third integration dialogue athens

1. Protection and Sustainable Use of the Dinaric Karst Transboundary Aquifer System

2. http://diktas.iwlearn.org
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

3. http://diktas.iwlearn.org
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.

4. http://diktas.iwlearn.org
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.

5. http://diktas.iwlearn.org
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

6. http://diktas.iwlearn.org
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

7. http://diktas.iwlearn.org
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

8. http://diktas.iwlearn.org
DIKTAS Web Portal
Management of shared groundwater resources should be based on
reliable scientific knowledge and information to avoid potential conflicts
between neighbouring countries.

10. Thank you
COOPERATION FOR SUSTAINABLE FUTURE