Diktas athens 2014

Protection and Sustainable Use of the Dinaric Karst Transboundary Aquifer System

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WHY ?1. 80% of the water resources in the Mediterranean is shared

between two or more countries; 2. Karstic aquifers are the most common in the Mediterranean; 3. Over-exploitation is frequent and further increasing notably in the

costal aquifers where it has resulted in salty water intrusion; 4. Quality of groundwater is under threat of pollution, which is

especially linked to urbanization and intensive agriculture; 5. The strong pressures on resources often provoke conflicts between

users of groundwater.

Need to develop a proper management of groundwater resources especially shared among countries by formulating

and implementing common strategies and management policies

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What is DIKTAS?

DIKTAS is a project initiated by the aquifer-sharing states and supported by GEF - Global Environment Facility. It is implemented by UNDP and executed by UNESCO.

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What is Karst?

Karst is a special type of geologic environment that is formed by dissolution and corrosion of soluble rocks, such as

limestone and dolomite.

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Objectives

• At the global level: to focus attention of the international community on vulnerable water resources contained in karst aquifers;

• Enhance replication of experiences in other karst areas • At regional level: Develop and facilitate cooperation

mechanisms among countries in order to assure sustainable and equitable use of this water resource

• Protect the unique groundwater dependent ecosystems that characterize the Dinaric Karst region of the Balkan peninsula

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Project Components

I – Improving understanding of the

resource and its environmental status

II - Establishing cooperation

mechanisms among countries sharing the

aquifer III - Facilitating

harmonization of policies and

priority reforms - development of

SAP

IV - Stakeholder Participation, Consultation and Communication

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Strategic Action Program (SAP)

The preparation of a SAP is a cooperative process among key stakeholders in the countries of the region.

• Negotiated policy document establishing clear priorities for action to resolve the priority trans-boundary waters problems

• Identifies policy, legal and institutional reforms and investments needed to address trans-boundary waters problems

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DIKTAS Web Portal

Management of shared groundwater resources should be based on reliable scientific knowledge and information to avoid potential conflicts between neighbouring countries.

Thank you COOPERATION FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE