Groundwater is the worlds most important source of freshwater, constituting 97% of the earths freshwater reserves. In many parts of the Mediterranean region, this resource is increasingly being polluted by human activities, causing the use of some aquifers to become endangered and undermining the role of groundwater in the hydrological cycle. While significant attention has been paid to national efforts to protect groundwater resources the role of local authorities has received considerably less attention. Given the large role they play in overseeing industrial and other polluting activities in their jurisdictions, local governments can in fact become significant actors in efforts to protect shared groundwater resources. This project aims to empowering a selection of Mediterranean municipalities with the technical and administrative skills to alleviate sources of groundwater pollution in their jurisdiction as well as enhancing cooperation across Mediterranean Basin municipalities to protect common natural heritage. Expected Results: • Hazard reduction and Prevention Guidelines • Memorandum of understanding signed by each participating municipality • Trained municipal workers • GIS map of hazards and pollution • Mediterranean network of skilled municipal workers • Municipal hazards audit report and implementation report • Enhanced public awareness through dissemination