This vital resource is in increasingly short supply but an international forum is looking for solutions Water is a fundamental aspect of development, peace and security in the Arab region DUBAI: With only two percent of the Arab region covered by wetlands, and 94 percent of those vulnerable to climate change, water will play a crucial role in the future functioning of the region’s ecosystems.
“New solutions are needed to ensure access to water in areas facing conflict, and particularly for women, children and vulnerable groups.” For Monika Weber-Fahr, global water partnership executive secretary and speaker at the event, the Middle East is not unique when it comes to water management conflicts.
In addition, there are options for helping to solve water scarcity problems such as water harvesting and the reuse of wastewater.” Weber-Fahr said the situation is critical and one reason why, on Aug. 30 and 31, GWP is convening, with other organizations, a meeting of “Blue Peace in the Middle East” in Stockholm.
“This is because policy-makers decided to prioritize water to the industry and for municipal purposes (rather) than for agriculture — the percentage for agriculture is now much less compared to other regional countries, including the UAE, at about 52 percent.” In times of conflict, national priorities change.
“Conflict adds a lot to the severity of the water problem,” he added.
The world’s urban population increased to 54 percent of the world population in 2014, a figure that is expected to grow to 70 percent by 2050 and, according to Dr. Murad, could affect future development.
We also need to change our social behavior as it plays a major role — any conflict additionally affects people reaching water resources.” With annual rates of less than 250 millimeters of rainfall in the Middle East, ecosystems are fragile and under stress.
“Rapid population and urbanization growth are challenges as well as high per capita consumption patterns.” About 40 percent of the Arab population is already living in conditions of absolute water scarcity.
“The majority (84 percent) of water resources in the region are being used for agriculture while the municipal and the industrial sectors consume about 9 and 7 percent of the total water use respectively.
Being an important vector for socio-economic development, there is a need for efficient and sustainable water management to ensure that the water sector can continue to serve the region’s development needs.” With World Water Week bringing together scientists and practitioners to raise awareness about the latest knowledge and innovations in areas most affected by water scarcity, sustainable development will require water-smart societies.