Water
and the environment represent one of the biggest challenges facing
global and local communities. They are also source of conflict and
cooperation among nations. As transboundary basins host more than half
of the world's population, with countries sharing about 310 rivers and
lakes and 592 surfaces of groundwater, Cooperation and diplomacy in transboundary water is vital for security and peace among riparian countries.
The
Middle East, North Africa region and Jordan in particular, are one of
the most water-scarce regions in the world, where the demand for water
far exceeds the natural amount of available water. Climate change,
population growth exacerbate scarcity on water resources and become a
source of tension among nations. Accordingly,
water problems have become more central to armed conflicts in our time,
a tendency that rings the alarm and always reminds us of the strong and fundamental link between water, security, and peace.
To overcome these challenges at the local and international levels,
we must strengthen cooperation on transboundary waters and emphasize it
as an important tool in achieving global stability and peace, through a
variety of initiatives and activities that include: research, policy
formation, consultations, development training, and knowledge transfer
Technology, etc.
Because
of the necessity of a water and peace base, the Water Diplomacy Center
(WDC) was established at Jordan University of Science and Technology as a
hub for water diplomacy; A tool dedicated to developing capabilities
that enhance knowledge in transboundary water management, provide
solutions to water problems, help manage water resources, supplement the
efforts of existing local and national waterinstitutions, and study the impact of global changes and appropriate governance mechanisms to enhance the concepts of water diplomacy, partnership, and mediation in order to ensure a fair peace between the countries located on The banks of rivers and seashores.
The
Water Diplomacy Center (WDC) aspires to raise awareness about the
importance of transboundary water issues and negotiations and connect
water decision-makers in MENA countries with expertise and
technical knowledge in transboundary water that focus on legal,
negotiation, mediation and diplomacy aspects. This very important initiative requires large efforts
and intellectual awareness to increase investments and innovations in
the field of transboundary water management, economic and social
development and encourage the exchange of data and information for
cooperation in the Middle East region. Sponsors of the WDC at this point are the Swiss Agency for development and cooperation and the University of East Anglia.
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