Address of Mr. Marwan Abdel Hamid Advisor of the President of
the Palestinian National Authority, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas
Slide 2
1 Summary of Water Facts in MENA Region 2Availability of water
and water demand in Palestine 3Israeli Offenses against Water
Resources 4Signed Agreements 5Facts concerning Palestinian Water
Rights 6National Legislative Decisions 7International law as a
reference to reach a just solution to the conflict of the shared
water resources 8Barriers and Obstacles which impeded joint
ventures and projects in the water sector 9Conclusions and Proposed
Solutions 10Urgent plans for alleviating the water deficit and
suffering
Slide 3
Chapter One
Slide 4
Middle East and North Africa
Slide 5
Water Facts in MENA Region 86% of the Arab lands are classified
as arid or semi-arid regions. Average rainfall ranges between 18mm
in Egypt and 830 mm in the Lebanese Mountains, while the mean does
not exceed 250mm a year. It is important to note that 50% of the
rainwater falls on Sudan, while the evaporation rate reaches 75%.
With Average rainfall ranges between 18 mm in Egypt 830 mm in
Lebanon 86% of Arab region are DesertSemi desert
Slide 6
Generally, the amounts of fresh, renewable water obtained from
rainfall over the entire Arab region reaches 340 billion cubic
meters; 55% of this water falls outside the borders of the Arab
countries, and 38 billion cubic meters are produced from
non-conventional water sources, mainly seawater desalination and
wastewater reclamation. Wastewater reclamation Seawater
Desalination 38 billion m 3 Many of the Arab Gulf nations currently
rely on desalination schemes to provide 60-80% of the domestic and
industrial water demand.
Slide 7
MENA has 5% of the world population with less than 1% of the
available worlds freshwater resources. The current population is
approximately 280 million, and it is expected to reach 410 million
and 650 million by the years 2025 and 2050 respectively. Therefore,
the water demand will be greatly multiplied as the population
increases. Population (million)
Slide 8
The average amount of water utilized for domestic, industrial,
and agricultural purposes is about 182 billion cubic meter. The
agricultural sector receives approximately 89% or 162 billion cubic
meters of this water, while 11.7 billion cubic meter are used for
domestic purposes. This amounts to 41 m/c/yr or 114 l/c/d which is
relatively low.
Slide 9
Before the 1950s, every person was entitled to about 4000
m/year of the renewable fresh water resources. This amount has now
reached to 1000 m/year and it is expected to drop to 500 m/year by
the year 2020 and then to 200 m/year by 2050. This means that a
huge drought in the region is expected for the future. m 3
/c/year
Slide 10
The Arab countries cover approximately 1,377 million km, where:
1.1% or 150,000 km are irrigated lands; 1.9% or 260,000 km are
non-irrigated lands; 486,000 km are forests and 11.87 or 86% are
desert lands. Area TypeArea(1000km 2 ) Percentage of the Total Arab
land. Forests4863.53% Rain fed2601.9 Irrigated1501.1%
Slide 11
The most important challenges that face the Arab countries in
water issues are: The main obstacles in the water sector faced by
Arab countries in the region are as follows: The increase in water
demand is exceeding the available water resources at a rate of 3 to
5 times until the year 2050. There is deterioration in the quality
of the available water resources due to increased pressure and over
pumping of the groundwater resources. These resources are being
destroyed, which may cause the Arab countries to lose more than 50%
of their fresh water resources due to depletion and the dispersion
of contaminants from un-treated wastewater, solid waste,
agricultural activities, etc.
Slide 12
Regional conflicts over shared water resources, especially
between Egypt and the riparian countries to the Nile River, also
between Turkey, Syria and Iraq over the Tigris and Euphrates basin
and the conflict between Israel and the riparian countries to the
Jordan River, which include Palestine.
Slide 13
Chapter Two Availability of water and water demand in
Palestine
Slide 14
Slide 15
Rainfall distribution over the historical Palestine
Slide 16
Rainfall contour over West Bank.
Slide 17
Jordan River,Dead Sea,and Jordan Valley Catchment Area Jordan
River. Jordan Valley, Jordan River Basin s borders with
Jordan.
