2024-08-01 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & POLICY 2024 158(卷), null(期), (null页)
Water has become a scarce resource in the semi-arid regions of the Mediterranean. Its access, quality and quantity are essential to maintain the socio-economic and environmental prosperity of these regions, which is currently linked to the sustainability of agriculture. However, pressures such as climate change, overexploitation or pollution make it necessary to establish strategies to improve their management and governance. In this context, digitalization has the potential to offer useful tools for managing, governing, and conserving water resources in a more efficient, effective, and participatory manner. ICT tools allow us to explore the integration of various sources of information related to water use and management in agriculture - ranging from sensors, weather stations, and piezometers to socio-ecological and economic indicators, as well as societal participation. These sources can be converted into services for different users, such as farmers, irrigation communities, or administrations, thereby contributing to the enhancement of water governance strategies. The WATERMED platform stems from the abovementioned needs and challenges, offering a decision support system, to optimize agricultural water use via smart agriculture tools. Additionally, it incorporates a specific water governance evaluation tool using the analytical framework set out by the OECD. The services offered by the WATERMED platform were developed and tested in collaboration with local stakeholders in 3 semi-arid areas of the Mediterranean as pilot areas with different socioeconomic context, agricultural practices and crops: J & uacute;car-Vinalopo