Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak and Syrian President Bashar Assad (AP)
Natural resources are the real wealth of nations. As is well- known, GCC countries are rich in oil and gas reserves; however, they are poor in water resources and arable lands. According to the UN, GCC countries, except Oman, fall in the category of ‘acute scarcity.’ … The major causes of increasing water demand include population growth and rapid urbanization, and wasteful consumption patterns both in domestic, industrial and agriculture sectors. Besides, the efficiency of water systems, when compared to those in other parts of the world, could be improved. While the supply of water is short because of natural and climatic conditions, water consumption in the GCC countries ranges between 300– 750 litres per person per day, which is among the highest in the world. Water policies need a lot of reform. …
[T]he GCC, while experiencing rapid economic development, is faced with many potential problems relating to availability and use of water. Unless all necessary measures, including policy reforms are adopted, the countries are likely to face water scarcity which in turn will have negative impacts not only on the environmental front but also on the security, economic and social fronts. …
It is worth mentioning that many corporate companies and environmental NGOs across the region have embraced programs for greening deserts. This is an unwise solution in a water-scarce country, even if the argument is that they are planting indigenous species. We have to accept and adapt with our surrounding eco-system. It is a desert area with scattered indigenous species. It will be wise to seize upon the chance of making use of the adaptation fund that became available following the Bali negotiations last December. Regional cooperation and joint projects will ensure that the possible consequences of water policies are anticipated and examined and water issues are included in countries’ interests. Access the full article>>