Central and southern Italy are grappling with a severe water shortage, threatening both agricultural production and the booming tourism sector. According to the National Association of the Agricultural Water Board (ANBI), agricultural water supplies in regions like Abruzzo, Apulia, and Sicily are projected to last only three more weeks.
The crisis extends to other areas, including Campania, Basilicata, Calabria, and Sardinia, where water reserves are rapidly depleting. \"Three more weeks, and there will be no more water available for agriculture in central and southern Italy,\" ANBI warned.
One of the most critical situations is at the Occhito reservoir in Apulia, a vital source for both farming and drinking water, which has seen a drop of over 15 million cubic meters in just eight days. Sicily is also facing extreme shortages, with six out of 29 reservoirs on the island now unusable, leading local authorities to advise tourists to consider alternative destinations due to the ongoing crisis.
In Sardinia, dams are holding only 57 percent of their authorized water volume, resulting in rationing and interruptions in affected regions. This water shortage arrives at a challenging time, as Italy anticipates a record tourist year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels from 2018 and 2019.
The combination of dwindling water reserves and an expected surge in tourism poses significant challenges for sustainable development in these regions. Efforts to manage and mitigate the water crisis are crucial to balancing the needs of agriculture, residents, and the thriving tourism industry.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
