Rainwater Harvesting in the Mediterranean:

Experiences from Implementation in islands

Konstantina Toli, MSc.Programme Officer

Global Water Partnership - Mediterranean

Fig. Mean rainrates

over Mediterranean

Basin from January

1998–July 2007

(Mehta & Yang,

2008)

Ra

in R

ate

(mm

/da

y)

Water resources in the Mediterranean

Water is a rare and fragile resource in the Mediterranean.

The Mediterranean climate is typified by an enormous irregularity in

the distribution of rainfall in space and time.

Annual mean precipitation values(in mm H2O)

Water resources in Greece

Greece is a typical Mediterranean country, with unbalanced

rainfall, where integrated water management systems are still

either deficient or absent

Management efforts are

concentrating on the

implementation of provisions of

the Water Framework Directive.

There are parts of the country that

are under severe water stress, such

as numerous islands of the Aegean

Sea.

Continuing growth puts pressures on

vulnerable water resources

• Demographic growth

• Urbanization

• Intense irrigation

• Touristic activities

• Disposal of effluents

• Climate Change

Causes Consequences• Threats to the quantitative

and qualitative regenerative

capacities of freshwater

• Degradation of the quality of

freshwater and ecosystems

• Growing cost of water

Urgent need for

Non Conventional Water Resources

• There is an urgent need to enhance water efficiency

and to explore further alternatives to ensure water

availability using innovative approaches.

• The revival of traditional water

harvesting and management

techniques, which have been

overlooked in favour of modern

technologies, sometimes less

sustainable, can be a move in

this direction.

� To position rainwater harvesting as a helpful tool for climate

change adaptation at local level.

� To promote rainwater harvesting as a sustainable way of

providing community access to water in water scarce areas,

thereby contributing to the improving ecosystem conservation.

� To promote multi-stakeholder partnership for local rainwater

harvesting initiatives.

� To promote knowledge and sharing of experiences on aspects of rainwater harvesting systems and approaches.

The project is essentially a “demonstration case” aiming at

educating and stimulating people of all ages towards a

“new” (eventually not so new) “water culture” necessary for

addressing the current water needs.

Rainwater Rainwater HarvestingHarvesting ProjectProjectAims & Objectives

Participating Islands:Phase I (2009)

Syros, Tinos, Naxos

Phase ΙΙ (2010)Anafi, Santorini, Ios, Naxos,

Heraklia, Koufonissi

Phase IΙΙ (2011)Syros, Serifos, Sifnos, Milos, Sikinos,

Folegandros

• GWP-Med

• ‘Mission Water’ (Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling

Company Greece & Coca-Cola Hellas)

• Local Authorities

• MIO-ECSDE/MEdIES

RWH: A Multi-Stakeholder Project

RWH Project ActivitiesRWH Project Activities

� Installation of Rainwater Harvesting Systems in selected public buildings/properties (schools, town halls etc.). The harvested

rainwater is for several non-potable uses (watering, toilet flushing

etc.) contributing to water supply consumption reduction and

water saving.

All installations are harmonized with the architectural identity of

the islands and the landscape. They include both above- and

under-ground tanks.

� Educational Programme: (i) Production of educational material,

‘The Gift of Rain’ (ii) Educational programme for students aged

10-15 years old (iii) Teacher training on education for sustainable

development, focusing on water issues.

� Training Seminars for local technicians/workers (construction

workers, plumbers, engineers etc.).

RWH Project 2008-2011

Tinos

Syros

Iraklia

Koufonisia

Santorini

Ios

Naxos

� 13 Cycladic Islands

� 2348 studentsstudents participated

(1298 in Cyclades & 1050 in Athens)

� 326 teachersteachers trained

� 91 technicianstechnicians and citizens trained/informed*

� Installation of 15 RWH systemsRWH systems

� Repair of 15 RWH systemsRWH systems

� Installation of 1 GreywaterGreywater systemsystem

� Estimated rainwater yield:

4.5-5.0 million liters of water

*the 2011 Technician Training is still pending

Rainwater Harvesting ProjectRainwater Harvesting Project

20082008--20112011

� Local Authorities Engagement & Ownership

� Acknowledgment, Sustainability

� Awareness Raising on Rainwater Harvesting and water saving

practices

� Publicity and Dissemination

�Award as Best Environmental Educational Material

� Regional Conference on Advancing Non Conventional Water Resources Management, Athens 14-15 September 2011

Rainwater Harvesting ProjectRainwater Harvesting Project

20082008--20112011

A Success Story

Expected Outcomes:

Stakeholder mapping and analysis (background & interview based),

Stakeholder Consultation for (i) prioritization needs, (ii)

development of shared vision, (iii) identification of potential

practical applications, (iv)(potentially) voluntary agreement

among stakeholders for better water management through NCWR.

Other Activities Stakeholder Analysis & Consultation in Stakeholder Analysis & Consultation in SifnosSifnos IslandIsland

• King’s College London

• GWP-Med

• Cornell University

Lessons LearnedLessons Learned

NEEDS

� A new water culture

� Education for Sustainable Development

� Application of Non Conventional Water Resources

Management methods and practices adapted to local needs

� Partnership – Stakeholder Involvement

OPPORTUNITIES

�� Replication as best practiceReplication as best practice

�� Knowledge SharingKnowledge Sharing

Non Conventional Water Resources Non Conventional Water Resources

ProgrammeProgramme in Malta 2011in Malta 2011--20132013

MALTA

NCWR NCWR ProgrammeProgramme in Malta 2011in Malta 2011--20132013

Partners involved:

- GWP-Med

- Ministry of Gozo

- The Coca-Cola Company Europe

- General Soft Drinks (Coca-Cola Bottler in Malta)

- Nature Trust Malta (local NGO)

- MIO-ECSDE/MEdIES

NCWR NCWR ProgrammeProgramme in Malta in Malta

20112011--20132013

Objectives

- To promote RWH as a low cost practice to have access to water in the water

scarce Gozo Island

- To support the Ministry of Gozo in the Water sector Sustainable Development

Goals, aligned with its SD Action Plan

- To enhance the capacity of the local authorities on NCWRM

- To educate students and teachers on NCWR and sustainable water use

- To raise awareness on NCWR and sustainable water use

Aims: - To replicate the RWH project in Mediterranean countries

- To promote the use of NCWR

- To expand the NCWR Agenda in the Mediterranean

NCWR NCWR ProgrammeProgramme in Malta 2011in Malta 2011--2013 2013

ActivitiesActivities

I. Installation and/or repair of 10-12 NCWR systems

II. Educational and Training Programs:

� Educational Programme for Students Teacher training workshops

� Educational Material for teachers and students in Maltese & English

� One training seminar on NCWR for technicians.

� Local case-study for Hydria Project

III. Awareness-Raising & Capacity-Building Activities

� 4 CBW for Regional and Local Councils of Gozo and Malta

� 1 CBW for local NGOs in Malta

More Information:

www.gwpmed.org

konstantina@gwpmed.org

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

FOR YOUR ATTENTION