The 21st century will present unprecedented challenges. Already in its first decade we have seen the dramatic impact of two systemic risks, that of climate change and that of the financial crisis. The cause but also the solution to these crises lies in a deeper understanding of the underlying factors and int- dependencies. New ways must be found to overcome deep obstacles and find common solutions to seemingly intractable problems. The water crisis in the Middle East is a central challenge of the 21st century. The future of the people of the region depends on finding lasting solutions. Due to the exhaustion and pollution of available sources, compounded by climate change, demographic change and economic development, the pressures of water resource management will grow. New solutions must urgently be found as business as usual is not sustainable. This book provides vital new insights into possible elements of a sustainable future in one key area, that of the Jordan River and Dead Sea Basin. The future development of the Jordanian, Palestinian and Israeli people depends on finding a just and sustainable system of water resource management in this Basin. Given the potential for regional and other conflicts arising out of tensions over water, the ramifications are wider and even global in significance. This volume provides fresh regional and international perspectives which greatly assist in our understanding of the issues and their possible resolution.

Inhalt

Preface. I. Goldin. Introduction; C. Lipchin, D. Sandler. I: Water Under Fire: An International Challenge. A Long-term View of Water and Security: International Waters, National Issues and Regional Tensions; A. Wolf.- Investigating Incentives to Exaggerate the Risks of Water Wars; D. Katz.- 2.Water Governance for Sustainability in the Jordan River-Dead Sea Basin: Perspectives from Jordan and the Palestinian Authority. A Jordanian Socio-Legal Perspective on Water Management in the Jordan River-Dead Sea Basin; M. Haddadin.- Managing Jordan's Water Budget: Providing for Present and Future Needs; S. McIlwaine.- A Palestinian Socio-Legal Perspective on Water Management in the Jordan River-Dead Sea Basin; F. Daibes-Murad.- Managing Palestine's Water Budget: Providing for Present and Future Needs; K. Assaf.- 3. International Cooperation in Areas of Extreme Conditions. Managing Transboundary Waters in Extreme Environments: The Role of International Actors in Africa; M. Giordano & J.Lautze.- Transboundary Water Management in the Euphrates-Tigris Basin: Dynamics of Regional Cooperation, Sustainability and Governance; I. Mazlum.- How Investment in Wastewater Infrastructure Has Improved Water Quality Along the US-Mexico Border; D. Eaton and M. Dulay.- 4. Alternatives to Saving the Dead Sea: Opportunities and Risks. Working within the International Community. Saving the Dead Sea: The Mediterranean-Dead Sea Option; A. Israeli et al.- The Future of the Dead Sea: Is the Red Sea-Dead Sea Conduit the Right Solution?; E. Raz.- Greening the Red Sea-Dead Sea Water Conveyance Project; D. Hoffman.- The 'Peace Canal on the Golan' Proposal: Benefits and Risks to Regional Water Cooperation in the Middle East; B. Wachtel and A. Liel.- Socio-economic Perspectives. Using Stakeholder Engagement and Visualization and to Aid Decision-Making about Water Use in the Middle East; J. Fink and P. Gober.- An Economic Assessment of Dead Sea Preservation and Restoration; N. Beckerand D. Katz.- Constructing an Adaptive Regional Vision of Water Development in the Jordan River Basin; E. Abitbol and S. Schoenfeld.-