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In future, water is likely to become scarcer. How can it be optimally used in dry but intensively utilized regions of the Alps?

Climate change as well as societal and economic development will in future significantly modify the supply and consumption of water, and consequently fuel conflicts of interest. Dry valleys in the Alps will be particularly affected, as one has to assume that in these regions water will become even scarcer. At present, the distribution of water is generally organized at the communal level and follows historical norms and regulations. Up to now, water management was mainly orientated towards covering water needs, rather than the sup­ply of water resources.

In close collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders involved in the water sector of the study area, the Crans-Montana-Sierre region in the Valais, the project aims at developing solutions required for a more sus­tainable and balanced management and distribution of water.

The cooperation of specialists from different disciplines and universities will help to better understand the processes in the study region and to develop new knowledge in the field of water management. The collaboration with local and regional authorities and stakeholders will contribute to developing solutions that are practicable and acceptable, and that can be implemented in other regions.