SUSTAINIS - Sustainable use of water on Mediterranean islands: conditions, obstacles and perspectives

On many Mediterranean islands, the demand for water is greater than the supply and the gap continuously increases. The objective of the Advanced Study Course SUSTAINIS was to illustrate the complex relationships between natural processes and societal decisions which govern the water household of Mediterranean islands. In addition, the importance of interdisciplinary research and cooperation between science, politics, and affected societal stakeholder groups was stressed. The participants of the course met "water experts" of various nationalities and disciplines from universities, research institutes, international organizations, and business. In eight course modules, during lectures, discussion forums, group work and field trips, aspects of current water use, existing conflicts as well as the historical and cultural background of water in the Mediterranean region were addressed. Questions dealing with the basic geological and hydrological characteristics of the water supply on Mediterranean islands, the influence of climate change has on the water supply were discussed . In the focus: implementation of the WFD by 2015 and the equitable and sustainable water management solutions?