On September 25th, we come together to honour the beauty and vitality of the Mediterranean, raising awareness about pressing issues such as coastal urbanization, water scarcity, climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.
This year, our focus is on coastal aquifers - the hidden freshwater treasures beneath our shores.
Aquifers are crucial in supplying freshwater for drinking, agriculture, and industries, meeting the growing demands of coastal communities. But beyond their practical importance, coastal aquifers support diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and estuaries, lagoons, humid zones and other habitats vital for many plant and animal species. They also play a key role in mitigating saltwater intrusion and in climate change adaptation. As global temperatures and sea levels rise, coastal aquifers act as natural buffers, safeguarding coastal communities and ecosystems and serving as natural freshwater reservoirs.
Yet, these invaluable resources face challenges like escalating groundwater demands, saltwater intrusion, aquifer salinization, and the spread of nutrients and contaminants.
Join us in Vlorë, Albania, for the central event that spotlights coastal aquifers and promotes sustainable development of the Mediterranean region! The event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Environment of Albania, PAP/RAC and UNESCO-HIP in the framework of the GEF MedProgramme.
Stay updated by following us on www.coastday.org.
