he Arab world is facing severe water shortages as early as 2015, as the annual per capita share will be less than 500 cubic meters. This is below one-tenth of the world’s average, currently estimated at over 6,000 cubic meters of water per capita per year, according to a report [1] released by the Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED).
The report warned that without fundamental changes in policies and practices, the situation will get worse, with drastic social, political and economic ramifications. Water supply sources in the Arab world, two-thirds of which originate outside the region, are being stretched to their limits. By 2015, the only countries in the region which will still pass the water scarcity test will be Iraq and Sudan. The Arab region is one of the driest in the world. More than 70% of the land is arid and rainfall is sparse and poorly distributed. Climate change will exacerbate the situation.
AFED launched the report and a Water efficiency handbook [2] during its third annual conference, which was held in Beirut, Lebanon from 4-5 November 2010.
Read also the full list conference of recommendations.
[1] El-Ashry, M., Saab, N. and Zeitoon, B. (eds) (2010). Water : sustainable Management of a Scarce Resource : 2010 report of the Arab Forum for Environment and Development. Beirut, Lebanon, Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED). xxi, 222 p. ISBN 978-9953-437-31-6
Download full report
[2] Mirata, M. and Emtairah, T. (2010). Water efficiency handbook : identifying opportunities to increase water use efficiency in industry, buildings, and agriculture in the Arab world. Beirut, Lebanon, Arab Forum for Environment and Development (AFED). 87 p. ISBN 978-9953-437-33-0.
Download full report
Source : IRC Source News decembre 2010