Water using conflicts in the Lower Jordan River Basin

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• INTRODUCTION.
• FAILED WATER ALLOCATION IN THE JORDAN RIVER BASIN
• METHODOLOGY.
• STRUCTURE OF THE STUDY.
• BASELINE ASSESSMENT OF THE LOWER JORDAN RIVER BASIN.
• PHYSICAL CONDITIONS.
• Geographic location.
• Topography.
• Climatic setting.
• Geology.
• SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS.
• Demography
• Land tenure.
• Land use.
• Agriculture
• Industry
• Services
• WATER RESOURCES
• Water supply.
• Groundwater.
• Surface water.
• Non-conventional water resources
• Water demand.
• Irrigated agriculture.
• Municipal demand.
• Industrial demand.
• WATER POLICY AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK.
• Institutional framework.
• Water administration and water utilities in Jordan.
• Policy framework and water sector strategies.
• Legal framework.
• The Helsinki Rules.
• The ILC Rules.
• Bilateral water treaties.
• GENERAL ASPECTS OF THE WATER CRISES IN JORDAN
• HISTORICAL AND POLITICAL PERSPECTIVES
• The pre-exploitation phase since the 1950s.
• The exploitation phase in the mid-1970s
• The conservation phase. Reorientation of Water Policies in the late 1990s
• SUPPLY MANAGEMENT.
• Productivity and profitability of irrigated agriculture.
• Water pricing in Jordan.
• Socio-economic impacts of a reduction of irrigated agriculture.
• THE APPROACH OF INTEGRATED WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT.
• The Dublin Principles.
• IWRM at river basin level.
• DIFFERENT APPROACHES TO ASSURE FUTURE WATER SUPPLIES.
• Augmentation of irrigation water resources.
• Urban wastewater re-use
• Brackish water desalination.
• Seawater desalination.
• Water Imports.
• Importation of water by sea.
• Importation of water by land.
• Virtual Water.
• Improved management of supplies.
• DEMAND MANAGEMENT.
• Improve (water use) efficiency.
• Regulatory measures.
• Water pricing.
• Legislation and institutional issues.
• TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE
• Economic instruments to reduce agricultural consumption
• Improving irrigation efficiency.
• On farm management: information and education.
• Institutional arrangements towards an integrated policy.

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This study examines the challenges of water resource management in the Lower Jordan River Basin, focusing on the optimal allocation and use of water resources in Jordan, particularly within the agricultural sector. The study aims to analyze the historical and political context of water conflicts in the region, assess the current situation regarding water supply and demand, and explore different strategies for managing water resources sustainably. The study also investigates the economic implications of water use and explores the potential for integrated water resources management (IWRM) in the basin.

• Water resource management in the Lower Jordan River Basin
• Optimal water allocation and use in Jordan
• Water conflicts and historical perspectives
• Sustainable water management strategies
• Economic aspects of water use and IWRM

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction. This chapter provides a general overview of the study, outlining the problem of water allocation in the Jordan River Basin, the methodology employed, and the structure of the research.
• Baseline Assessment of the Lower Jordan River Basin. This chapter presents a detailed analysis of the physical and socio-economic characteristics of the Lower Jordan River Basin. It includes information about the basin's geographic location, topography, climate, geology, demography, land tenure, land use, and water resources.
• General Aspects of the Water Crises in Jordan. This chapter delves into the historical and political context of water conflicts in Jordan. It explores the pre-exploitation phase, the exploitation phase, the conservation phase, and the reorientation of water policies in the late 1990s. The chapter also examines the economics of water usage in Jordan, including productivity and profitability of irrigated agriculture, water pricing, and the socio-economic impacts of reduced irrigated agriculture.
• Different Approaches to Assure Future Water Supplies. This chapter examines various approaches to securing future water supplies in Jordan. It explores options for augmenting water resources, including wastewater reuse, brackish water desalination, seawater desalination, and water imports. The chapter also discusses demand management strategies like improving water use efficiency, implementing regulatory measures, and adjusting water pricing.
• Towards a Sustainable Agriculture. This chapter focuses on the agricultural sector and explores strategies for achieving sustainable agriculture in Jordan. It discusses the use of economic instruments to reduce water consumption in agriculture, the importance of improving irrigation efficiency, and the role of on-farm management and education in promoting sustainable practices.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The study focuses on the key terms and concepts of water management in the Lower Jordan River Basin, including: water allocation, water scarcity, water conflicts, water resources, sustainable water management, integrated water resources management (IWRM), agricultural water use, demand management, water pricing, and socio-economic impacts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main water conflicts in the Jordan River Basin?

Conflicts arise from high demand, population growth, and the unsustainable allocation of water between agriculture and municipal needs.

How much water does agriculture consume in Jordan?

Irrigated agriculture consumes nearly 70% of Jordan's national water resources while contributing less than 5% to the GDP.

What is Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)?

IWRM is a process that promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land, and related resources to maximize economic and social welfare.

What non-conventional water resources are being explored?

Jordan is looking into urban wastewater reuse, brackish water desalination, and seawater desalination to secure future supplies.

What is "Virtual Water" in the context of Jordan?

It refers to the water embedded in imported food products, which allows the country to save its own scarce water resources by not growing those crops locally.