Challenges on European Irrigation Governance: From Alternative Water Resources to Key Stakeholders’ Involvement

Abstract

Europe's freshwater resources are under increasing stress in several regions, with a mismatch between demand for, and availability of, water resources across both temporal and geographical (spatial) scales. Human pressures have encouraged more active consideration of alternative water sources as a strategic option to supplement water supplies and protect natural resources. Recognition of the potential role of water reuse in such a strategy is now well embedded within both European and national policy communities. However, a lack of governance in decision-making processes focused on the benefits of using alternative water resources can motivate frustration to farmers and the public. In order to address this gap, the provision of water governance tools, strategies and policies are key issues than simply finding technical (or technocratic) solutions for matching, in space and time, and in quantity and quality, water demands and (alternative) water sources. The promotion of Constructed Wetlands (CWs) and Alternative Water Exchange Consortiums (AWECs) can be positive to ensure irrigation governance in the Anthropocene.

Effects of Circular Economy Policies on the Environment and Sustainable Growth: Worldwide Research

“…Subsequently, the interest in corporate economic, social, and environmental responsibility has increased with increasing social demands for organizations to commit to addressing their negative impacts [41]. In this manner, organizations tend to change their models to reflect the concepts of responsibility, including economic, environmental, and social objectives, and the interaction with each of the stakeholders [42,43]; that is, the environmental factor affects the attitude of the stakeholder as a political opportunity and a claim [44,45].…”

Introductory Chapter: Addressing Past Claims and Oncoming Challenges for Irrigation Systems

“…It should be noted that addressing the last two barriers are not solely related to technical issues, but to social issues. According to this and irrespective of scientific and engineering based considerations, farmers' opposition and public rejection has the potential to cause water reuse and water desalination projects to fail, before, during, or after their execution [54]. In fact, reuse and desalinated water schemes may face public opposition resulting from a combination of prejudiced beliefs, fear, attitudes, lack of knowledge, and general distrust, which, on the whole, is often not unjustified, judging by the frequent (and highly publicized) failures of wastewater treatment facilities worldwide.…”