      the new suggested institute

1.       Introduction       31-35

2.       Some of the basic problems of water availability and use       36-50

3.       Solution methods       51-60

4.       Cultural, social and political problems       61-66

5.       Transfert of know-how       67-73

6.       Development of new solutions by R&D       74-80

7.       Do's and don't do's in international institutions       81-85

*****

A.       Creation of a Hydrotechnical Euro-Mediterranean Institute

Foreword

1.       On the 10th of May 1999, Mr Fernandez Aguilar and a number of his colleagues, all members of the Parliamentary Assembly, presented a draft resolution (Doc. 8416) detailing the need to create a Hydrotechnical Euro-Mediterranean Institute of the Council of Europe (Water Technology and Management). In that document, they defined the area of application of water technology and management, highlighted the need for additional efforts in research and development, and invited members to study in detail the benefits of creating a network of co-operation and thereby improve the supply and management of water in the Mediterranean region. The aim of this report is to justify the necessity to create the aforementioned institute as well as the necessary legal and logistical framework to forward the aims of such an institute – a new instrument to foster Mediterranean R&D co-operation in this important area.

2.       The Rapporteur is particularly grateful for the assistance given by former Water Commissioner of the State of Israel, Professor Dan Zaslavsky (from Technion Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa-Israel) in drawing up this report, as well as the stimulating collaboration of Mr. Halvor Lervik, Secretary of the Committee on Science and Technology of the Assembly. He is also grateful to Mr. German Ballesta, Rector of the University of Murcia, and to Mr. Ruiz-Abellan, Councillor of Industry and New Technologies, for their participation in the preparation of this report and in the development of this project. A particular mention must be made of INFO’s (Instituto de Fomento of the Region de Murcia) involvement in the organisation of this enterprise, as well as the collaboration of the Professors of the University Mr. Iborra Pastor and Mr. Lozano Teruel, and the collaboration of Mr. Valverde Megías, Mr. Rosique and Mr. Sardina (INFO’s executives).

3.       The personal support and the impulse given to this initiative by Mr. Ramon Luis Valcarcel Siso, President of the Autonomous Region de Murcia, who assisted this project by providing every kind of means for its implantation and demanding support from the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe, has been most encouraging. Mrs Isabel Tocino, Spanish Environment Minister, also showed her support for this initiative in the Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Conference for the Local Management of Water, held in Turin in October 1999, representing the Spanish Government.

4.       The outstanding collaboration and the efficiency of the Spanish Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe, Ambassador Guillermo Kirkpatrik, the Water State Secretary Mr. Benigno Blanco and the Deputy Director of the Spanish Hydrological Planning Mr. Cabezas Calvo-Rubio, is also worthy emphasised. The advice and support received from Mr. Federico Mayor Zaragoza, Former Director General of UNESCO and Mr. Simon Peres, Minister for Regional Co-operation of Israel have been appreciated.

5.       The Rapporteur is also particularly grateful for the consensus and agreement that this project aroused in all the Parliamentary Groups. This also occurred at the Regional Assembly of the Region de Murcia on November 11th 1999, where a combined motion of the three Chamber Groups (Popular, Socialist and Izquierda Unida) was passed. This motion emphasised the project’s great interest, and urged the Regional and Spanish Government to play a role in its subsequent development. On November 30th 1999, the Spanish Senate unanimously passed the Motion of the Popular Party, which urged the Spanish Government in the same manner stated in the anterior motion, counting on the support of Socialists, Basque Nationalists, Catalonians and the Mixed Party.

6.       The Rapporteur would finally like to thank Mr. Elizer Sandberg, member of the Knesset (Israeli Parliament), for his valuable advice and support regarding this project and Mr Enric Banda, General Secretary of the European Science Foundation for his advice and help during the development of this work. A thank is also addressed to the experts on water issues of the Region de Murcia; Mr. Perez Crespo, Mr. Ramírez Gallardo, Mr. Melchor Senent, Mr. Roca Guillamón and Mr. Sánchez-Almohalla.

7.       Mention should also be made of the kind offer given by the French Hydrotechnique Society to help in the creation and development of this new Mediterranean co-operation tool.

