Water is truly the lifeblood of all human and natural systems. Although most regions of the world have abundant water resources, supplies of drinking water are inadequate in many parts of the world. By one measure, some 20 countries were experiencing chronic water shortages in 1990. Based on population projections alone, some 33 countries are expected to have chronic water shortages by 2025. Moreover, such projections do not take into account the possibility that climate change could eventually further exacerbate water shortages. Current and projected water shortages are nowhere so acute as in the arid countries of the Middle East

Over a century ago, American author and humorist Mark Twain observed that "whiskey is for drinking, water is for fighting" as he reflected on both the scarcity of water and the importance given to water and water rights in the semi-arid American West. Indeed, battles have been fought over water allocation in the United States - - and in many other countries as well. The potential for a conflict over water is perhaps at its most serious in the Middle East where water supplies are extremely limited, political tensions traditionally run high, and water is just one of the issues that may divide countries and make cooperation difficult.

The word 'conflict' need not automatically be associated with water, not even in the Middle East. Cooperation to solve water problems is possible. Indeed, joint action on water has the potential to lead to even greater cooperation in the wider political arena, as resolution of water problems may help key Middle Eastern actors slowly build the trust needed to settle other issues that divide them. All would agree that mutually beneficial, 'win-win' solutions are preferable to conflict or stalemate. Conversely, arrangements that are not perceived to fairly allocate one of life's most important necessities can only perpetuate conflict.

With its March 1998 workshop in Paris, of which this report is a summary, and in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, Green Cross International is continuing its initiative on seeking ways to resolve water resource conflicts. We are especially grateful for the support and encouragement of His Excellency Flavio Cotti of Switzerland, H.E. King Hussein of Jordan, Director-General Federico Mayor of Spain (and UNESCO) and former Prime Minister Shimon Peres of Israel in this endeavor. This report reflects Green Cross's conviction that the resolution of water problems in the Middle East is both important and possible. Our exploratory workshop has convinced us that the water resource problems of the Middle East are not insoluble and that through its networking strength and function as an honest broker, Green Cross can help make a difference. We invite you to join us as we implement this new focal activity over the course of the next few years.

Mikhail Gorbachev

President

Green Cross International

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