Water security by 2050, water diplomacy, and infrastructure: the key topics of the discussion between ANBI, CIHEAM Bari, MAECI, and the One Water Committee.
Sustainable water resource management as a pillar of stability and development in the Mediterranean region. This was the central theme of the event “Trame d’Acqua: Weaving Security and Resilience in the Mediterranean,” held last week at the ANBI Area at Macfrut in Rimini. The meeting, opened with remarks by ANBI President Francesco Vincenzi, charted the course toward the upcoming Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum, highlighting how Italy is a key player in a new model of international cooperation.
The discussion was kicked off by Maria Spena, President of the One Water Italy Committee, who emphasized the need for a coordinated approach: “Water challenges must be addressed with the utmost rationality, fully leveraging the advent of technology, as demonstrated by ANBI’s Irriframe and Goccia Verde portals. As the One Water Committee, we are working to build a grand ‘System Italy’ that shows the world how agriculture, while consuming water, restores health and protects the land.”
Marco Rago, Vice President of the Organizing Committee of the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum and Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke to underscore the project’s geopolitical significance: “The MAECI strongly supported this project to reaffirm Italy’s leadership. ‘One Water’ brings together the environment, agriculture, and food security. In a period marked by conflict, we are working toward a water diplomacy based on dialogue. By hosting the Euro-Mediterranean Forum in September, Italy will create a pivotal moment for cooperation.”
Emilio Ciarlo, Director General of the One Water Italy Committee, then focused his remarks on long-term strategic objectives: “The goal of the Forum’s Manifesto is to achieve water security in the Mediterranean by 2050. This means addressing water scarcity, preventing damage from extreme events, and improving water quality by controlling new forms of pollution.”
