Ø Water
Saving, Innovative Green Technologies
Projects
related to water saving and drinking water supply through desalination units
combined with innovative green technologies and the use of renewable energy
sources in vulnerable areas and islands. The actions supported through the Programme
therefore contribute to Greece’s efforts under the EU Water Framework Directive
and their corresponding River Basin Management Plans.
In
the Greek islands the demand for water usually surpasses the available water
supply during the tourist season. In many areas the water grids are old, which
results in considerable leakages and loss of water. These two conditions can
lead to water shortage, water quality deterioration and over-abstraction, i.e.
use of groundwater.
On
smaller islands, water has often been supplied by sea transportation with water
tankers, which may be hampered due to bad weather conditions. Additionally, it
impacts the environment in terms of emissions and poses risks of marine
accidents. The cost of water transportation is high compared to other more
permanent solutions like construction of water reservoirs, installation of
desalination systems and leakage prevention.
In
general, there is a lack of funding focusing on permanent water supply solutions
on small islands. Despite the economic and environmental benefits from
supplying water locally rather than being transported to the islands, the
islands need funding to be able to prevent water leakages or improve their
local supply.
Ø Research
and Water Bodies
Research
that will provide data and solutions to improve the status of water bodies
and/or improve water management. The Programme address the need to improve the
environmental status of water-based ecosystems by supporting the sustainable
use of water. The actions focus on the application of innovative solutions.
There is also a need for better data and knowledge about the status of water-based
ecosystems for which funding has been set aside for monitoring and research
studies.
Ø Small
Grand Scheme
Small
Grant Scheme for an awareness raising campaign in schools and target groups
about sustainable use and protection of the water
The
Achievements
The
Programme focusses on improving the status of the water bodies mainly on
islands that face shortages and/or poor quality of water. This is done by both
addressing supply solutions as well as efforts to improve the status of water
bodies through the implementation of water saving measures, including
measurement and monitoring systems to reduce leakages, and desalination units.
Research projects provide data and solutions for the improvement of the status
of water bodies or improvement of water management in certain areas.
Additionally, support will be given to an awareness campaign for school
children highlighting the importance of proper water management and improving
the status of water bodies. The Programme
will also create guidelines and best practice materials for water saving for
inhabitants and the tourist sector.
The
Beneficiaries
The
beneficiaries of the Programme are the inhabitants, businesses and tourists of
vulnerable areas and islands in Greece. Municipalities are expected to benefit
from the reduction of their operating expenses through innovative solutions of
water supply and energy saving. It will also have a positive effect on the
tourist industry, as improved supply and quantity of water reduces costs and
embedding water sustainability into all aspects of their business.
The
bilateral relations
The EEA Grants’ Environment Programme in Greece
contributes to experience-sharing and promote dialogue and cooperation in areas
of mutual interest to Greece and the Donor States. Partnership projects between
Greece and Donor Entities is actively encouraged and facilitated.