Slide 18
Commentary : Rainfall varies considerably from 50 mm/yr in
Ellat/Aqaba Bay to about 1200 mm/yr at the northern mountains near
the border with Lebanon. The population in Israel and Palestine is
currently approximated at 8.5million and is projected at 13 million
in the year 2025. The available renewable, fresh water resources
are decreasing: 1.They are estimated at 1800 MCM/yr. 2.In addition,
there is about 289 MCM/yr that can be made available from
wastewater reuse. 3.Desalinated water is approximated at 220
MCM/yr. 4.Limited volumes of brackish water can be considered
suitable for irrigation purposes. 5.Thus, the total available water
resources for all purposes are approximated at 2340 MCM/yr in both
Israel and Palestine.
Slide 19
Israel is working now at increasing available water as follows:
1.Desalinated water with another 200 MCM/yr by the year 2012.
2.Another 200 MCM/yr from wastewater reuse for agricultural
purposes by the year 2012. 3.Thus, by the year 2012, the maximum
available water for all purposes is projected to be no more than
2800 MCM/yr. Year/volume of water (Mcm/yr) Available Water for all
purposes Desalinated Water Wastewater Reuse Now2340220289
20122800200
Slide 20
Demand In comparison, the current water demand is estimated at
2300 MCM/yr. This is expected to increase to 3700 MCM/yr by the
year 2025 on the assumption that the per capita municipal and
industrial consumption does not exceed 85 m/yr, which is about 36%
less than the current per capita municipal and industrial
consumption of 120 m/yr. Also, these figures assume a 35% reduction
of the irrigated lands. Estimated demand (MCM/yr) Individual
Consumption (m/yr) Current2300120 2025370085 36% loss in the
municipal and industrial consumption 35% reduction of irrigated
lands.
Slide 21
We can conclude from the previous analysis that the available
water is not sufficient to meet the ever increasing demand as the
gap is expected to be 1500 MCM by the year 2025. This gap is
evident from: 1.Deterioration in groundwater quality in all
mountain and coastal aquifer basins. 2.The negative impacts on Lake
Tiberius. This gap is calling for imminent actions according to a
clear and decisive water policy. We believe this policy should
include at least 1.The reallocation of water for agriculture 2.and
imposing restrictions on domestic use.
Slide 22
The only way to solve the conflict over water resources, their
shortages, and expected droughts is to follow this path: 1.Joint
cooperation 2.Good will and good neighbors 3.Each party should
respect the other party 4.Development of additional water resources
5.Efficient management of water resources 6.Preservation and
protection of water resources from both excessive utilization and
pollution
Slide 23
Reference Year period: 1980 -1999
Slide 24
Israeli and Palestinian utilization of water resources in
Historical Palestine (Mcm/yr).
Slide 25
Basins in Historical Palestine -Shared and non shared
aquifers
Slide 26
Groundwater Aquifers in the West bank.
Slide 27
Israeli and Palestinian Aquifer utilization (Mcm/yr) through
wells and springs (1998/99) in the West Bank The total utilization
(1010 Mcm/yr) exceeded the estimated total average recharge for the
three aquifers (679 Mcm/yr according to Oslo II agreement) by
almost 50%.
Slide 28
There are 4000 agricultural wells, pumping 85 Mcm/year There
are 100 municipal wells, pumping 54 Mcm/year. There are 40 Israeli
wells, pumping 5-7 Mcm/year Total abstraction is estimated at 140-
145 mcm/year Costal Aquifer-Gaza
Slide 29
Eastern Springs In Gaza strip
Slide 30
Current Water Supply and Demand
Slide 31
Local Resources In West Bank
Slide 32
9/3/201532 Served Areas in West Bank
Slide 33
Unserved Areas in West Bank
Slide 34
Water Demand and Supply Deficit in Palestine in 2006
Slide 35
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 Mcm/yr 200020052010 Year
Palestinian Water Supply-Demand Gap Supply Demand Gap
Slide 36
Israeli and Palestinian Abstraction Wells inside West Bank 200
4 Palestinian Wells = 325 wells Total Abstraction = 64 Mcm/yr
Israeli Wells = 37 wells Total Abstraction = 46 Mcm/yr
Slide 37
Chapter Three Israeli Offenses against Water Resources
Slide 38
Israeli military orders since 1967. The closure of the
Palestinian areas in the Jordan River area and the destruction of
the irrigation equipment and facilities in the area. Also, the
Palestinians have been denied access to the Jordan River since
1967. The drilling of new groundwater wells for Israeli use inside
the West Bank. These wells utilize some 55 MCM/yr for Israeli
settlements in the West Bank. The Israeli wells were drilled in
close vicinity to Palestinian springs which dried out as a result
such as the springs of Bardala, Fasayel, Auja and Ein Samia. The
drilling of hundreds of deep groundwater wells in Israel very close
to the green line with the West Bank. These wells are used by
Israel to mine the West Bank aquifers, especially the western and
northeastern aquifer basins. These wells pump some 500 MCM/yr. The
construction of the separation wall and its negative impacts on the
land and agricultural wells. Israeli Offenses against Water
Resources
Slide 39
Israeli Wells = 37 wells Total Abstraction = 46 Mcm/yr Israeli
and Palestinian Abstraction Wells inside West Bank 2004
Slide 40
Israelis Wells Inside the Green Line
Slide 41
Apartheid Wall & Water Resources
Slide 42
The New proposed location of the separation wall as appeared in
Al-Quds newspaper on 5/5/2006
Slide 43
Apartheid Wall &Springs.
