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Water & Environment in the Middle East and North Africa: Case Studies
Please join us to learn about water-related environmental issues and potential solutions from scholars who work directly in those fields.
Dr. Abdelkrim Marzouk, Dean of Executive and Continuing Education, Al Akhawayn University, Morocco
This presentation examines the critical challenges and emerging solutions related to water resources and environmental sustainability in North Africa and the Middle East, with a special focus on Morocco. It explores the impacts of climate change, water scarcity, and pollution on the region's ecosystems and communities. Through Morocco’s national water strategy, desalination projects, wastewater reuse, and groundwater management, the talk highlights successful initiatives and ongoing gaps. The discussion aims to foster cross-regional dialogue on policy innovation, technology transfer, and sustainable development.
Dr. Essam Mohamed, Director of the Sustainable Development Graduate Program, The American University in Cairo
This presentation, titled “Water Resources in Egypt: From Challenges to Solutions – The Case of the Center of Excellence for Agriculture and Water,” discusses Egypt’s complex water landscape within the broader context of sustainability and Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystem (WEFE). It begins by examining the country’s dependence on the Nile River, increasing water scarcity driven by population growth and climate change, transpoundry challenges, and the eminent pressures of agricultural and urban demand. The presentation then transitions to solution pathways, highlighting integrated water resources management (IWRM) approaches that combine policy, technology, and stakeholder engagement. Special emphasis is placed on the pioneering work of the Center of Excellence for Agriculture and Water (COEA), showcasing its applied research, innovation partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives that promote efficient irrigation, wastewater reuse, desalination, and digital water governance. Through this case study, the lecture illustrates how cross-sector collaboration and science-based management can turn Egypt’s water challenges into opportunities for sustainable development.
Dr. Khaldoun Shatanawi, Director of the Water, Energy and Environment Center, The University of Jordan
Water scarcity has become a defining challenge for the Arab region. Driven by rapid population growth, urban expansion, and hyper aridity, limited renewable resources are placing immense pressure on local water systems. Today, many Arab countries have fallen below the international threshold for absolute scarcity (500 m³ per capita), leaving them increasingly dependent on desalination and wastewater reuse. Jordan stands as a primary case study of this regional crisis. Jordan has responded through a combination of infrastructure development. Major projects include the Disi Water Conveyance Project and the National Carrier Project, in addition to expanding treated wastewater reuse in agriculture. Research institutions and universities continue to support the sector through applied studies in groundwater management, climate adaptation, and urban water systems. Jordan’s experience reflects the scale of the regional challenge while offering practical lessons in resilience and long-term water planning.
This panel discussion is free, open to the public, and will take place via Zoom.
Co-sponsored by the University of Arizona Water Resources Research Center.