"The Mediterranean and Middle East, with a combined total population of more than 400 million people, are characterized by strong environmental gradients, climate extremes and diverse economic, social and cultural identities. It is expected that throughout the 21st century the region will experience substantial adverse climate changes and face major challenges in energy demand and supply, as well as a decreasing availability of fresh water. It will be essential to address the undesirable economical and societal consequences and manage them cooperatively. Rethinking energy and water policies and adopting new concepts to respond to these challenges are increasingly recognized as a high priority, both regionally and internationally. The main objective of the project is to favor and prepare the creation of a regional data infrastructure devoted to climate, water, energy and related topics, by engaging relevant entities into a coordinated effort at the regional scale. To this end the project will set up a Task Force including internationally recognized experts and carry out studies of all relevant scientific, technical, legal and political issues. It will also carry out networking activities aimed at regional climate stakeholders (Research institutions, public authorities, relevant state agencies, NGOs, etc.), in order to raise their awareness and engage key actors into creating the appropriate conditions for the formation of a regional data infrastructure devoted to climate, energy and water related data, and into capacity building, prospective & incubation activities for future collaborative climate research."