Slide 44
Palestinian Wells (West Bank)
Slide 45
Wells in Jordan River Basin
Slide 46
Dry springs and wells in Jordan River Catchment Area 1. Dlaib
Spring.
Slide 47
2. Ein Sedra spring
Slide 48
3.Pumping station in Jericho.
Slide 49
4.Source of Miskah Spring.
Slide 50
Chapter Four Signed Agreements
Slide 51
1.The main reference of the peace process: The Declaration of
Principles On Interim Self-Government Arrangements, 1993
Cooperation in the field of water. Production of joint studies on
the division of water based on the principles of equitable
utilization. Assertion of good intentions and good neighbors Each
party should recognize the other partys rights
Slide 52
Signed Agreements 2.Oslo II Agreements, 1995: Article 40
concerning water Recognition by Israel of the Palestinian Water
Rights in the West Bank. Commitment by both sides to supply 80
Mcm/year of water to the Palestinians to reduce the water deficit
during the interim period. Creation of the Joint Water Committee
(JWC)
Slide 53
Signed Agreements 3. Cairo Agreement, 1996 Cooperation in the
field of water. Resolution of water issues in the Gaza Strip.
4.Joint Water Committee Led by the Head Israeli water negotiator
and the Head of the Palestinian Water Authority, with members of
professionals from both sides. Responsibilities of this committee
include the implementation of Article 40, from the Oslo II
agreement, concerning water and wastewater. Cooperation in the
implementation of water and wastewater projects.
Slide 54
Chapter Five Facts concerning Palestinian Water Rights
Slide 55
Facts Concerning Palestinian Water rights -Shared and non-
shared aquifers
Slide 56
West Bank & Gaza Aquifers. The Western and Northeastern
groundwater basins are two groundwater flow systems shared with
Israel, thus the water of these basins must be divided based on
international policies, essentially the principles of equitable
utilization.
Slide 57
85% of the sources of water for these two basins come from
rainwater which falls inside the West Bank. Therefore, this
hydrological factor must be taken into consideration in favor of
the Palestinians.
Slide 58
Average Annual Rainfall over the Western and Northeastern
Aquifers.
Slide 59
Israel is currently pumping the water of the Western and
Northeastern basins through deep wells, which are drilled along the
Green Line. At the same time, Palestinians are prohibited from
drilling wells within the boundaries of these basins. Thus, Israel
is in control and exploiting 86% of the renewable groundwater
resources. Palestinians have access to only 14% of this
groundwater, and this is in direct violation of international law.
Palestinian and Israeli Utilization of Aquifers inside and outside
the West Bank
Slide 60
Israeli Pumping of the West Bank and Gaza Aquifers
Slide 61
Palestinians have been utilizing groundwater from the aquifers
in the West Bank for more than 200 years by means of surface wells
which still exist today. Therefore, Palestine has legitimate
historical riparian rights to the groundwater aquifers based on the
principle of prior use.
