Βιώσιμη διαχείριση υδατικών πόρων και άρδευσης στον Νομό Μαγνησίας : προοπτικές εξοικονόμησης και επαναχρησιμοποίησης στο πλαίσιο της κυκλικής οικονομίας

Κολοκυθάς, Ιωάννης

Master Thesis

Author

Κολοκυθάς, Ιωάννης

Date

2026-03

Abstract

Water represents a vital component of natural heritage that must be safeguarded. At both international and national (Greek) levels, water resources are increasingly subjected to significant pressures arising from the growing demand of diverse user sectors for water of sufficient quantity and quality. This master’s thesis investigates the sustainable management of water resources and irrigation practices in the regional unit of Magnesia, with a particular focus on the prospects for water saving and reuse within the framework of the Circular Economy. The research is situated within the broader context of Bioeconomy and Sustainable Development, highlighting the complex interrelations between environmental, economic, and institutional factors that shape water governance in the region’s agricultural and urban systems. Magnesia, located in the Region of Thessaly, is characterized by intensive agricultural activity, heterogeneous hydrogeological conditions, and increasing pressure on water resources, especially during the summer months. Using both primary data (including irrigation water use, crop-specific consumption rates, hydrogeological measurements, and data from OPEKEPE and DEYAMV) and secondary bibliographic sources, this study develops a multidimensional analysis that combines technical, economic, and policy perspectives. The study, following an initial theoretical analysis of the concepts of Bioeconomy and Circular Economy, presents the natural and socio-economic characteristics of Magnesia’s Regional Unit and investigates the current status of the region’s water balances. It further highlights the phenomena of overexploitation, reduced recharge of groundwater aquifers, and water losses resulting from the aging irrigation infrastructure. It then assesses existing local and regional water management policies, with particular reference to the River Basin Management Plan (RBMP) of Thessaly and the National Climate Adaptation Strategy. A significant component of the study concerns the assessment of water-saving and reuse potential through the adoption of smart irrigation technologies, treated wastewater recycling, and rainwater harvesting systems, as well as the transition toward circular management models that minimize waste and enhance resource efficiency. Scenarios of investment viability and cost–benefit analysis are examined, demonstrating that these interventions can significantly reduce water consumption in key crops (cotton, maize, Zagora apples), with a positive economic balance over a five-year horizon. From a policy standpoint, this thesis explores the institutional challenges surrounding integrated water governance, emphasizing the need to strengthen local institutions (DEYAMV, TOEV), promote stakeholder participation, and encourage collaborative governance structures. The European policy dimension is also examined, including the European Green Deal, the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030, the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), and the Circular Economy Action Plan, which collectively guide the transformation toward sustainable water systems. The findings demonstrate that an integrated framework for sustainable water management in Magnesia—combining technological innovation, environmental protection, economic incentives, and participatory governance—can serve as a catalyst for strengthening agricultural resilience, reducing the ecological footprint, and aligning local development trajectories with the principles of the Bioeconomy and the Circular Economy. Finally, the thesis proposes concrete policy directions and implementation tools, such as: • Establishment of a Water Resources Management Authority, • Implementation of financial incentives for conservation (consumption-based pricing, incentives for water reuse), • Promotion of new technologies. Overall, this research contributes to the understanding of the m dynamics of water resource management in Thessaly, offering an integrated analytical and policy framework that can support both local authorities and national policymakers in advancing toward a more ecologically, socially, and economically sustainable Magnesia.

Postgraduate Studies Programme

Βιοοικονομία, Κυκλική Οικονομία και Βιώσιμη Ανάπτυξη

Department

Σχολή Οικονομικών, Επιχειρηματικών και Διεθνών Σπουδών. Τμήμα Οικονομικής Επιστήμης

Number of pages

172

Language

Greek

URI

https://dione.lib.unipi.gr/xmlui/handle/unipi/18982

Collections

Τμήμα Οικονομικής Επιστήμης

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Except where otherwise noted, this item's license is described as
Αναφορά Δημιουργού-Μη Εμπορική Χρήση-Όχι Παράγωγα Έργα 3.0 Ελλάδα