Opportunities and risks of desalination activities in the Mediterranean in the face of climate change and growing water needs

The Mediterranean Basin is a hotspot for climate change. The effects of this on the availability of water resources, which are already highly unequal depending on national socio-economic and environmental contexts, are becoming increasingly significant. This is compounded by significant population growth, causing increasing demand for water in the domestic, industrial, tourism and agricultural sectors. This dual challenge makes it crucial to redefine the use of water resources as a common good. Desalination, although considered a controversial industrial sector because of the associated risks (impacts, economic and energy costs), is seeing increasing opportunities for development. We worked with a statistical and mapping analysis of the DesalData database, to present major trends and developments in the Mediterranean desalination sector since 2013.

Other recent publications

28/11/25

A groundbreaking report for sustainable desalination in the Mediterranean

Facing a future marked by increasing water scarcity, Plan Bleu has published a new report entitled « Towards Sustainable Desalination in the Mediterranean: Integrating Environmental,

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14/11/25

Socio-Economic Impact Study on Implementing Conservation Measures for Cartilaginous Species in the Gulf of Sirte, Libya

This comprehensive socio-economic impact assessment was commissioned by Plan Bleu/RAC and developed in close collaboration with SPA/RAC. It evaluates the potential impacts of implementing conservation

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14/11/25

Towards a Mediterranean NECA: Contextual Foundations and Sectoral Implications for Fisheries and Tourism

The report “Towards a Mediterranean NECA: Contextual Foundations and Sectoral Implications for Fisheries and Tourism”, developed by Plan Bleu, complements the REMPEC technical and feasibility

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