Loïc Fauchon
CEO of Société des Eaux de Marseille
President of the World Water Council

Heavy rains in Brazil, earthquakes in New Zealand and Spain, a severe drought in Eastern Africa: 2011 is consistent with the current tendency of multiplication of natural disasters. In 2008, 236,000 people were killed by more than 300 disasters, 200 million inhabitants were directly affected and the material losses reached a peak of 180 billion dollars.

The number and the intensity of water-related disasters are constantly increasing because of demographic growth, urbanization, climate change and environmental degradation. Their effects are devastating, in particular for developing countries. It is no longer time for talk, but action. If catastrophes are sometimes inevitable, human losses and material destruction should not be seen as inevitable consequences.

How can we reduce the number of victims and the amount of material damage? How can we limit the economic losses that hamper the development of affected regions and countries, disturb the balance between natural habitats and worsen the degradation of their ecosystems? To answer these questions, the United Nations High Level Expert Panel on Water and Disasters (HLEP/UNSGAB) launched in 2009 an action plan to improve prevention and response to disasters.

The Société des Eaux de Marseille, relying on its international experience, wishes to contribute by organising an International Workshop on overflowing rivers and flash floods in the Mediterranean area. Solutions will be debated during the workshop, and then, presented to the HLEP/UNSGAB members as well as during the 6th World Water Forum in March 2012.

The international community must lessen suffering today and prevent it from arising further. It must suggest concrete and sustainable solutions likely to save numerous human lives and avoid enormous material damage. Thank you for bringing your contribution to make sustainable development real in the Mediterranean area and improve the well-being of its populations.