1.       Introduction

8.       It is widely admitted that the problem of water supply for domestic and municipal uses, for maintaining the natural environment and for agricultural uses, becomes a threat for the maintenance of the resources themselves, for the wellbeing of our society, and for social and international stability. These threatening problems are worse in arid and semi-arid countries. In these areas, human society has prospered, the population has increased, the standard of living has been elevated, however, as a result, water resources have been widely damaged and even completely destroyed. This process towards a water crisis has a variable rhythm from country to country, but it is unavoidable, and unstoppable if the situation continues being managed as to date.

9.       The idea of this proposal was to design an institute that will serve as a central tool for the following tasks:

10.       The Region de Murcia, a region that chronically suffers the scarcity of water, even of the essential water for its subsistence and development, has increased its knowledge of the use and saving of such a valuable element. This is each day more necessary in this Region and in other bordering areas in the South of Spain, such as the Comunidades Autónomas de Valencia and Andalucía. The Authorities and Institutions of the Region de Murcia are aware of this situation and as a result:

11.       They have recognised the extreme urgency to solve increasing local water shortage problems;

- They are aware of the existing limitations in providing the necessary expertise and means;

- They recognise the convenience of increasing the necessary expertise and means.

12.       The Council of Europe and the EU are aware of the regional and global importance of solving water problems. The Spanish Government has also admitted the same.

13.       Technicians and politicians from the State of Israel long ago recognised water problems not only for their human importance, but also as an essential tool for peace making in the Middle East. For this reason, Israel evolved as one of the most advanced countries in the world with regards to water technology and management. It is therefore suggested that Israel should join the common effort to establish the Institute mentioned. This joint effort will be started in this way, from the two extremes of the Mediterranean Basin, i.e. west and east and hopefully, it will eventually include countries from the whole of the basin.

14.       A great deal of goodwill and significant contributions towards the solution of water problems were inefficient in the past, mainly due to the lack of an Institution of the kind, which is proposed herein.

2.       Water problems - A proposal for future technical activities

Background

15.       Throughout the Mediterranean region, water is a scarce fragile resource, and one which is subject to many increasing pressures. One of the main factors in economic, social and environmental development is increasing population. The total population of the region will augment from 426 million at present to somewhere between 515 and 606 million in 2025. This demographic trend is exacerbated by the fact that the population is increasingly urban, and concentrated along the coastline. Population growth particularly affects the eastern and the southern regions of the Mediterranean, where scarcity of water and food is strongly felt.

16.       The Euro-Mediterranean area presents an example of the different problematic situations regarding the availability of water while northern Europe is usually auto-sufficient. While northern Europe is isually auto-sufficient, temperate Europe has relatively abundant and regular supplies of water, whereas water is in extremely short supply in the arid African and Arab desert regions. With the exception of the tropical region of the Nile basin, water resources are scarce and unequally distributed both in space and time. This can be clearly illustrated by the following cases:

(a)       Between the north and the south, 86% and 14% respectively.

(b) Among countries - from 187 km3/year in Italy to 0.7 km3/year in Libya and 0.025 km3/year in Malta.

(c) Per head of population - from a mean of over 10,000 m3 per year per inhabitant, in the Balkan region to less than 100 m3 in Gaza and Malta).

17.       Resources are also unequally exploited and used, depending on the climatic and socio-economic factors. This can be highlighted by the following extreme example: from 4-5 litres/day for a nomad in the desert, to 500-800 litres/day for a tourist in a luxury hotel. The mean for Europe is currently 250-300 l/day per person for drinking or household use alone. Current demand for water, taking into account all uses, is especially high in the Mediterranean region where irrigation demand forms an important component. It is estimated that in two out of every three countries, the total amount of water used per inhabitant per year is over 500 m3. Of the almost 280 billion m3 used in the region as a whole, 66% is used for irrigation purposes. Drinking water represents only 12 % of the demand. It is generally considered that if the available water supply falls below 1000 m3 per person per year it must be regarded as a scarce resource and as such, imposes limits on development of the country or region.

18.       The level of exploitation of natural and renewable water resources are high:

(a) South - Algeria 33%; Morocco 39 %; Tunisia 58%; Egypt 93%; Libya almost 600%

(b) East - Cyprus 41%; Syria 47%; Israel 90%; Gaza over 100%

(c) North -Spain 30% and in the Mediterranean region of the country, 65%; Italy 27%; Malta over 100%

19.       The exploitation level is one of the main ways in which human pressure on water resources can be measured.

20.       The lack of water will increase in the future. Competition among different types of uses, already evident in some regions, will become more widespread and more intense as demand becomes greater. This can be said not only for agriculture but also for other uses. These needs must be balanced against the necessity to ensure safety and protection of the environment. Conflicts arise not only as a result of competing demands for distribution of scarce water resources, but also as a result of competition for those resources, which can be obtained at a lower price.

