Basic HTML Version
European Territorial Cooperation Programmes (ETCP), GREECE-ITALY 2007-2013
Efficient Irrigation Management Tools for Agricultural Cultivations and Urban Landscapes
IRMA -
Subsidy Contract No: I3.11.06
LP-TEIEP | P2-AEPDE | P3-INEA | P4-ISPA/CNR | P5-ROP | P6-ROEDM
5
dams and open irrigation
networks,
excessive
and
inefficient irrigation along with
fertilization, uncontrolled over
pumping, etc are responsible
for landscape downgrading,
sea
water
invasion
in
groundwater,
change
in
microclimate, eutrophication of
water bodies, desertification
etc. All these must be
confronted in the framework of
climate change and water
deficiency.
It is expected that soon, the
combined management of both
water for irrigation and soil
resources
will
become
obligatory.
The management of both
irrigation and drainage must be
handled not only regarding the
water sustainability aspects but
by
applying
a
holistic
framework
regarding
the
management of all factors that
constitute the landscape.
The construction of modern
water central irrigation systems
with closed pipes which will
convey water under pressure,
and of systems for recharge of
the groundwater is a must for
the regions of Western Greece
and Epirus (the Greek part of
IRMA project area).
Water abstraction zones must
be configured and water
abstractions must be registered
and monitored.
The operation framework of
local water boards in Greece
must be updated. These
entities must cooperate with
irrigation and drainage experts,
certified soil and water analysis
laboratories, digitize the plans
of their networks and the
relevant studies and apply
modern management systems.
The use of efficient irrigation
systems at end-user level must
be promoted.
Meanwhile, modern irrigation
management techniques must
be
adopted
and
take
advantage of the relevant best
practices and the numerous
available tools. This could lead
to direct water savings of up to
50%.
As a reformation regarding
irrigation water pricing is
expected for Greece, the
participants agreed that at least
two pricing levels must be
applied, one with the lowest
possible price up to the
expected water consumption
for each cultivation and a high
cost one for any exaggeration.
Farmers
and
landscape
managers,
training
must
include courses regarding
efficient irrigation. Also public
training
sessions
for
homeowners
must
also
become part of an integrated
training approach regarding
water and soil best practices.
A number of initiatives, projects and
studies provide solutions for improved
irrigation and drainage management in
the context of environmental economic
and social framework.
Successful relevant examples have
been presented in IRLA2014.
Interdisciplinary
approaches,
cooperation between stakeholders
and active bonds with the end-
users can probably provide the
answer to the “NOW WHAT?”
question that was posed during the
opening session…