The main challenges of this project are to create local Early Warning Systems against Water Scarcity in the Alps based on sound and perennial monitoring and modeling and anchored strongly and actively within a Stakeholder Forum linked across comparative and contrasting regions across the Alps. The Early Warning System is based on the linkage and improvement of field monitoring and assemblage of qualitative and quantitative data derived from anthropogenic water use in selected pilot regions in France, Italy, Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland. The aims are to implement water management at the short term (annual) scale as well as the long term (future scenarios) scale based on modeling under climate change and anthropogenic scenarios. Future water shortages should be prognosed and prevented by innovative measures of mitigation and adaptation. Awareness raising and stakeholder interaction will form an important part of problem identification, participation in the project, dissemination of results and implementation of new approaches.

Alp-Water-Scarce could successfully establish the monitoring networks in the Pilot Sites. The necessary data to characterise the waterbodies was collected as well as data on water uses which is needed for modelling activities. Since the thematic focus (e.g. agriculture, hydropower generation, drinking water supply, tourism) varies within the Pilot Sites a modelling workshop took place to harmonise these activities and to identify overlaps. Most of the models are now in the status of calibration. Agricultural indicators for water scarcity were established and scenarios compared at the trans-alpine level. Flooding and hydropeaking experiments were performed in selected Pilot Sites as well as literature research in order to identify aquatic indicators for optimal ecological discharge. The Stakeholder Interaction Forum was further intensified (publication of the synthesis of the stakeholder report, organisation of stakeholder workshops and participation of workshops and public events).

The 2nd and 3rd General Meeting, a Modelling workshop and regional workshops took place. A synthesis of the stakeholder survey was distributed (5 languages). Alp-Water-Scarce showed a broad presence in public and media. The Pilot Site Description for the 23 sites was finalised. Data collection on water uses was finalised and pre-processed to compare the outputs. Fieldwork for data collection was continued and the first models calibrated. Aquatic indicators for optimal flow were tested. A report on water governance was launched to establish an overview on the legal background concerning water management within the Alp-Water-Scarce countries. First analysis of agricultural indicators for water scarcity was performed at the trans-alpine level. Conceptual work for the development of an Early Warning System against water scarcity was initiated. Cooperation between 5 climate change related Alpine Space projects was continued.

The 4th General Meeting (21 Sept 2010, F) and the Midterm Conference (22-24 September 2010, F) will take place. Workshops on the development of an "Early Warning System" (13 Sept. 2010, AT) and on "Optimal Ecological Discharge" (23 September 2010, F) will be held. A 2nd newsletter will be created. The web performance will be intensified. Regional workshops for stakeholders will be continued. The development of an Early Warning System against water scarcity will be intensified.