THE Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is one of the most water-scarce countries globally, deserves credit for hosting an important moot on water security in collaboration with France, Kazakhstan and the World Bank. The One Water Summit on the Margins of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification under the theme “Restore, Preserve and Adapt” in Riyadh afforded an opportunity to the global leadership to discuss ways and means to ensure the sustainability and management of water resources. In his speech, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who represented Pakistan at the crucial forum, underscored the need for strong political will and global leadership to overcome the water crisis posing an existential threat to nations around the globe.
The world is facing an unprecedented water crisis due to growing population and global warming and according to the Water Resources Institute 25% of the world population is extremely water stressed. Central and Southern Asia as well as Northern Africa are experiencing 75 to 100% water stress levels. Living with this level of water stress jeopardizes people’s lives, jobs, food and energy security. Water is central to growing crops and raising livestock, producing electricity, maintaining human health, fostering equitable societies and meeting the world’s climate goals. Without better water management, population growth, economic development and climate change are poised to worsen water stress and, therefore, the international community must foster cooperation to find innovative solutions to the grave challenge. Pakistan is also one of those countries facing the threat of water shortage due to prolonged dry spells and its inability to spare necessary resources to store rain or flood water to the optimum level and this phenomenon is threatening the agro-based economy of the country. As highlighted by the Prime Minister, nearly 70pc of our land consists of arid and semi-arid areas and around 30pc of our population is directly affected by drought-like conditions. Projected temperature increases in Pakistan are significantly higher than the global average which means compounding of the situation in future. Pakistan has active plans like ‘Recharge Pakistan’ initiative aimed at addressing climate-induced flood risks and mitigating drought impacts through ecosystem-based adaptations.
A National Drought Plan is also being evolved to identify the most drought-affected areas and what can be done to mitigate the impact of drought in these areas. However, such initiatives cannot be implemented effectively without necessary resources and technology. The Prime Minister also referred to the Indus Basin Treaty as an example of the trans-boundary cooperation for water management. However, this treaty is also threatened due to usurpation of Pakistan’s water rights by India which is investing hugely to build water storages even on rivers meant for Pakistan. Global cooperation to tackle water issues assume greater significance in the backdrop of warnings by experts that future wars will be fought on water and the world is already witnessing flashpoints in Africa, Asia and the Middle-East. There is substance in the argument that conflicts over water can be addressed through science-based water diplomacy. The affluent nations must extend a helping hand to the water stressed countries and regions to mitigate the challenge. The situation can improve if affluent states follow the footsteps of Saudi Arabia which has provided funds exceeding $6 billion to support more than 200 development projects in water sectors in over 60 developing countries. The Kingdom has also announced the establishment of a Global Water Organization based in Riyadh to work on tackling issues related to water on the international level, unifying efforts to find inclusive solutions to water challenges, such as exchange of expertise and innovative technologies and enhancing research and development. All countries of the globe should extend necessary cooperation to the Kingdom for establishment of this high stakes organization.