Slide 62
Notice the Concentration of Wells in theJenin,Tulkarem, and
Qalqiliya Districts. Palestinian Wells in the West Bank
Slide 63
Example of Pollution of Palestinian Wadis near Tulk arm
Slide 64
Slide 65
The current water situation and the suffering of the
Palestinian people is mainly a result of the huge accumulating
deficit in available water resources. This deficit is caused by the
actions the Israeli army inflicted on the Palestinian people in the
water sector since 1967. These unjust actions include prohibiting
the Palestinians from drilling and developing any wells, and
preventing the Palestinians from partaking in any way in the water
sector without permission from the Israeli military water
commissioner. Even before the Ottoman Rule, Palestinians had been
using the water from the Jordan River and constructing water
structures to irrigate their lands. Thus, Palestinians have
legitimate historical riparian rights to water of the Jordan River
based on the principle of prior use as well as according to
International Law.
Slide 66
Jordan River Dead Sea and Jordan Valley Catchment Area Jordan
River. Jordan Valley, Jordan River Basin s borders with
Jordan.
Slide 67
Palestinians have the right to permanent sovereignty and rights
to the water of the shared groundwater aquifers and the water of
the Jordan River based on principles of the General Law and
specific International Law. Any financial, administrative or legal
actions taken by the Israeli forces regarding Palestinian water
resources are considered void according to national legislature and
principles of international law.
Slide 68
Israeli Wells Inside the West Bank Bank Israeli Wells = 37
wells Total Abstraction = 46 Mcm/yr
Slide 69
Israeli and Palestinian Aquifer utilization (Mcm/yr) through
wells and springs (1998/99) in the West Bank
Slide 70
60 years ago, when groundwater flow in the Western and
Northeastern aquifers naturally flowed towards the Green Line, the
water level in the agricultural wells inside the West Bank was very
high. The yield of these wells was also very high. After Israel
drilled many deep wells along the Green Line, the water level in
the agricultural wells was greatly lowered, several Palestinian
wells dried up and the well yields were reduced by 70%. This fact
alone confirms that Palestinians are suffering severe injustices
regarding their rights in the shared aquifers. The deep Israeli
wells with high yields in the Jordan Valley within the West Bank
have caused the drying of several Palestinian springs and wells in
the North and Central areas of the Jordan Valley. The following
figure shows the difference in drilling depth between Israeli and
Palestinian wells :
Slide 71
Comparison of Total Drilling Depth between selected Israel and
Palestinian Wells in the West Bank.
Slide 72
Israeli Well In Fasayel
Slide 73
Palestinian agricultural lands have been destroyed due to the
closure of the Jordan Valley region and the prevention of
Palestinian farmers from reaching the waters of the Jordan River.
The Jordan River used to be the primary source of irrigation water
for Palestinian farmers. The destroyed lands provided more than 60%
of the agricultural production, including fruits and vegetables, in
the West Bank. The Israeli side has affixed to their claims:
1.There is no longer enough fresh water to share with the
Palestinians. 2.Currently, all the available water resources are
being used by the Israelis, thus negotiations cannot take place
regarding water which is already being used and is thus not
available. 3.Palestinians must consider searching for alternative
water sources, mainly seawater desalination. 4.Negotiations should
not be about the Palestinian rights to the shared aquifers, nor
about the Palestinian rights in the Jordan River Basin waters, but
should be about developing cooperation regarding the search for new
water resources from outside the region.
Slide 74
These are the previous and current Israeli views which we hope
will change soon with return to the principles upon which the peace
process was based, such as good intentions and respect of the
rights of the other side. We anticipate that the Israeli side will
see Palestinian water rights as described in Article 40 of the 1995
interim agreement and will handle this issue in the frame of a
permanent solution and will commit to the agreement signed on
28/9/1995. The Israelis claim that all the actions, activities and
projects which they have implemented abide by international law.
These actions include: 1.Drilling of wells inside the West Bank and
along the Green Line to pump groundwater from the Palestinian
aquifers. 2.Diversion of the Jordan River water away from the basin
towards the Negev. 3.Drying up the southern portion of the Jordan
River. These actions taken by the Israelis are obviously
implemented without any concern for international law which Israel
must respect and commit to.
Slide 75
. Palestinians are forbidden from drilling new wells in the
regions of the shared aquifers (Western and Northeastern) and there
are strict regulations concerning this matter in the framework of
the Joint Water Committee. The Israelis claim that the water
resources are being threatened due to gradual depletion, and that
extreme measures must be implemented regarding the over - pumping
of the groundwater aquifers. They maintain that both sides, the
Israelis and Palestinians, must resort to water desalination.
