Prioritise water management in arid lands
Prioritise water management in arid lands ZAWYA
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“Farmers and cities are competing for water, stretching water systems to the brink of collapse.”
A Report on Water Scarcity and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The recent World Bank report highlights the alarming competition for water resources between farmers and cities in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. This unhealthy competition poses a significant threat to both sectors, especially in the face of sweltering heat and climate change disasters. To address this issue, it is crucial to focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and promote collaboration rather than competition.
SDG 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all
- The report predicts that by 2030, MENA’s per capita water availability will fall below the absolute scarcity threshold of 500 cubic meters per person per year. Population growth exacerbates this situation, making it even more acute.
- Water shortages will have a detrimental impact on livelihoods, agricultural output, and may raise tensions among users.
- Current water management strategies indicate that an additional 25 billion cubic meters of water will be required annually by 2050. This is equivalent to building 65 desalination plants the size of Saudi Arabia’s Ras Al Khair plant, the world’s largest.
SDG 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable
- The MENA region needs to build institutions to overcome the challenge of water scarcity. A centralized and technocratic allocation system limits the ability to resolve local water use trade-offs.
- Strategies are needed to address the water shortage, starting with water conservation and efficiency at individual, community, and industrial levels.
- Long-term investments in desalination plants and improving their efficiency can stabilize the water supply. Desalination capacity is expected to almost double by 2030.
- Wastewater treatment and reuse can reduce pressure on freshwater sources. Advanced technologies can enable treated water to be used for irrigation, industrial processes, and groundwater recharge.
- Rainwater harvesting and its use in farming, groundwater replenishment, and domestic use are equally critical.
SDG 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development
- Water pricing and regulation should receive adequate attention to manage water resources, promote responsible usage, and discourage wasteful practices.
- Cross-border cooperation is crucial to avoid potential conflicts over water resources. Disputes exist in the Nile River Basin, the Jordan River Basin, and the Tigris-Euphrates River Basin.
SDG 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
- Water scarcity has a significant impact on public health in the MENA region.
- Inadequate water supply and sanitation services lead to water pollution, resulting in death and morbidity.
- Contaminated drinking water is a leading cause of death among children under five, particularly in conflict-affected countries like Syria and Yemen.
- Sustainable agriculture practices, such as crop selection, efficient irrigation, and water recycling, are essential for sustainable development.
SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
- Raising public awareness about water scarcity’s consequences and the importance of responsible use is crucial in promoting a culture of conservation and motivating behavioral changes.
- Investing in green infrastructure, wetlands restoration, and afforestation can improve water retention and replenish groundwater resources.
- Effective governance, international cooperation, and long-term planning are necessary to overcome the water shortage crisis.
- Collective efforts from governments, communities, and international organizations are required to achieve sustainable water management.
Ehtesham Shahid is an editor and researcher based in the UAE.
Copyright © 2022 Khaleej Times. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | 6.4: By 2030, substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors and ensure sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity and substantially reduce the number of people suffering from water scarcity | – Per capita water availability below the absolute scarcity threshold of 500 cubic meters per person per year by 2030 – Conservative water demand estimate in 2050 is an additional 25 billion cubic meters a year |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums | – Competition between farmers and cities for water resources – Need for complementary actions between farmers and cities to address water shortages |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries | – Sweltering heat and climate change disasters exacerbating water challenges |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements | – Wastewater treatment and reuse for irrigation, industrial processes, and groundwater recharge to reduce pressure on freshwater sources |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation and enhance knowledge sharing on mutually agreed terms, including through improved coordination among existing mechanisms, in particular at the United Nations level, and through a global technology facilitation mechanism | – Cross-border cooperation needed to avoid potential conflicts over water resources |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: zawya.com
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