Which countries are in conflict over water?

The Water Divide: Countries Battling Over a Vital Resource

Reading time : 1 minute, Discovery Chepe Id-475-ECO
Published in 10-07-2024

The growing scarcity of fresh water is triggering tensions and conflicts around the world. Access to this vital resource has become a matter of national security and survival.

Why do conflicts over water occur?
1. Population growth: The increase in the world's population increases the demand for water for human consumption, agriculture and industry.
2. Climate change: Extreme phenomena such as droughts and floods alter rainfall patterns and water availability.
3. Poor resource management: Overexploitation of aquifers, pollution and lack of adequate infrastructure aggravate the scarcity.
4. Social inequality: Access to water is not equitable, which generates tensions between social groups and countries.

Thirsty Nations: A Crisis of Water and Conflict

Most affected regions
Middle East and North Africa: One of the driest regions in the world, with a long history of water-related conflicts.
South Asia: Countries such as India and Pakistan share river basins and face tensions over control of water.
Sub-Saharan Africa: Drought and environmental degradation exacerbate water conflicts in this region.

Main conflict hotspots
Water conflicts in MENA (Middle East and North Africa) are mainly focused on the large rivers that run through several countries:
Euphrates: Turkey, Syria and Iraq dispute control of this river, which is vital for agriculture and hydroelectric production in all three countries.
Jordan: Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian territories depend on this river, which has generated historical tensions and complex agreements for its management.
Nile: Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia have disputed the sharing of the Nile's waters, especially since Ethiopia built the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Consequences of water conflicts
Disputes over water can trigger protests, violence and mass migration.
* Famines and diseases: Water scarcity affects food production and access to drinking water.
* Destruction of ecosystems: Overexploitation of water resources can cause the degradation of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.

What are the solutions?
1. International cooperation: Negotiation and cooperation between countries are essential to share water resources equitably.
2. Integrated water resources management: Efficient and sustainable water management that considers all uses and users.
3. Investment in infrastructure: Construction of reservoirs, efficient irrigation systems and wastewater treatment plants. 4. Awareness and education: Promote a culture of saving and responsible use of water.
5. Adaptation to climate change: Implement measures to address the effects of climate change on water resources.

Water conflicts are a global challenge that requires urgent and collaborative solutions. Sustainable management of water resources is essential to ensure peace and security in an increasingly dry future.