Despite these claims, the Israelis continue unjust pumping
activities which are resulting in the reduction of the Palestinian
groundwaters.
Slide 76
Some Israeli conditions and restrictions being imposed against
Palestinian requests to the Joint Water Committee regarding the
drilling of new wells or the rehabilitation of old ones are: 1.All
the groundwater resources in the West Bank basins should be
utilized for domestic purposes only. 2.Palestinians must cease to
utilize groundwater for irrigation purposes. The Israeli position
regarding Palestinian water rights is fixed: 1.Palestinians shall
not have any ruling power over the shared groundwater aquifers.
2.Palestinians shall not have any control over the Waters of the
Jordan River Basin. 3.Palestinians only have rights of use, as
determined by Israeli water policy.
Slide 77
Thus, Palestinians will not receive additional water from the
groundwater basins or from the Jordan River Basin. The current
amount of water which is available for the Palestinians is the
maximum amount they will ever be able to attain. The only solution
to reducing the current water deficit and for supplying the future
water needs of the Palestinian is the use of alternative water
sources, mainly seawater desalination. The dispute between
Palestinians and Israelis regarding the term water rights is
crucial. The Israelis reject Palestinian rule over their water
rights in the shared aquifer basins and in the Jordan River basin
and consider this as an issue of water needs and consumption only.
The Palestinians continue to stand by their demands of rights and
legal sovereignty over their reserved and shared water resources
and agree to any joint monitoring system which includes a
commitment from both sides not to adversely affect the other, after
reaching a final agreement concerning all the water issues.
Slide 78
Very few politicians and decision makers from the Palestinian
and Israeli sides have sufficient background and knowledge in the
field of water and its issues, thus there is a great gap between
the technical, scientific and political levels which are concerned
in resolving these shared issues in the water sector. Political
intrusions, especially in the area of development of the West Bank
groundwater resources, have led to complications in joint
cooperation projects and in the implementation of the transitional
water agreements through the Joint Water Committee. The issue of
water rights is not linked to the economical aspect of water.
Perhaps it is connected to the legal control over water to the
first degree and to the social value of water to the second degree.
Therefore, it is unacceptable and unreasonable to consider
Palestinian water rights as a commercial deal with an economic
value which can be bargained with.
Slide 79
Chapter Six National Legislative Decisions
Slide 80
The United Nations General Assembly, the Security Council and
others have all agreed upon the following: National Legislative
Decisions A.Palestinians rights, which are not open to negotiation,
include the recovery of permanent sovereignty over their natural
resources, mainly their water resources. B.An annulment and
recovery of lands, natural resources and water stolen by the
Israeli occupational forces must take place. C.The Middle East
peace talks must be revived and should be based on UN Resolutions
242/1996, 338/1973, 425/1978, 1397/2002, on the principles of Land
for Peace, and on the Middle East Road Map, and UN resolution
1515/2003 signed by the Quartet which proposed a permanent
two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. D.Immediate
cessation of the expansion of Israeli settlements inside the West
Bank.
Slide 81
Chapter Seven International Law as a Reference to Reach a Just
Solution to the conflict of Shared Water Resources
Slide 82
Most nations which share water resources with other countries
rely on international law as a reference in reaching an agreement
on the division of the water, based on the principle of Reasonable
and Equitable Utilization and on good intentions. The general
principles, regulations and policies of the international law
regarding shared water resources and its use based on the principle
of Reasonable and Equitable Utilization must be respected. The
private legal framework, which stems from the public legal
framework, must include the private agreements, national decisions
of the sort, and Palestinian rights over natural resources. The
resulting jurisdiction of Israel as the occupying force in the West
Bank.
Slide 83
Chapter Eight Barriers and Obstacles which Impeded Joint
Ventures and Projects in the Water Sector
Slide 84
The unstable political and security conditions, which have
caused an increase in tension, continuous sieges and closures of
Palestinian lands, limitation of movement and constant arrests have
adversely affected the implementation of projects and impeded the
work of the Joint Water Committee in a significant way. Israeli
politicians have interfered in water issues, as previously
mentioned, especially in the development of the water resources
agreed upon in the framework of the Joint Water Committee. They
have also impeded approvals on well drilling projects which have
been proposed to the Joint Water Committee in order to enforce
their power over the Palestinians and to confirm their claim that
there is no longer any fresh water available so alternative water
sources must be found.
