Facing water stress and shortage in the Mediterranean

In the countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea, water resources are limited and unevenly apportioned over space and time – Southern Rim countries are endowed with only 13% of total resources.

Thirty million Mediterranean people, particularly in the South and East, are deprived of access to drinking water.

Within a context of worsening shortage in parts of the region and in view of the uncertainties brought about by climate change, the Blue Plan work highlights the absolute need to adapt water management policies, to better manage the different water uses and to ensure more optimal and effective use of resources, if present and future needs of populations and development are to be satisfied.

Other recent publications

18/02/26

Plastic Pollution in the Mediterranean: Which Role for Coastal Cities and Their Valuable Ecosystems?

Plastic pollution poses a growing threat to Mediterranean populations and ecosystems, driven by unsustainable consumption patterns, insufficient waste management, and governance gaps. Despite existing legal

Read more
04/02/26

Urban and Coastal Water Management through Nature-Based Solutions

In response to growing water-related challenges in Mediterranean urban and coastal areas, this policy note examines the potential of Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) as integrated, sustainable,

Read more
29/01/26

Unpacking the potential of Integrated Coastal Zone Management & Maritime Spatial Planning processes for sustainable tourism in the Mediterranean

This report explores the potential of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) legislative frameworks to transform tourism in the Mediterranean.

Read more
Plan Bleu
Building the Mediterannean’s future together
Plan Bleu