Abstract
Ensuring access to clean water, preserving water reserves, and meeting energy needs are fundamental for sustainability and a priority for global organizations like the UN and EU. The Mediterranean, particularly Greece, faces severe water imbalances due to rising demand, prolonged droughts, and seasonal tourism pressure. This over-exploitation of water resources threatens agriculture, employment, and regional sustainability. Addressing these challenges, this study analyzes the water-energy nexus in high-stress areas and develops an optimization model for sustainable water resource management. The model integrates sectoral demands, energy consumption, and seasonal variability to improve efficiency while balancing economic and environmental constraints. Additionally, it incorporates demand forecasting to align water use with ecosystem sustainability, reducing environmental impacts. By providing a systematic framework for decision-makers, this research supports the development of long-term, resilient water management strategies, ensuring efficient resource allocation in vulnerable regions. The findings will contribute to sustainable water policies and infrastructure planning.