Countries of the Middle East and Mediterranean Region, which extends from Iran to Morocco and other Mediterranean countries, share similar climate conditions, challenges, and issues. This area is the most water scarce in the world, and water stress is increasingly affecting economic and social development. While conventional water availability remains relatively constant, demand is increasing sharply as a result of population growth, increases in household income, and irrigation expansion. The Regional Day is seen by the participating countries as a unique opportunity to convey to the world a strong message on the situation of water resources in the region.
The Regional Day will include participation by all Mediterranean countries, including North African countries, for the exchange of experiences and best practices in water resources management. Several proposals have already been submitted to the Secretariat by various organizations to prepare sessions on water resources management issues in the region. To maximize impact across these sessions, the World Bank, in cooperation with partner organizations, is taking the lead in developing the format of the Regional Day and coordinating joint activities. Efforts are under way by several session conveners, such as the United Nations Development Programme, the Global Water Partnership - Mediterranean, and the Islamic Development Bank, to coordinate and synthesize work under the framework of the Regional Day. Key issues to be addressed include agricultural policies, water and food security, groundwater management, shared water resources, water quality and nonconventional water use, public-private partnerships in irrigation and water resources management, and research and development. Discussion on all of these themes will provide input for preparation of the Regional Statement to be submitted to the Ministerial Conference. |
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| Title |
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| Dates |
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Organaizer / Convening Organizations |
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Opening Plenary : Day of the Middle East and the Mediterranean [MEME-OP] |
20.March 9:00-11:00 |
WB, UNDP, IDRC, GWP-MED, IDB, ICBA |
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Groundwater and Aquifer Management [MEME-03] |
20.March 12:30-15:15 |
Jordan, World Bank |
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Institutional Reforms: Decentralization and Public-Private Partnerships [MEME-04] |
20.March 12:30-15:15 |
Morocco, UNDP/IDRC, World Bank |
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Non conventional Water Resources [MEME-05] |
20.March 12:30-15:15 |
Algeria, IDB, ICBA, World Bank |
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Water, Agricultural Policies and Food Security [MEME-02] |
20.March 12:30-15:15 |
Egypt, World Bank |
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Wrap up Plenary : Day of the Middle East and the Mediterranean [MEME-WP] [MEME-WP] |
20.March 15:45-18:30 |
WB, UNDP, IDRC, GWP-MED, IDB, ICBA |
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