Mediterranean Coast Day 2023 to Shine Light on Coastal Aquifers

Mediterranean Coast Day on 25 September 2023 aims to raise awareness about pressing issues like coastal urbanization, water scarcity, climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, and promote sustainable development in the Mediterranean region.

This year’s event will take place in the CAMP Otranto project region of Vlorë in Albania. The focus will be coastal aquifers – the hidden freshwater treasures beneath our shores. The Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania is working jointly with PAP/RAC and UNESCO-IHP  to organize the day within the framework of the GEF MedProgramme.

Željka Škaričić, director of PAP/RAC, explained that: “As global temperatures and sea levels rise coastal aquifers act as natural buffers and are key to mitigating saltwater intrusion and climate change adaption. They safeguard coastal communities and ecosystems by serving as natural freshwater reservoirs. We chose aquifers as the theme for Coast Day because they are crucial not only for supplying freshwater but for supporting diverse ecosystems in Mediterranean wetlands, estuaries, and lagoons, where these habitats are vital for many plant and animal species.”

The demands for water for drinking, agriculture and industry continue to grow. The challenge of managing water supplies alongside environmental pressures like escalating groundwater demands, aquifer salinization, and the spread of nutrients and contaminations, demonstrates the need for integrated sustainable planning and management more than ever.

You can find out more about Mediterranean Coast Day on the campaign website www.coastday.net and help raise awareness by sharing content on websites and social media.