Water abstraction is the main threat to freshwater ecosystems in the Mediterranean.
Despite serious ecological impact, significant development of hydropower infrastructure continues in the Balkans, Turkey and the Iberian Peninsula.
Ensuring integrated management of river basins
Mediterranean BasinVjosa (c) Gregor Subic
We aim to minimise the impacts of water abstraction, dams and other infrastructure on river basins and protect, and restore freshwater ecosystems by:
- understanding river basin ecology and environmental flows
- mobilising public pressure and influencing policies and the legal frameworks
- promoting engagement with integrated river basin management
- demonstrating benefits of restoration and protection of river basins
Douro River (c) Esporao
Geography
Our three pilot basins experience unsustainable water abstraction for agriculture purposes and development of unsustainable water infrastructure, and include:
- a transboundary basin with major dam development projects on one side of the border and dam decommissioning on the other that could benefit from a basin-wide approach (Douro/Duero, Portugal/Spain)
- one of the last free-flowing rivers in Europe threatened by dam construction where we are promoting alternative green development (Vjosa/Aoös, Albania/Greece)
- a basin where agriculture is the main water user where we are promoting integrated water management through the establishment of a water fund with local authorities and stakeholders (Sebou, Morocco)
Partners
Focus on one of our partners
At the heart of all our work are passionate people dedicated to delivering effective and lasting conservation. With the conservation community, these inspirational partners are our greatest asset.
Yousra Madani
Yousra Madani
WWF North AfricaAnnual Budget
MAVA has allocated €2,443,000 annually
The Action Plan annual budget is estimated at €2,433,000
Contact
