Sustainable water management in agro-ecosystems: Tunisian and Moroccan delegation visits Sant'Anna School to learn about best practices in protecting Mediterranean wetlands
A delegation of officials from Tunisia and Morocco (with M.me Karima Haggui, Secretary General of the Ministry of the Environment of Tunisia, e M.me Asma Yahyaoui, Freshwater Programme Manager WWF North-Africa) visited Sant'Anna School for a study visit dedicated to sustainable water management in agro-ecosystems and the conservation of Mediterranean wetlands.
Water challenges in the southern Mediterranean
In southern Mediterranean countries, climate change, increased water demand, and agricultural development models that are not always sustainable are putting pressure on water resources and aquatic ecosystems. The drainage of wetlands, soil conversion, groundwater exploitation, and the construction of reservoirs have contributed to the reduction of natural habitats and the deterioration of water quality.
In this context, integrated water resource management is a strategic tool for combining food security, economic sustainability, and ecosystem protection. Nature-based solutions, sustainable drainage systems, and artificial wetlands are among the most promising approaches, in line with European and national policies.
The workshop at the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies
The delegation participated in a workshop coordinated by Rudy Rossetto, professor at the Institute of Crop Science, and SEMIDE, with the participation of Director Eric Mino. The workshop facilitated a comparison of experiences and tools adopted in northern and southern Mediterranean countries. The meeting was opened by Pietro Tonutti, Director of the Institute of Plant Production at the Sant'Anna School, and featured presentations by Fabio Masi (Iridra Srl) and Nicola Del Seppia (Northern Apennine Hydrographic District).
This was followed by Dr. Andrea Saba (DIRPOLIS Institute – Sant'Anna) coordinating the round table discussion “Between ambition and reality: the Common Agricultural Policy facing agro-climatic-environmental challenges”, with the participation of institutional representatives and representatives from the agricultural world: Marco Masi (Tuscany Region), Maurizio Ventavoli (Lower Valdarno Reclamation Consortium), Marco Pacini (Coldiretti Pisa), and Mauro Cavallini (CIA Etruria).
The discussion provided an opportunity to examine case studies, policies, and operational tools in depth, helping to strengthen the skills of those involved in sustainable water resource management.
Visits to the area
The delegation visited innovative facilities in the Lake Massaciuccoli basin, accompanied by Professor Rossetto and with the support of the Consorzio di Bonifica Toscana Nord. The group then traveled to the Val di Cornia area, home to the UNESCO Observatory for Ecohydrology, thanks to the collaboration of the Consorzio di Bonifica Toscana Costa.
A contribution to international cooperation
The study visit represented an important opportunity for exchange between institutions, researchers, and operators in the sector, strengthening the role of the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies in international cooperation activities and in the promotion of innovative practices for sustainable water resource management
