OPTIMA: Optimisation for Sustainable Water Resources Management

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. Based on the European Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) the approach equally considers economic efficiency, environmental compatibility, and social equity as the pillars of sustainable development. The project started in November 2004 and was concluded in June 2007.

The project also aimed at building a wide dissemination network of expertise and knowledge exchange sharing its findings, generic data, and best practise examples. For a broad geographical coverage and a good basis for comparative analysis, OPTIMA brought together partners from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Tunisia, Morocco, Cyprus, Malta, Italy, Greece, and Austria.