Introduction: Sharing Water - Ulysses' Last Journey (03:25)

FREE PREVIEW

The Mediterranean Basin's 530 million residents in 23 countries must cooperate to secure water supplies. Population booms and climate change complicate resource allotment. Blue Plan Director Hugh Ravenoie explains how southern regions struggle with access and sanitation.

Palestinian Strip (09:10)

Gaza is at the center of Middle Eastern conflicts; Israel blocks water supplies and its shrinking aquifer is getting saltier, rendering unusable. Its 1,500,000 densely packed residents buy drinking stores from public fountains. Experts suggest desalinization of seawater to meet demands, but political situations complicate civil projects.

Expert Advice: Sharing Water (02:42)

Ravenoie discusses contrasting rainfall and river flows surrounding the Mediterranean basin; much fresh water is used to irrigate crops. Spain is considering building a canal from the Rhone to Barcelona, experiencing shortages.

State of Israel (09:11)

Israelis use desalinization through reverse osmosis to provide 20% of drinking water supplies; experts suggest increasing the number of plants to address Sea of Galilee aquifer depletion. Researcher Vincent Lemire discusses wasteful consumption, asserting that it and control of Palestinian access contribute to area tensions.

Expert Advice: Dealing With Limitations (03:24)

Desalinization will not be able to meet all of the Mediterranean Basin's water demands; plants burn energy and must properly dispose of salt wastes. Rationing, efficient irrigation, and water recycling could decrease use by 40%. Political will to address climate change and put citizens first is crucial.

Spain (08:30)

Segura Basin is the driest Euro-Mediterranean area; Murcia orchards are irrigated by the river and canals. Supply governance is problematic due to increased tourism and agriculture, but agro-industrial groups address it by recycling waste waters, using desalinization plants, and practicing sustainable farming.

France (09:47)

Durance River was unpredictable before numerous hydro-electric constructions and the Lake of Serre-Poncon were established. The artificial dam holds water reserves for the entire region; the National Electric Company redirects supplies to irrigation canals, which reach most farms.

Expert Advice: Implementing Change (03:55)

Shared management of water requires cultural shifts in thought; working models from ancient times demonstrate that arbitrated supplies are available. Authorities must become knowledgeable regarding ecosystems and consumption, and be willing to share technology as climate change promises to further strain resources.

Credits: Sharing Water - Ulysses' Last Journey (00:44)

Credits: Sharing Water - Ulysses' Last Journey