Strategy of water distribution for sustainable community: Who owns water in divided cyprus?

Abstract

Although it is completely surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea, the island of Cyprus has long suffered from water problems arising from irregular rainfall, leading to sustained political conflict conditions for a long period. Water scarcity is likely to become a major issue, thus a range of options for water catchments should be examined and trialed. This article explores the connection between ownership of water and water management in a divided territory to gain an understanding of how politics are involved in water conflict. By investigating the water situation in Cyprus, this study aims to evaluate the strategies that can ensure the sustainability of new water networks for domestic and irrigation needs. This understanding can be used to minimize the gap between water supply and demand to provide water stressed countries with sufficient, safe, and reliable water for their domestic and irrigation needs. The research proposes a reinterpretation of the extraterritorial conditions of contemporary Cyprus and a plan to realign the island’s water system through the creation of a new post-national territory. Thus, the study presents a vision for a sustainable water supply. In addition, the study discusses strategies and actions for water distribution networks with consideration of political and social issues to provide a potential new vision for future urbanization.