Governance and Water Policies Innovation: Reflections on IWRM and Iot Solution in a Changing Mediterranean

Water resources management is a key priority for global policies to promote sustainability and support adaptation to climate change. This paper is based on preliminary results from the ACQUAOUNT research project (PRIMA 2021-2025), which analyzes integrated water resources management (IWRM) and the introduction of IoT (Internet of Things) technologies in selected Mediterranean areas. The analysis focuses on four countries—Jordan, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Italy (Sardinia)—and evaluates the feasibility of implementing IWRM and technological innovation through IoT tools to improve climate change adaptation.
The research, conducted through the analysis of policy and governance frameworks, as well as focus groups and workshops with water managers and farmers, highlighted critical issues related to institutional fragmentation and a lack of coordination across sectors and in international cooperation. In particular, the paper reflects on the difficulties of introducing IoT technologies for water resources monitoring and management, especially in the most vulnerable areas, and on the social and political implications of IWRM implementation.

The results emphasize that, to respond effectively to the challenges posed by climate change, adopting technological tools must address the institutional and socio-environmental differences between countries and be accompanied by flexible water governance models capable of involving local actors and promoting forms of international cooperation.