Technical activities

21.       In view of the general problems in the Mediterranean regions of the European Union, the following technical activities will be programmed:

a) In order to homogenise data it would be suitable to map the mean annual values of precipitation, potential evaporation and runoff on a pan-European scale, with the same methodologies being applied for all the countries concerned.

b) Synthesis studies of hydrological regimes (quantity and quality) with the same methodology on a pan-European scale will also improve our understanding of the different problems associated with water resources.

c) Erosion is an important issue in southern Europe. It is important to identify the most affected areas and to relate them with hydrological changes (increase of peak flows and decrease of concentration time). The rate of soil formation decreases year after year. Environmental impact negatively affects not only agriculture but can also lead to damages caused by flooding.

d) It is important to characterise water quality problems and identify the main sources of contamination in the Mediterranean basin as well as its relationships with the potential water resources. Eutrophication of reservoirs and lakes should be monitored with particular attention, in addition to parameters such as the mean concentration of chloride in groundwater where saline intrusion presents problems.

e) The development of guidelines for environmental impact analysis, management tools, etc., for the conjunctive use of surface and groundwater resources should be made in order to improve water efficiency in the semi-arid areas.

f) The setting up of criteria for the determination of ecological flows in semi-arid areas of the Mediterranean basin is considered to be of paramount importance. Common criteria with the rest of the European Union countries should be met in order to obtain guidelines for the maintenance of ecological flow in our rivers. River regulation systems should follow a common policy in this aspect, bearing in mind the variety and diversification of aquatic life across the European rivers.

g) It is necessary to characterise affected areas by drought in southern Europe and to map some of the drought qualifiers as drought risk, resilience and vulnerability. Analysis of long series of precipitation and river discharges would assist in the clarification of these drought studies.

h) Floods in semi-arid areas constitute a natural hazard, which is not included in current policies. Mapping vulnerable land use and applying management tools should be good points to start with, in order to establish a policy in this field.

i) As a consequence of points g) and h), studies on a pan-European scale related to the social, economic and environmental impacts of extreme events (droughts and floods) would show clearly the scope of these problems.

j) The possible effects of climatic change on the quantity and quality of water resources should be investigated. This is particularly important in semi-arid regions, where effects can be more adverse.

k) The study of how changing land use affects the availability of water resources in the European Union area should be improved, particularly in semi-arid areas. It must be pointed out, that the lack of reliable data makes that work very difficult. Data on land use have not been available at the time this report was written. The outcome of such improved study would be, without any doubt, an important aid for water management.

l) Water re-use should be further practised in semi-arid areas. Some Greek areas have made use of such methods for agricultural purposes, but it has not yet become widespread in semi-arid regions.

3.       The suggested Institute

22.       The Institute Centre will be based at the Casa del Agua, Santomera Dam (Murcia, Spain), in installations provided by the Spanish Ministry of Environment and Water.

23.       Given the international status of the Institute, it will be managed by a Public Foundation. It is initially expected that the following Institutions and Organisations will take part in its management:

24.       An established operational centre of the Institute with growing facilities to act as a virtual international co-ordinator, a concrete problem solver at a physical level, and as a host to participating and co-operating professionals from other regions;

25.       The main aim of this Centre is to promote wider future participation. The forms of participation will be defined in each specific case.

4.       Modes of operation

26.       The following is an early scheme of operation.

a)        Major water issues analysis

- Science and Technology Division

- Division of Water Management and Administration

- On campus specialised training

- Communication Network

b)        Publication of key problems

c)        Review services for other organisations

d)        Experts training

5.       Solution of local problems in the Region de Murcia

27.       The Region de Murcia is very sensitive to every water issue, due to its scarcity. Murcia aspires to progress in the field of new technologies, treatment, research and the obtaining of water for agricultural and human uses. For this reason, the Region de Murcia expects that the Institute will spend part of its activity and potential to solve water problems in the Region. This basic work will reinforce this project and will increase interest and collaboration of local authorities by supporting the Institute.

