The Mediterranean message of Tunis to the 5th World Water Forum

Within the framework of the Mediterranean session in the 5th Water World Forum (Istanbul - March, 2009), A message was elaborated to present the outcomes of the Regional Conference on the Mediterranean Session of the 5th World Water Forum held in Tunis, 15 January 2009. The event included 194 participants from different sectors of water management in the region and it is among the key meetings contributing to the regional preparatory process for the Istanbul Forum. This message will be further elaborated in forthcoming regional events, including the 2nd Beirut Water Week (4-8 February 2009, Lebanon).

The Mediterranean Message, in addition of being an input to the strategic axes of the Ministerial Declaration of the 5th World Water Forum, addresses also the governments and stakeholders of the countries of the Union for the Mediterranean as a contribution for building a shared vision on the future of water in the region. The Mediterranean approaches the Forum with renewed political commitment for sustainable water management through the recently adopted Ministerial Declaration at the Euro-Mediterranean Ministerial Conference on Water, 22 December 2008, at the Dead Sea, Jordan. The Ministerial Conference decided to elaborate a new Strategy for Water in the Mediterranean and to implement concrete projects in line with the demand of the populations. It is hoped that the Strategy will enhance cooperation and coordination on water among countries and between stakeholders, enact needed reforms and promote tangible measures.

Recommendations were produced during interactive sessions involving all the participants. These recommendations would constitute strong basis for the preparation of the Strategy and the identification of concrete projects.