Water Management: A Shared Challenge Beyond Borders
Facing the growing scarcity of water resources—a direct consequence of climate change—how can we adapt our management models to ensure the resilience of territories?
In both the Mediterranean and the Alps, France and Italy share common challenges but also solutions that can inspire broader action.
Funded by Interreg ALCOTRA, a Franco-Italian cross-border cooperation program, the projet Sécheresse et Territoire (SeTe) demonstrates how transnational collaboration can address the increasing frequency of droughts and floods.
Water management transcends borders, and SeTe aims to develop a Franco-Italian cross-border strategic plan to improve resource management at the watershed scale while preserving natural ecosystems and adapting territories.
Water as a Laboratory for Adaptation Policies
As the IPCC projects worsening droughts in the 21st century, the dual challenge is clear: plan for long-term adaptation while effectively responding to increasingly frequent crises.
A “living lab” in Menton on water democracy and transboundary governance
On March 10, 2026, the Riviera Française Urban Community hosted an interactive “living lab” in Menton as part of SeTe,
bringing together Franco-Italian experts to explore new forms of cross-border cooperation and territorial solidarity.
With water scarcity intensifying, governance systems must move beyond administrative borders to align with watershed scales, navigating complex trade-offs between competing uses (agriculture, tourism, industry, biodiversity).
These decisions are not merely technical; they reflect societal and political priorities, demanding stronger stakeholder engagement and tailored tools (such as PTGE or the Quirinal Treaty). The goal is no longer just better water management but collectively building a resilient territorial model.