RURAL LIFE IN MIDDLE EAST DRIVERS

The case studies in this paper illuminate current trends and reveal the different ways in which water can be a source of conflict. In such instances, they have aggravated political, economic, and social causes of instability within and between states.

RURAL LIFE IN MIDDLE EAST DRIVERS

Although resource scarcity and climate patterns are rarely – yet – the principal drivers of conflict, environmental factors have already acted as multipliers on numerous occasions. This is particularly important considering how rapidly water scarcity and other forms of environmental stress are beginning to shape regional developments. It examines how failure to implement effective policies exacerbates the risk of conflict.

Rather than explore strategies to enhance water security – such studies exist in abundance – this report focuses on the destabilising potential of water scarcity. The challenge will be for all countries to learn from best practice and good governance about securing their water supply. But, overall, the region is in a precarious state when it comes to water. And some MENA countries can already point to successful initiatives aimed at addressing water scarcity. Non-conventional sources of water supply, such as desalination plants, can mitigate the detrimental impact of scarcity, as can managing domestic levels of water consumption by ensuring that price reflects cost. Through forward-looking policy and strategic planning, water-scarce regions can guarantee a level of security that rivals that of water-rich states. In doing so they will need to take into account geographical, economic, and demographic differences when formulating water policies. The story will not be the same for every country: the region is diverse and each government will have to find its own way forward. To resolve it, states in the MENA region must pursue an integrated and holistic approach to managing both water demand and supply they must create contingency plans that can meet future challenges. There is nothing inevitable about this situation. While some countries have taken positive steps towards addressing aspects of this problem, too many remain prone to adopting quick fixes. Most actually continue to incentivise high levels of water usage through low water pricing. Few governments in the region have put in place and implemented sound plans to mitigate the worsening impact of this water scarcity. It is not just a question of geography it is a question of governance and politics too. This is likely to take the form of: increased population movements within, across, and out of the region, including towards Europe domestic social unrest conflict between neighbouring countries and an even more degraded natural environment. When combined with these factors, constrained access to water is set to lead to greater instability in the region. Weather patterns are becoming increasingly erratic, populations are growing, and transboundary tensions have recently abounded. Nearly two-thirds of the population there are living in areas that lack sufficient renewable water resources to sustain current levels of activity and growth. The Middle East and North Africa is the most water-scarce region in the world.

This report focuses on the destabilising potential of water scarcity and examines how failure to implement effective policies exacerbates the risk of conflict, with illuminating case studies revealing current trends and different ways in which water can be a source of conflict. Take into account geographical, economic, and demographic differences when formulating water policies.Create contingency plans that can meet future challenges and.Pursue an integrated and holistic approach to managing both water demand and supply.To resolve it, states in the MENA region must: And it is not just a question of geography, but also of governance and politics too.

Rural life in middle east