Drouht is a creeping phenomenon, sometimes termed a 'non-event', leading to 'a state of adverse and wide spread hydrological, environmental, social and economic impacts due to less than generally anticipated water quantities' (Karavitis, 1992). DESIRE's partner Agricultural University of Athens was involved in the drafting of a drought master plan for Greece. The process of the development of this plan was presented at a conference "Supporting Drought Policies in Europe" on 23 and 24 February, in Brussels, as part of the EU funded Xerochore project (http://www.feem-project.net/xerochore/). 

The presentation informed on definitions of drought, policy challenges and indicators and strategies and tools in drought management.