6.       Means

28.       Local authorities will release at the disposal of the Institute; a large two storey building providing in total some 25,000 square metres of floor space. The building located at Santomera Dam, is surrounded by built up and green areas and ready for its immediate use. More buildings could be added in the same area facilitating increased laboratory space, offices, libraries and lecture theatres, for the holding of conventions, etc. In the future, it may also include a building to accommodate guests from abroad during predetermined periods of time.

7.       Organisation

a)        Management

b) Activity areas

c)        Graduate students, their scholarship and their work

d)       Supporting specific research projects (10 matters)

e) Foundation costs

f) Board of Directors

g)       Industrial Board of Directors and Contributing Members (Council of the Foundation)

One to two times a year.      

8.       Financial resources

29.       The sponsoring members of the Foundation must establish contributions for the maintenance budget of the Institute, although the initial guideline can be the following, according to paragraphs from chapter 7 (Organisation):

a)       Installations are provided by the Spanish Government (Ministry of Environment and Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura). The Comunidad Autónoma de Murcia will pay the costs of management and staff.

b), c) and d)       These will be covered by contributions and contracts with the European Union, the Council of Europe, other international organisations, Foundation members, Industrial research projects, etc.

30.       Through agreement with Technion, the Israeli Authorities and international organisations contributing to the on-going peace accord in the Middle East.

e), f) and g)       The costs of these epigraphs will be covered by the Institute Foundation budget.

B.       Water problems and ways to solve them with the new suggested Institute

1.       Introduction

31.       This section explains the reasons behind the proposed establishment of an Euro-Mediterranean Institute for water technologies and management problems.

32.       The Institute’s objectives will be to handle specific problems in Murcia and in Spanish arid regions. Its major task will be to promote interaction and co-operation with other institutions around the Mediterranean, looking for solutions to problems of major mutual importance.

33.       These specific problems arise also from the neighbourhood relations. They arise not only when there is a share of interests in the same water resources, but also from market competition due to the production of similar crops. Finally, there are common climatic features that often give rise to similar soils and similar water regimes. The shortage of water and its ramifications is probably one of the leading common features of the Mediterranean countries. The Mediterranean climate is a climatic type that defines a certain form of soil-water-plant relations.

34.       Bearing the aforementioned in mind, it makes sense to improve, enhance, and strengthen the relationship between countries in these regions, so that they can solve problems more efficiently, faster and economically. The sharing of experiences and efforts on development are two important advantages.

35.       Adolfo Fernandez Aguilar, Senator of Murcia (Spain), along with Mr. Halvor Lervik of the Council of Europe, and E. Sandberg, a Knesset Member in Israel, have been contemplating such a co-operation on water issues around the Mediterranean Sea for some time. The following is an attempt to put into practice a working concept that will clearly define the issues, or at least specify how they should be identified. A statement of what the working means, and the organisational tools should be, will also be provided.

2.       Some of the basic problems of water availability and use

2.1        Some of the basic physical laws of water behaviour

Rain, runoff and ground water

36.       Precipitation, which is a renewable source of water, circulates over the surface as run-off, and part seeps deeper into the ground to supply the subterranean aquifers. Both flow types, sooner or later, return to the sea. The bulk volume of precipitation is caught within the topsoil, later to be evaporated. Rainwater that is not subject to the aforementioned mechanism constitutes the available water source to satisfy human needs.

37.       The Mediterranean Basin is characterised by its low precipitation which only contributes between 1/30 to 1/3 of the potential evaporation in a year. It is also characterised by the fact that all or most rain falls within 3-4 winter months.

38.       In distinct climatic areas, different parts of the rain components as described above are being used in different ways. In some countries, where much of the agricultural water demand can be satisfied by precipitation, there is little need for artificial irrigation. The major component of the precipitation, which is utilised, is that which is intercepted by the topsoil. This also dictates the type of soils that can be used. Usually these will be deep, clay rich soils possessing a high waterstorage capacity. Such humid and cold countries often neglect the advantage of using supplementary water irrigation to obtain a reliable water supply for plants and to maximise crop yield. On the other hand, more arid countries, such as those around the Mediterranean Basin, depend more and more on artificial irrigation and often neglect the potential of precipitations. The growing demands for agricultural irrigation and local uses over-exploit and finally exhaust resources in lakes, rivers and aquifers.

