摘要：In this paper the results of a preliminary study that investigates water footprint (WF) concept, as a useful tool to address water management problems in cultivated areas are presented. The two basic methodologies reported in the literature, their applicability, benefits and challenges were previously analyzed and evaluated by Tsoukala et al. (2011). A WF calculation for the crops of Messara valley in Crete is presented, so as to examine its contribution to achieving effective agricultural policies. Messara is one of the most important agricultural regions in Greece that faces serious problems in order to meet crop irrigation demand. The conclusions drawn from this analysis showed that WF can provide a transparent framework for the identification of potentially optimal alternatives for efficient water use at river basin catchment level.
关键词：Water footprint; environmental water resources management; effective fresh water use; irrigation needs; Messara valley; agricultural policy
