Water and security in Jordan

Abstract

Jordan, an oasis of security in the midst of a tumultuous region, finds itself more every year an oasis of thirst as well. Small in area but large in ambitions for economic growth and development, Jordan is discovering that the most hindering factor for its ambitions is the scarcity of water. Determined to overcome this challenge, the government has embarked on a series of actions, policies, and projects to insure meeting future water needs. Working alongside international agencies, private sector and academic institutions in Jordan, the government has adapted a dual approach in dealing with water scarcity; an approach that not only focuses on water resources planning and management but also edges to water demand management. Nonetheless, pressures and competition over the available water resources are mounting every year. Furthermore, demand management programs are yet to prove effective in a country in which the current water use per capita is already at a minimum compared to healthy standards. Apparently, many challenges lay ahead in the future for Jordan. Will wise planning and integrated management be enough for the future needs or will water scarcity be a menace to Jordan's sense of security? © 2007 Springer.