Slide 85
Association of the water issues with political issues, such as
settlements, refugees, borders, etc. Interference of the Israeli
military, which represents the civil administration, in the
implementation of water projects in Area C, immobilization and
cancellation of several projects due to security issues of the
Israeli settlements. Lack of a single reference for water in
Israel, interferences from several political and military positions
in the water file, and limitations in power for the Head of the
Israeli Water Authority (also the previous water negotiator) which
prevent him/her from solving urgent Palestinian water
problems.
Slide 86
Chapter Nine Conclusions and Proposed Solutions
Slide 87
Before presenting a summary of the conclusions of the current
situation and the proposed solutions, a quote from Albert Einstein
is fitting: "I want to know God's thoughts; the rest are details."
We the Palestinians want to know the thoughts of our Israeli
neighbors in a clear and honest form. We want to sit with them at
the negotiation table and be able to reach solutions acceptable to
both sides, with good intentions and appropriate behavior for the
Holy Land which we live in. All the rest of the issues are just
details. Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.
W.H. Auden. Water is an element for life, peace, and stability
between nations. The United Nations declared in an article that
Everyone has the right to life meaning that everyone has the right
to the essence of life: Water.
Slide 88
Water issues are one of the major issues which have been
deferred to the permanent status negotiations. Thus, the faster a
just and acceptable agreement is reached, the better the effect
will be on the peace process and stability in the region. The issue
of water deficit on both sides requires the development of
additional conventional and non-conventional water resources. There
is an urgent need to fulfill the water demand of the Palestinians,
to reduce the suffering and strain, which can be done through the
development of conventional water resources. There is also a need
for the search of non-conventional water sources to meet the
increasing future water demand for both sides. These matters can be
dealt with provided there exists good intentions and honesty from
both sides as well as sufficient funding and support. The issue of
water was and remains to be one of the main causes of the wars in
the Middle East.
Slide 89
A fair and just peace between the Israelis and Palestinians
will never be achieved without first of all an agreement on the
foundations and principles of Being a Good Neighbor and on
confidence building and regaining trust among the parties. This
will signify the importance of pushing forward and settling water
matters which will then form a strong basis for the good intentions
and good neighbors principles. There is nothing to be gained from
continuing this conflict over water, which is gradually increasing
tensions and re-igniting the fires of war. If agreements can be
reached on re-solving the water issues, ending the conflict, and
committing to joint cooperation, then there is much to be gained
for both sides through international financial support, sponsorship
and investments in the water sector.
Slide 90
The current Israeli use of the waters of the Jordan River Basin
and the groundwater aquifers shared with the Palestinians cannot be
claimed as legal historical use by the Israelis and cannot be used
by the Israelis to alter the facts and impose new ones on the
ground. The Israelis must be made to understand that a solution
will only be reached through negotiations based on principles of
good intentions and good neighbors. Both sides must make a
commitment to respecting the rights of the other side, based on
international law. The PWA calls for a return to the 1995 Johnston
Plan, which was drawn up by U.S. Special Ambassador Eric Johnston,
for division of the waters of the Jordan River System and as a
basis for negotiations between the two sides. The importance of
water cannot be measured from an economical or financial
standpoint, or as a win-lose case. Water has a social value. It is
an element for life which every human has a right to. Thus, water
is essential to peace and to ending the war.
Slide 91
It will not be productive to discuss regional cooperation
projects in the water sector before reaching a final agreement
regarding the water rights of the riparian countries of the Jordan
River Basin and Palestinian rights to their groundwater. Peace in
the region may be achieved by bringing the Israeli occupation of
Palestinian lands to an end and by acknowledging Palestinian water
rights.
Slide 92
In the context of regional cooperation projects, it is possible
to realistically discuss Turkeys Peace Canal Plan, to import water
to the Arab Gulf region, Syria, Jordan, Palestine and Israel, and
the Bahrain Canal (the Red Sea and the Dead Sea or the
Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea). These plans give rise to hope
in solving the water deficit crisis, utilizing alternative power
sources, improving the conditions of the countries in the
surrounding region, and initiating joint seawater desalination
projects, which the Israelis have already launched in recent years.