Ground water

39.       Underground aquifers often have a dynamic existence. They are filled up by rain infiltration and emptied by springs and drainage into rivers and seas. If water is pumped out through wells, springs, swamps, and other marshlands can disappear with the subsequent ecological and environmental changes. As water demands fluctuate from year to year due to droughts, underground rivers become exhausted, and it becomes impossible to maintain a reliable water supply

40.       Aridity and the scarcity of renewable water sources that this implies, give groundwater an essential importance in arid countries. In these countries, ground water reserves constitute a store, that is the main, or exclusive, water source to satisfy the existing demands. Ground water becomes an essential and basic support for the socio-economic development. The exploitation of ground water reserves becomes the most important practical question in large areas of the Mediterranean countries.

41.       The excessive extraction of ground water or overexploitation is a common phenomenon in the Mediterranean area and, it would be fair to say that management of overexploited aquifers is one of the main problems for water administration in these countries. An appropriate management of overexploited aquifers implies a good knowledge of each aquifer and the participation of users in taking decisions that can affect them.

42.       Another main aim is to investigate the progressive ground water degradation.

43.       A much more common case is the hydraulic connection between aquifer and sea. In fact, fresh water can be viewed as dynamically floating as light water on top of heavier seawater. The physical aspect of this situation is such that when there is a draw down of surface water by one metre, there is a tendency for salt water to rise some thirty-two metres and thus tends to penetrate the aquifer and salinize fresh water in an irreversible way. This is one of the most common ways of water source destruction.

44.       In many aquifers the process of sea intrusion is very slow but constant. Unfortunately, sometimes it is very convenient for decision makers to disregard this problem, providing real sustainable solutions at present, that will require great sacrifices and expenses, while in the future someone else will have to face the disaster.

45.       Over-pumping and salinization are the two most common processes, which cause ground water source destruction. There are also suspicions about epidemiological effects on human society.

46.       Another contributing factor is the recycling of water, drainage of brackish water, the part of irrigation water which did not evaporate, carry all the salts back to the groundwater. Sewage water also seeps into the ground and recycles the ever-increasing amount of dissolved pollutants.

River irrigation projects in arid and semi-arid lands

47.       Rivers used for irrigation gradually become saline, to the extent that the water is unusable. In this case, the soil becomes rich in salt, thus damaging it and reducing crop yields. Outstanding examples are the Murray Darling River complex in Australia, the Indira Ghandi Canal in Rajasthan, India, and the Colorado River in the U.S.A. and the Orange River in Australia. In fact, this happens at different levels almost along any river. More examples are found in the Yarmukh and in the Jordan River between Israel, Jordan and Syria.

2.2       Over-pumping from aquifers and problems involved

48.       There are several major water problems involved with the over-pumping of underground water aquifers:

a) Salinization due to seawater intrusion or other brines. As an example, 70% of the coastal aquifers in the Gaza strip is already spoilt beyond use. The Israeli coastal aquifer is already approaching 20% destruction by salts;

b) Lack of salts leaching

c) Ground water reserves reduction, leading to inability to carry enough water from rainy years to dry years. This carry-over could sometimes be increased to add 15-20 % of the total water supply.

d) Water pollution by recycling.

2.3       Sources of ground water pollution

49.       The largest sources of ground water pollution are the following:

These are added to the natural sources of salts from the air and wind erosion.

2.4       Water supplies guarantee

50.       One of the most serious problems involved in water supply is the supply guarantee. The maintenance of this guarantee is more difficult in arid and semi-arid lands. It can turn into an extremely difficult problem.

3.        Solution methods

3.1       Water management

51.       The most important group of methods to improve the water situation is nearly always to adopt better water management practices.

3.2       Improvement of water sources uses

52.       The major reserves of water which are often misused are as follows:

(a) Water carry-over from rainy years for lack of sufficient storage pumping and conveyance capacity. Underground storage capacity should be used.

(b) Brackish water which can be desalinated at a very low cost (say 20-35 U.S. cents per cubic metre), and seawater can also be desalinated at an acceptable cost (50 U.S. cents per cubic metre).

(c) Sewage from all sectors. This requires often a special treatment consisting in a salinity reduction. It may be possible today to turn sewage into suitable water for different uses at a cost, which does not exceed 40-50 U.S. cents per cubic metre.

(d) To recover 75-80% of the retained water in the topsoil by decreasing evaporation.

(e) Ground water exploitation should be carefully determined according to geo-hydrological studies.

(f) Avoid pollution sources.

(g) Adopt methods that reduce evaporation.

(h) Adopt methods to enhance precipitation by artificial mechanisms.

53.       The significant importance of the above sources is that intelligent utilisation can improve water resource availability.

