The document discusses an initiative towards more sustainable water use and irrigation management in Mediterranean countries. It notes that agriculture uses over 80% of available water resources in many arid Mediterranean nations, but suffers from over 50% water losses and low on-farm water efficiency under 40%. The Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari has worked for over 15 years on integrated demand water management to increase water savings potential in irrigation. Through research networks and cooperation projects, they developed a Regional Action Programme covering 10 Southern Mediterranean countries. The first phase involved three networks that emphasized agriculture offers the highest potential for water savings through reducing losses without compromising productivity or welfare, and improving efficiency and crop water productivity. The second phase experimentally implemented these recommendations on the ground through