Abstract
Integrated Drought Management Programme in Central and Eastern Europe (IDMP CEE). The Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is one of the European regions seriously vulnerable to drought events and there is an urgent need in the region to develop better drought management systems. In February 2013 the Global Water Partnership for Central and Eastern Europe region launched the Integrated Drought Management Programme (IDMP CEE) involving more than 40 organizations from 10 CEE countries. The Programme is structured to provide both policy advice and practical solutions in drought management. The specific objectives of the IDMP CEE are to develop understanding, knowledge and planning for integrated drought management, map and assess the impact of droughts. Moreover, several case studies (demonstration projects) in pilot basins involving local communities are initiated. The national governments are supported to incorporate drought management in their national programs, develop monitoring framework and raise drought awareness through efficient dissemination mechanisms. All countries of the CEE region need to improve both their short-term and long-term responses across sectors to meteorological, agricultural and hydrological droughts. In spite of the fact that several basins in the region are of transboundary character, regional integration of drought monitoring and early warning is not at the level desired. Whilst the lack of water is the primary cause of drought, there are still a large number of factors which exacerbate and intensify its effects. If these factors - many of which have little to do with water per se - are adequately managed, the consequences of the lack of water can be greatly reduced. For example, there are several specific problems and challenges related to the current process of economic transition in the region, including macroeconomic and financial problems
Integrated Drought Management Programme in Central and Eastern Europe (IDMP CEE)