3.3        Addition of new sources

54.       Opposing popular belief, desalination does not have to be expensive. Present technology has allowed cost reduction of up to 50%.

55.       Special importance must be placed on using renewable energy for desalinisation. Methods that are being developed can use renewable energy with great advantage. There is still a huge potential for co-operation on these methods.

56.       This is a very important aspect for mankind, which deserves a clearer explanation and research. For that reason, this should be a priority.

3.4        Administrative and economic changes

57.       It is necessary to handle legal, administrative, and economic regimes around water issues. It is also necessary to adjust legal aspects of water ownership; rules and regulations on pumping licenses and water rights; rules and regulations on preventing water pollution, etc.

58.       It is advisable that everyone pays the real cost of water, including the value of water at the source or the so-called “shadow prices”. Water should not be subsidised, or otherwise it could be possible to obtain developments of uneconomic cultivation. Everyone without exception should have a water metre and should pay according to it.

59.       It is preferable to have a regional or country wide water authority. Private money and some competition should be allowed with use of existing or new conveyance systems, which are managed by a central authority.

60.       Taking into account the above, the private sector will invest, and improve the structural and management efficiency, by maintaining public interests managed by the Administration.

4.       Cultural, social and political problems

61.       In most countries and in all arid and semi-arid countries there is an urgent need for changes in order to defer or prevent definite processes of water resource destruction.

62.       We only have to review solutions found in different areas to clearly see tested technologies in R&D institutions that attain the desired improvements.

63.       The political, economic and cultural status in each site is the most important factors in changing the water situation. Many examples can be brought up. Modern irrigation requires considerable investments. The farmer cannot always afford or even dream about such investments. The technological level, the size of farms, marketing means and the conditions of financing will determine the introduction of modern methods. Free water or extremely cheap water is most often founded in long given rights, and changes will meet political pressure. Water customers often pay according to some rate which has nothing to do with water quantity. Nobody worries then about prevention of leakage and on economic use of water.

64.       Human vanity and ignorance obstruct changes. Some decision-makers are insulted if someone suggests new ideas or if they cannot demonstrate that these ideas are of their own.

65.       There are problems in planning and designing processes and levels of performance. Within some 13 stages in managing some technical projects, errors can be pointed out in every one of the stages, leading in general to the elimination of any profit or at least increasing the cost even by a factor of 2-3. This is true in the definition of the terms of reference, in the process of approval, in the bidding process, or even in the maintenance of the project after it has been built.

66.       The scarcity of water is a serious problem. It now creates, and will create in the future, huge disputes and confrontations between adjacent countries or regions. For this reason, the work of the Hydrotechnical Euro-Mediterranean Institute of the Council of Europe (Water Technology and Management) should be approached with consistence and efficiency, far from mere theories, superficial or narrow-minded solutions.

5.        Transfer of know-how

5.1       Defining the key problems

67.       One of the major tasks of the Institute, and possibly the major one, is to identify the key problems of water in the Mediterranean Basin. This could be done by the work of individuals, at their own homes, in anyone of the countries and by multidisciplinary teams.

68.       Reports should be presented for discussion in workshops and then published as the Institute’s publication.

69.       The identification of these problems should be made from over as broad and as long term view as possible, and then using this research as a Work Program, not only in the Institute itself, but also sharing it with other parties in the E.U., United Nations, World Bank, and to similar organisations as a basis for their work. Such a basis is still missing today.

5.2       Helping different members with their specific problems

70.       There is often an advantage for an outsider. He is freer to note, to suggest without being suspected about a personal interest. However, it is very dangerous since a foreigner will not always be able to grasp the local reality.

71.       Despite the availability of information, there can be a great advantage in an institution that will be in charge of transferring know-how.

5.3       Enhancing the achievement of new ideas and tested technology

72.       This task will have a far more significant contribution than starting new research projects. The definition of such a task is, without any doubt, the marketing of know-how. It is just as important for water solutions as for a new kitchen tool. The need has to be tested, potential customers must be aware of it, convenient financing would help and political problems inside the family should be solved. Maybe there should be a gratification for anybody that buys the new product.

73.       One of the most important tasks of an institute that will help to solve water problems can be some kind of mutual marketing by exchanging experts and by organising frequent meetings devoted to special subjects, and perhaps, making certain plans in specific sites.

