Lessons from working with water diplomacy in the Middle East
Scientifically informed multi-track water diplomacy can foster political will and erode barriers to conflict resolution. In a new book chapter, SIWI experts explain the concept, drawing upon lessons learnt from the Middle East context.
Child sit on the cracked earth and looking to the last pond on the lake. Metaphor for Global warming and Climage change. SIWI’s Advisor, Water and Peace Dr Martina Klimes and Senior Programme Manager Elizabeth Yaari contributed a chapter in the newly released Routledge Handbook on Middle East Security entitled ‘Water and Security in the Middle East – Opportunities and Challenges for Water Diplomacy.’
The chapter elaborates interlinkages between water and security challenges and opportunities in the Middle East with a focus on the Euphrates and Tigris and Lower Jordan basins. The authors argue that well-linked, scientifically informed multi-track water diplomacy can foster political will and erode barriers to conflict resolution so that transboundary water governance platforms can be effectively utilized when opportunities for improved cooperation occur.
The Routledge Handbook on Middle East Security will serve an important resource for practitioners, academics and students. The inclusion of SIWI’s Klimes and Yaari’s chapter is significant in that it elevates water governance and transboundary water management perspectives, challenges, and experiences from the Middle East – within the securities discourse.
For more information about the book and how to order, click here!
