*Article* **Adaptation: A Vital Priority for Sustainable Water Resources Management**

**Elpida Kolokytha**

> Department of Civil Engineering, School of Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece; lpcol@civil.auth.gr

**Abstract:** Sustainability in terms of water managemen<sup>t</sup> implies the study of all interrelated parameters (social, environmental, economic, engineering and political) in a comprehensive way. Although Greece is presented in the international rankings as a water-rich country, it has significant water problems due to its high temporal and spatial distribution of water resources and its unsustainable managemen<sup>t</sup> practices characterized by a fragmented and sector-oriented water managemen<sup>t</sup> system. This problem has been significantly improved by the adoption of the EU WFD and the development of managemen<sup>t</sup> plans at the river basin scale. Nevertheless, because of the climate change effects, there is still a long way to go, and radical changes are needed in order to reach sustainability. Adaptation is a vital response toward sustainability. The Mygdonia agricultural basin is a case study of a highly negative water balance system that highlights the shortcomings of both water managemen<sup>t</sup> and adaptation in Greece. Analysis of the hydrology of the basin, as well as the climate projections until 2100, revealed the urgen<sup>t</sup> need for concerted action. A set of different development adaptation strategies was applied and assessed concerning their effectiveness. According to the outputs of this research, integrated watershed managemen<sup>t</sup> is a prerequisite for a successful adaptation policy. Radical reform is needed in the agricultural sector by decreasing the agricultural land and changing crops. Demand managemen<sup>t</sup> is the solution rather than focusing on supply options.

**Keywords:** climate crisis; water adaptation; Greece; Koronia lake; sustainability; Mygdonia Basin