6.       Development of new solutions by R&D

74.       One of the most popular forms of new institutions is to be occupied carrying out research and development, generating a lot of documentation or giving grants to others, by some rules. There is a great danger that such institutions will fall into mediocrity and carry out basically irrelevant work. The most common error that damages the work of even the best researchers, is the lack of looking at the overall picture and perceiving the system as a whole. To clarify this it is worth mentioning an example:

75.       An excellent research woman I know personally and admire has been doing research on methods to reduce the amount of nitrates in drinking water. However, two developments made the investigation irrelevant. The first one is the fact that the number of water pollutants is extremely large. It became impossible to analyse, which was the effect of each chemical radical. It is nearly impossible to set a standard for each radical and to measure it continuously in every water source. The solution must be some way of water preparation and a quality control method. The second development is the fact that nowadays it is possible to produce completely clean water by Reverse Osmosis of the “nano-filtration” type. The cost of one cubic metre will not exceed 20-30 U.S. cents per cubic metre.

76.       Therefore, the Institute will do or initiate R&D, however, only in a direct way in very specific cases.

77.       Finally, some positive things have to be said about R&D. Contrary to the self esteem of many research committees, the R&D is a process of learning and training which is essential, even if the research does not innovate very much. This type of training is essential. However, a way must be found to assure that these committees will not take themselves too seriously and make sure that new and novel, as well as relevant subjects, are being raised and supported. Too many research communities define research priorities in accordance with their limited knowledge and lack of imaginative creativity.

78.       One of the institution’s tasks is therefore to organise workshops where R&D ideas and directions of work will be discussed, exchanged and mutually criticised.

79.       The association with local Institutes, which will have to handle very specific technical work and will train a growing number of good technical experts, is a very important, probably essential asset to the suggested Institute.

80.       The Hydrotechnical Euro-Mediterranean Institute of the Council of Europe (Water Technology and Management) will have the capability to offer special equipment and means for scientists and technologists to do the work even on a temporary basis. Therefore, it will have not only the laboratories and office space, but also means of accommodation.

7.       Do’s and don’t do's in international institutions

81.       The idea to set up the institution around a regional specific problem is excellent. Thus, we keep away from much philosophy, which is with no proportion to the means needed. It gives a realistic and concrete reason to bring people together and start working.

82.       There are many organisations that distribute small sums of money as a result of their incapability to take strong decisions and to take the responsibility to assure continuity, which is so essential to any serious results and useful progress.

83.       Too many organisations take on themselves a strict definition of subjects, which in 9 out of 10 cases are obsolete.

84.       Some organisations are excellent in distributing finance to their own officials.

85.       We shall refrain here from using specific examples. All in all, what is put into the Institute should not be any of the above, and management and mode of operation should be geared for this.

Reporting committee: Committee on Science and Technology.

Budgetary implications for the Assembly: None.

Reference to committee: Doc. 8416 and Reference No. 2398 of 26 May 1999.

Draft recommendation unanimously adopted by the committee on 6 April 2000.

Members of the committee: MM. Rakhansky (Chairman), Birraux (Vice-Chairman) (Alternate: Mattei), Tiuri (Vice-Chairman), Lekberg (Vice-Chairman), About, Alevras, d'Aron, Asciak, Bartos, Brunhart, Bulic (Alternate: Mrs Biga-Friganovic), Cherribi, Cioni, Colla, Cunliffe, Dolazza (Alternate: Provera), Duka-Zolyomi, von der Esch, Mrs Faldet, MM. Fayot, Felici, Fernandez Aguilar, Gligoroski, Ivanov, Jackson, Kitov, Kittis, Kjaer, Kolb, Kurucsai, Leers, Lengagne, Libane, Liiv, Lotz, Maass, Marmazov (Alternate: Strizhko), Mateju, Melnikov, Minarolli, Monteiro, Moreels, Moynihan-Cronin (Alternate: Connor), Mozgan, Nabholz-Haidegger, Niculescu, Nigmatulin, Nikologorsky, Onaindia, Patarkalishvili, Pawlak (Alternate: Luczak), Plattner (Alternate: Schmied), Ragnarsdottir, Rapson, Raskinis, Rokos, Roseta, Scheer (Alternate: Wodarg), Steolea, Tanik, Turini, Wittbrodt, Wurm, Yürür.

N.B. The names of members present at the meeting are printed in italics.

Secretaries of the committee: Mr Lervik, Mr Torcătoriu