Ending Conflicts Over Water: Solutions to Water and Security Challenges

Abstract

This report explores some of the thorniest water crises taking place across the developing world. In southern Iraq, severe water quality problems have triggered social unrest and violent protests. Recent droughts in India have prompted an exodus of farmers from the countryside in Maharashtra and dried up the reservoirs serving the city of Chennai. Across the African Sahel, there are violent conflicts between farmers and pastoralists over water and productive land resources. In Yemen, urban water systems have been targets of persistent attacks during the ongoing conflict in the country. Drawing on the report’s six in-depth case studies — from Iraq, Iran, India, the African Sahel, Central America and Yemen — as well as other recent research, the authors identify strategies to reduce water-related security risks. These solutions are organized into four broad categories: natural resources, science and engineering approaches; political and legal tools; economic and financial tools; and policy and governance strategies. The framework presented in this report provides decision-makers with options for tailoring solution sets to unique water challenges. It is intended for global development, diplomacy, defense and disaster response experts, as well as for national- and river basin-level decision-makers charged with addressing natural resource–based conflict, migration and other forms of insecurity. This report is research for action. It provides the evidence, examples and solution-oriented analysis that decision-makers need to avert water crises around the world. As the costs of inaction rise, policymakers should work to overcome barriers to implementation by increasing political will and recognizing the benefits of improved water resources management, drought response, flood prevention and access to safe, reliable and affordable water for all.

Intra-state water conflicts (second half of the XX- early XXI centuries): historical and geographic overview

“…Political, social, war, and armed conflicts worsen the situation. But disputes over water also provoke various conflicts, sometimes even armed ones, with human casualties (GLEICK, ICELAND, TRIVEDI, 2020;LASSERRE, 2006). So far, these conflicts are overwhelmingly internal, but researchers do not rule out large-scale international clashes over water access and management (FARINOSI at al., 2018).…”

“…So far, the parties have tried to solve problems by nonviolent means -diplomatically. When conflict arises that threatens human violence, famine, ecological disaster, or significant economic and economic losses, it tends to take place at the subnational level, that is, within states (GLEICK, ICELAND, TRIVEDI, 2020;LASSERRE, 2006). Agreeing with this position, we aim to elaborate on the historical examples of water conflicts, which occurred within one state, to determine the specifics of the causes of their occurrence and the possibilities of settlement or solution.…”

The Health of the Water Planet: Challenges and Opportunities in the Mediterranean Area. An Overview

“…According to the World Resource Institute (WRI), the Mediterranean area characterized by MENA Countries has the highest water stress globally. Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, and Libya suffer from severe water stress (Figure 3) [25]. In these Countries, the situation is linked to the pedoclimatic conditions of the regions and how water resources are managed.…”

Public Concern about Water Safety, Weather, and Climate: Insights from the World Risk Poll

“…Climate change is expected to cause more extreme weather events that will amplify threats to water safety around the worldthus increasing the need to act. ,− Floods and storms brought on by climate change can interrupt utility services and damage key water infrastructure, forcing people to rely on water sources that pose safety risks . Furthermore, flooding often leads to outbreaks of waterborne illness due to cross-contamination between water distribution and sewage systems. , Less predictable global rainfall patterns, another result of climate change in many regions of the world, make planning for water emergencies more difficult still. ,, …”

“…Although water safety is affected by climate change, ,− people may find it difficult to draw this link because of the abstract, distant, and uncertain nature of climate change. − For example, only 22% of Spaniards working in the tourism industry perceived a direct connection between climate change and the risk of future water shortages . A study with Italian farmers found that a majority were concerned about climate change, but they disagreed about whether climate change would affect their water supplies and in which direction .…”