These local projects may prove to hold the solution and future
security to the water deficit, whereas the regional plans will not
be achieved if the conflict between the Arabs and Israelis remains
and the Israeli occupation of Palestinian lands continues.
Slide 93
There may exist complicated political conflicts, which could
delay the reaching of an agreement between both sides. These
matters must not deter the joint efforts in the water sector to
manage the shared water aquifers and protect them from depletion
and pollution until a final agreement is reached. Previous
experiences from recent years have proven that the Palestinian
Water Authority and the Israeli Water Authority have made great
developments in joint local cooperation as well as regional
cooperation between the Jordanian, Israeli and Palestinian sides
with the sponsorship of the United States of America and enrollment
of several European countries and Canada. There has also been
cooperation between the two authorities on data exchange and
knowledge sharing in the water and wastewater sector.
Slide 94
The PWA currently does not see any obstacles to prevent the
development of cooperation between the Palestinian and Israeli
sides in the field of water. All the formal and informal levels
must aid the experts, researchers, policy makers, decision makers,
specialists and scientists from both sides in all the areas
concerned with the protection, nurture, and development of the
water resources and water environment, raising awareness and
guidance, applying new and improved administration, closing the gap
between different perspectives and nurturing the sense of
cooperation. All the recommendations emerging from conferences and
international conventions, mainly the Dublin Convention, and the
proposals set forth by the four components of the World Water Forum
and the Johannesburg Conference agreed on the following millennium
goals for fighting poverty and reducing the water deficit in third
world countries:
Slide 95
1.The worlds countries must deepen the levels of cooperation
between each other and must commit to solving the problems at hand.
2.There is an urgent need to adapt feasible methods to prevent
drought, to reduce the deficit in water resources, and to avoid
deterioration of the groundwater quality. 3.Fresh water resources
must be protected from contamination and depletion. 4. Alternative
water sources should be developed and be paralleled with awareness
and guidance programs
Slide 96
Significant developments in the water sector may still be
achieved in our current situation. An agreement may be represented
by. This framework may rely on references and recommendations: 1.
Of the International law, mainly Article 38 of the Statute of the
International Court of Justice which consists of dual and regional
agreements, 2. The general and specific international law, 3.
Resolutions issued by the United Nations General Assembly and the
Security Council regarding the water issues in Palestine, and
especially the principles of reasonable and equitable use. For an
agreement to be reached, both sides must be ready and willing to
build legal and institutional relationships, far from personal
gain, complications, political conflicts and historical claims. A
shared, structured vision may be formed based on ethical
principles, which will allow both sides to achieve their shared
goals so as to ensure sustainable development for water resources
as well as the environment, economy and society. The formation of a
framework of principles regarding water rights for both sides over
the shared water aquifers (including the groundwater basins) and
the Jordan River Basin
Slide 97
Immediate commencement in the formation of a group of experts
from both sides to gather hydrological, climate, social and
economical data and information. This group must A.Identify past
and present water consumption information from both sides and
determine future water needs, B.As well as to locate available
possible agreements for the development of new water resources. C.
Current water facts on the ground for both sides must be
established, signed agreements and foreign national agreements made
for cases resembling that of the Palestinian and Israeli case
should be arranged for future reference. D.This group of experts
must also prepare a legislative and institutional structure for
cooperation, along with proposed scenarios and negotiation options
for a joint cooperation agreement between both sides regarding
issues of management of shared goals and equitable division of
water.
Slide 98
There are some urgent matters which should not be delayed to
the final status agreements. One of these matters is the issue of
water supply. Several Palestinian towns and villages in the West
Bank are completely cut off from water supply services. Major
Palestinian cities are also suffering from severe water shortages,
especially in the summer months. A minimum of 120 l/c/day should be
supplied to these regions. These crises are affecting the
Palestinian peoples trust in the peace plan since it is not
possible for a thirsty person who is living under harsh conditions
to easily accept the meaning of building trust and to believe in
peace with the Israelis, as they continue to rob us the right of
utilizing our own water resources.
Slide 99
The disastrous water situation in Gaza requires swift action.
