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New report: Status of IWRM implementation in the Arab region

Photo: Chabrouh-Faraya Dam, Lebanon. Source: Pixabay 

With one of the highest rates of water scarcity globally, the Arab region is facing a critical freshwater situation. Over 200 million people live under conditions of water scarcity and 160 million under absolute water scarcity. As the population and economies of the region continue to grow and develop rapidly, demand for water is expected to increase. Meeting this increase will likely be challenged by progressing climate change and environmental considerations. As a result, there is a keen need to accelerate the implementation of integrated water resources management (IWRM) in Arab countries as a way of achieving sustainable development and efficient management of water resources. 

The fruit of a collaboration between UNEP-DHI and the Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), this report provides a progress update on IWRM implementation in the Arab region and identifies priority areas that will help accelerate full implementation. It is based on data from 21 out of the 22 countries in the region that reported on SDG indicator 6.5.1 across 2017 and 2020. The analysis of progress towards the 2030 target is based on 15 countries that participated in this survey in 2017 and 2020.  

The report’s findings stress the importance of cooperation and experience sharing between and within sub-regions. Recommendations from this report will inform the Water Action Decade’s regional preparatory process and reporting, facilitating the mobilisation of action towards achieving internationally agreed water-related goals. 

Read more and download the full report here. 

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UNEP-DHI Centre

UNEP-DHI Centre on Water and Environment

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