Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : Investigation of the possibilities of adaptation to water scarcity conditions in the islands of the South Aegean

Διερεύνηση των δυνατοτήτων προσαρμογής σε συνθήκες λειψυδρίας σε νησιά του Ν. Αιγαίου

Auteur : Stathi, Efthymia - Στάθη Ευθυμία Δ.

Etablissement de soutenance : Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Grade : Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) 2022

Résumé
This study aims to develop a multi-criteria decision-making model that aims at the rational management of water resources in strongly arid areas of South Aegean. The study aims to identify the optimum system of practices for rational management of the water resources for three arid islands in South Aegean. In particular, a management model, aiming at water resilience, and sustainability, is developed for the unique conditions of the islands of Mykonos, Naxos and Kos. These islands already face water shortages, which are likely to intensify due to tourism development and climate change. The solution to the water problems of the region will be done through the timely and targeted development of appropriate infrastructures and management practices, as part of a holistic model of rational water resources management. The target areas were identified using Geographic Information Systems and the torrential streams of each area were noted. Moreover, the characteristics and causes of water shortages were identified through analyzing the rainfall and temperature trends as well as the characteristics of the drought and the management practices followed. Also, were studied the alternatives of increasing the water resources. Best practices were selected and a decision-making system was set up for the rational management of water using multi-criteria analysis. It turned out that desalination is the most suitable solution to increase the water potential of Mykonos, while at the same time water saving measures should be implemented, such as monitoring and evaluation of water supply systems, water measurements, rational water pricing, leak detection-maintenance, financial and penal clauses and finally education-information of the public. As far as Naxos is concerned, the possibilities of exploiting the surface runoff are considered great, with the construction of the dam at Tsikalario as well as the two reservoirs that have been studied, can provide a satisfactory solution to the water shortage, and at the same time lead to improved irrigation needs. Water saving is a management practice that will help with measures aimed at protecting and conserving the quantity of water resources as well as addressing their quality degradation. In addition, reducing water demand in agriculture, which is the largest consumer of water on the island, is vital. Kos also has great potential for exploiting surface runoff. The implementation of the projects foreseen by the techno-economic studies carried out on the island for two dams and nine reservoirs can provide a satisfactory solution to the water supply, and at the same time lead to the improvement of the irrigation needs, as there will be a partial detachment of the water supply from groundwater. Water saving will contribute to the rational management of water in Kos, while specifically water saving in agriculture would be particularly important as it is the largest consumer. The island has potential to meet current water needs, but also future. A general perception is the position that water problems on the island of Kos, as well as in Naxos, are associated more with a bad or non-existent water management plan than with a lack of water.

Mots clés : Πολυκριτήρια ανάλυση αποφάσεων, Integrated water resources management, Βέλτιστες διαχειριστικές πρακτικές, Ν. Αιγαίο, Decision support systems, South Aegean, Λειψυδρία, Drought

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