Additional water supplies are needed, other than the available
resources, and the over-pumping of the aquifers must be stopped due
to the exhaustion of the aquifers and the increase in salinity and
nitrate. The ultimate solution to these problems can be found in
one of two options: 1. Either the construction of a 50MCM seawater
desalination plant, or 2.a commitment from the Israelis to supply
the Gaza strip with at least 25.5 MCM of additional fresh or
desalinated water per year. The Gaza Strip also urgently requires
wastewater treatment projects due to the threat imposed on the
groundwater, the surrounding environment and health conditions from
the raw wastewater.
Slide 100
The chances of success in resolving the water issues and
allowing water to be another step closer to confidence building,
promoting the peace efforts in the region, are still on hand. They
only require initiative and continuance from both the Palestinian
and Israeli sides. Resolving the water issues will require the
following: 1.Renewing cooperation between both sides, under the
frame of the Joint Water Committee, to resolve the urgent
humanitarian crisis of supplying the Palestinian citizen with fresh
water to cover their drinking and domestic needs. 2.Cooperating and
exerting effort with nations in preventing an environmental
disaster in the Gaza Strip from contamination and devastation of
the groundwater aquifers by seepage of untreated wastewater into
the groundwater basins 3.Cooperation in the development of
non-conventional water sources, such as sea water desalination,
wastewater reclamation and re-use, water transport etc., as well as
knowledge and information exchange. 4.Formation of teams of experts
to work together on bridging the different views on water rights
and developing scenarios for solutions and agreements which may be
used for future negotiations.
Slide 101
Urgent Plans for Alleviating the Water Deficit and Suffering
Chapter Ten
Slide 102
Resuming implementation of the interim agreement on water,
mainly the part dealing with the facilitation of the development of
about 80 MCM of additional water resources. To-date, only 40 MCM
have been attained. New wells need to be drilled in the regions
where at present it is difficult to look into existing sources.
Farmers must be assisted in developing their crops and improving
their only source of income by allowing the rehabilitation and
restoration of agricultural wells. Initiation of a search for
additional water resources, mainly seawater desalination, to secure
the increasing future water demand. Urgent plans for alleviating
the water deficit and suffering
Slide 103
Development of joint technical cooperation, allowing the
Palestinians to benefit from Israeli knowledge and experience in
the operation and maintenance of services associated with the
production and distribution of water, as well as the use of sites,
mechanisms and resources in this field.
Slide 104
Palestinian Water needs and Proposed Available Water
Sources.
Slide 105
In summary: Scientists, academics and engineers play an
important role in resolving water issues and bridging different
political perspectives by a)proposing technical, scientific, and
economical solutions, and b)making use of technical experience in
achieving joint cooperation for the benefit of both sides. Thus,
any scientific or technical interference will help bridge the gap
between the two sides. Any solutions to the water problems must be
based on doctrines of the International Law and the principles of
Reasonable and Equitable Use of the shared water resources, as well
as foundations and principles set forth by International Law in
1986 regarding the implementation of reasonable and equitable use
principles.
Slide 106
A fair and lasting peace for both the Palestinians and Israelis
must be based on: 1.Mutual respect of rights 2.Humanitarian values
3.Provision of essentials for a healthy and prosperous life
4.Fairness and equity for both sides 5.The realization of the fact
that a continuation of the struggle and tensions will not solve the
current problems but only amplify them
Slide 107
If we the Palestinians and Israelis both want a real, equitable
and permanent peace, then we must jointly divide the water in both
terms of availability and scarcity. Thus, if water is available,
then it must be available for all based on fair and equitable
principles. Alternatively, if there is water scarcity or drought,
then we both must withstand and endure the effects equally. It is
unacceptable for one side to suffer while the other prospers on
their behalf. Many Palestinian villages do not have access to
drinking water while neighboring Israeli settlers enjoy their
swimming pools, gardens and abundant amounts of water. This will
not lead to a peace based on fairness and amity.
Slide 108
Investments from the USA, European Union, Japan etc, are needed
to fund joint projects for the benefit of Palestinians and
Israelis, such as a)the construction of sea water desalination
plants, b)support and development of infrastructure, c)construction
of dams in the wadis, d)and the creation of wastewater treatment
plants and re-use of the treated wastewater.