Water resources management in the framework of sustainable development

Two of the greatest problems of the human society are those related to water shortage and the degradation of the environment. The main causes of water shortage problems are (i) the demographic explosion, (ii) the rising of living standards, (iii) the short-term climatic changes and (iv) the management of water resources. It has been made clear that the measures taken so far have not solved the problem. This failure is connected to the following: (i) Anti-flooding protection is regarded independently from water-shortage problems. (ii) The overflow of rainwater during wintertime is left unexploited. The application of the artificial recharge of the aquifers would clearly improve the situation, not only in a quantitative but also in a qualitative way.Water is also necessary for the conservation of hydrotopes and hydro-biotopes, mainly those developing around the Deltas. The construction of dams results in the retention of the sediment load, thus leading to problems in areas of Deltas.Our proposals: (i) The application of the artificial recharge of the aquifers should be encouraged since it does not affect the sediment load. (ii) The existing and the programmed works should be reconsidered and adjusted to the spirit of the 2000/60 E.U. Directive.