Description
General Information
Title: Improving adaptiveness to water scarcity and quality induced by climate changes in the Ohrid/Prespa Lakes transboundary region
Location: Region of Ohrid and the Prespa Lakes, North Macedonia, Albania and Greece
Core themes: Water scarcity, water quality, Integrated water management, Cross – sectoral adaptiveness, Long-term sustainable use of water
Sectors involved: Water management, (ecosystems and biodiversity), Human health and wellbeing, Hydro-energy, Agriculture, Fishery, Tourism, Industry, Cultural heritage
Key stakeholders: Government institutions (ministries, agencies, regional authorities), Municipalities, Economy sectors (e.g. professional associations), Environmental agencies & NGOs, Power generation sector, Research and academia, wide social community (citizens, schools, specific groups of users (agriculture, tourism))
Context and Challenges
Background: The Ohrid and Prespa Lakes are among the most ecologically significant aquatic ecosystems in Europe, renowned for their exceptional biodiversity and unique environmental value. Situated in a transboundary region, the lakes span across three countries and are home to a rich array of endemic and rare species, some of which are endangered. The area encompasses six protected zones, including three internationally recognized wetlands under Ramsar Convention and the UNESCO-designated Ohrid Biosphere Reserve, which highlight the ecological importance of this region. These areas provide critical habitats for diverse flora and fauna, making the lakes a vital conservation priority on both a European and global scale.
Key challenges: Water scarcity poses significant challenges, influencing water consumption patterns and creating tensions between various sectors' interests and policies. This scarcity impacts agriculture, fishery, industry, and domestic water use, leading to competing demands and complex management decisions. Additionally, the limited availability of water puts pressure on the protection and sustainability of biodiversity, threatening delicate ecosystems and species that rely on stable water sources. Addressing water scarcity requires balancing human needs with environmental conservation to ensure long-term resilience for both people and nature.
Why was this Case study selected for ARSINOE: The main reasons for selection were: 1) high level of exposure of the region to climate risks, 2) identified problem of depletion of surface and groundwater bodies, that has been subject of observation in the past decade, 3) vulnerability, of multiple sectors dependent on water, such as: valuable environmental ecosystems and endemic species, economy sectors - tourism, fishery, agriculture industry, energy sector (hydropower); 4) need for an integrated and coordinated cross sectoral, transboundary and multi stakeholders inclusive actions, to improve climate resilience of the coupled environmental, economy and social sectors.
Objectives
Main goals: The primary goal of the ARSINOE project in the Ohrid/Prespa Case Study was to systematically monitor and enhance climate resilience across the entire water supply and usage chain within this transboundary region. The project aimed to foster a comprehensive approach to climate-adaptive water management that takes into account the shared responsibilities of the three countries involved. By focusing on preserving the region’s valuable ecosystems, ARSINOE aimed to establish new sustainable behaviours among the local communities, water users, and relevant stakeholders. This included promoting greater awareness of climate change impacts and encouraging active participation in climate-adaptive water resource management strategies.
Expected outcomes and benefits: The implementation of the ARSINOE project was expected to lead to significant improvements in the region's climate resilience. Key outcomes include development of an integrated climate-adapted water management model tailored to the unique needs of the Ohrid and Prespa Lakes, through open data and open access for the main stakeholders. The project resulted in enhanced collaboration between the three countries, fostering shared knowledge and cooperative water management practices. Additionally, the initiative is yielding long-term benefits by safeguarding the region’s rich biodiversity and ecosystems. Through increased awareness and the establishment of new behavioural patterns, local communities and stakeholders are becoming more proactive in their roles and responsibilities, ensuring a more sustainable, climate-resilient water management system for future generations.
Methodology & Approach
Innovative solutions developed, tested and implemented: In the CS4 Ohrid and Prespa lakes, the Integrated Water Management Model in multi sector coupled systems (IWaMM) was implemented. The Model consists of analytical and planning framework, leveraged by system numeric modelling and simulation software tool, intended for improving climate resilience of environmental, economic and social sectors related to water use in complex systems. The model contributed to securing a balanced use of available water resources and bridged the gap between social and economic aspects, facing the climate changes impacts on a transboundary water ecosystem of Ohrid and Prespa lakes, shared by Greece, Albania and North-Macedonia.
Stakeholder engagement and participatory processes: The System Innovation Approach applied in Ohrid and Prespa lakes region had a specific dimension and outputs, as it was applied in three consecutive phases of national and international (transboundary) stakeholders’ engagement. Participatory design and co-creation of innovation pathways and outcomes shaped the process of selection and piloting of the nationally and regionally improved monitoring and management of waters.
OTI solution selected and used: Two innovations were selected and implemented: Water4All (MK) and Integrated Water Resilience System –IWRS (AL). These are complementary by purpose and operation and of benefit for all stakeholders in the three countries. They provide real time information and open data on specific water bodies status, while the permanent availability thereof enables comprehensive monitoring and management by informed decision making. A dedicated training kit is being developed to understand the need of such innovations and usability in policy makers entities and main sectors of the countries.
Key Results & Achievements
Summary of main outcomes: The deployment of ARSIONE’s innovative approach in this case study, resulted in a comprehensive framework and basis for resilient, climate adaptive regional water management, for all stakeholders' benefit, coping with the problem of water scarcity and climate vulnerability in the region, being one of the most appreciated environmental and social (ancient cultural and historical heritage) systems in Europe. More specifically, modelling outputs included:
- Projections of selected climate change indicators (precipitations, temperature), for two climate scenarios, RCP 2.6 and 7.0, in the period 2021 – 2100,
- Lakes’ status presented as lake water level on monthly basis, up to the projecting horizon (2100),
- Projections of water consumption per explored economy sectors (tourism, agriculture, industry, households)
- Projections of water resources’ availability and suggested adaptation options
Impact on local communities and ecosystems: Raised awareness of importance, roles and responsibilities of communities’ sectors and public administration, towards sustainable water management
Lessons learned: Integrated approaches, leveraged by the engagement of water users and water system managers communities, provide reliable long term adaptivity of all sectors involved and ensure climate resilience through sustainable development
Replicability & Scalability
Potential for replication in other regions: Replicability is feasible in other watershed areas, in particular of transboundary shared waters
Key success factors and barriers to consider:
- Involvement and active engagement of all stakeholders in a transboundary level,
- Data availability and harmonization,
- Sharing of information and knowledge,
- Improdved capacity and attitude towards water as a scarce resource.
Next Steps & Sustainability
How results will be maintained beyond ARSINOE: Maintenance and development options will include upgrading, agreements between countries for data sharing replication and upscaling of the results, as well as scientific improvement and extension.
Future collaborations or follow-up initiatives: National and regional funding, as well as EC R\&I grants
Contact & Further Information
Key contacts: Dijana Likar, dijana.likar@iege.edu.mk Suzana Kavoska Georgieva, suzana@iege.edu.mk Orfeas Roussos, o.rousos@necca.gov.gr
Efthalia-Thaleia Grigoriadou, th. grigoriadou@necca.gov.gr
Nensi Lalaj, nensimehmetilalaj@gmail.com
Website: https://arsinoe-project.eu/
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