The main challenges of ALP-WATER-SCARCE are to create local Early Warning Systems against Water Scarcity in the Alps. This system is based on sound and long-term monitoring and modelling and anchored strongly and actively within a Stakeholder Forum linked across comparative and contrasting regions across the Alps.

The Early Warning System is established on the linkage and improvement of field monitoring and assemblage of qualitative and quantitative data derived from anthropogenic water use in 28 selected pilot regions selected in France, Italy, Austria, Slovenia and Switzerland. The objectives are to improve water management at the short term (annual scale) and long term (using future scenarios) based on modelling and application of climate change and anthropogenic scenarios. Innovative measures of mitigation and adaptation should predict and prevent future water shortages. 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.