Optimization for Sustainable Water Management (OPTIMA)
The overall aim of OPTIMA was to develop, implement, test, critically evaluate, and exploit an innovative, scientifically rigorous yet practical approach to water resources management intended to increase efficiencies and to reconcile conflicting demands, applied to 7 pilot case studies around the Mediterranean.
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OPTIMA was a European Union FP6 project aimed at advancing Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) across the Mediterranean region. Based on the principles of the EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), the project developed an innovative optimisation framework integrating economic efficiency, environmental sustainability, and social equity. The methodology combined dynamic simulation models, multi-criteria optimisation, mathematical programming, and participatory decision-making processes to improve water allocation and reconcile competing water demands. The approach was tested in pilot basins across the Mediterranean and supported by interactive web-based decision support tools for policy makers.
Highlights
- 1) Developed an IWRM framework based on the EU Water Framework Directive.
- 2) Applied multi-criteria optimisation and mathematical programming to water management.
- 3) Developed dynamic simulation models and a web-based decision support platform.
- 4) Integrated environmental, economic, and social criteria into water planning.
- 5) Promoted stakeholder participation in policy and decision-making.
- 6) Validated the methodology through pilot case studies across the Mediterranean.
- 7) Established a regional database of water technologies and associated costs.
