All the countries in the Middle East already face serious water shortage. The per capita per year availability of water in most countries is below the internationally accepted threshold level of 1000 cubic meters. It is also one of the region most vulnerable to climate change, on account of water scarcity, a significant dependence on climate-sensitive agriculture, high population density and economic activity in flood-prone urban coastal zones which could lead to instability. Lack of data and standards, weakness in water monitoring are fundamental issues concerning the reduction of transboundary disputes. Unless adequate and urgent action is taken at political technical levels to reduce this vulnerability, the region will be exposed to large political, economic and social risks and will put further pressure on surface and groundwater currently being extracted in most areas beyond the aquifers’ recharge potential.

The overall goal of the project is to enhance regional water management, empowering the broader underpinning for peace in the region. This objective will be achieved through the promotion and implementation of agreed and consensual collaborative regional solutions and concrete actions on the ground in a combined action to foster sustainable water management in the region.

PA 03 (Cooperation Council): Create the conditions for the establishment of a Cooperation Council for Water Management in the Middle East. PA 04 (Strategic Projects on Data): Strengthen the delivery of weather, water, and climate services in Middle East countries, to support economic development in agriculture, water resources, energy, and transport sectors throughout the region, manage consequences of climate variability and reduce human and economic losses from hazardous weather events notably floods and droughts.

• Strategic Foresight Group
• World Meteorological Organisation

The beneficiaries are public organizations (ministries, national hydromets, regional governments and municipalities), inter-state and state water management bodies, industries, agro-industrial complexes, environmental organizations and the population as water users.