Building a Water Smart Economy in the Euro-Mediterranean Area

Water scarcity is one of the most pressing environmental global challenges: nearly three-quarters of the world’s population lives in water-insecure Countries, four billion people experience severe water scarcity for at least one month each year, and drought impacts cost an estimated $307 billion annually. The Mediterranean region is particularly exposed, experiencing faster warming than the global average with direct consequences on freshwater availability, seasonal rainfall and the frequency of extreme events. The economic sectors at most risk (agri-food, energy, manufacturing) face growing pressure to reconcile operational continuity with responsible water management. Emerging frameworks such as CDP Water Security and the CEO Water Mandate are increasingly directing investor attention towards transparent metrics on water-related risks and dependencies, yet many companies still lack the data and tools to act strategically.

Considering these challenges, UN Global Compact Network Italy is leading a research project, in partnership with The European House Ambrosetti and UNGC Country Network in France, Portugal, Greece, Türkiye and Egypt to explore strategies and actions needed to strengthen the resilience of production systems in the Mediterranean based on innovative and sustainable approach on water.