Amman, Jan. 20 (Petra) – The Ministry of Water and Irrigation on Tuesday organized a regional workshop in Amman titled "Regional Cooperation and Annual Review Meeting of the Water Scarcity Initiative," with wide participation from international, regional, and national organizations, as well as representatives of countries involved in the initiative.

In a statement, the ministry said the workshop was held within the framework of the Water Scarcity Initiative in the Near East and North Africa region, led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, in partnership with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia, UNICEF, the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas, the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, and the International Water Management Institute, with support from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.

The workshop reviewed progress achieved in implementing program activities during 2025, discussed the work plan for 2026, and sought to strengthen coordination, governance, and communication mechanisms among partners, while facilitating the exchange of expertise and best practices among participating countries.

Secretary-General of the Jordan Valley Authority Hisham Hayasa said climate change represents one of the most pressing challenges facing the region, noting that countries such as Jordan are among the most affected by its adverse impacts despite contributing minimally to its causes, placing mounting pressure on water resource management systems.

He said Jordan’s annual per capita water share is among the lowest worldwide, reaching about 61 cubic meters last year for all uses, which places water security at the forefront of national priorities.

Hayasa highlighted ongoing efforts to implement the National Water Carrier Project for desalination as a strategic initiative to augment water supplies and ensure long-term sustainability. He also noted tangible progress in reducing non-revenue water, with losses declining by 12 percent over recent years to stand at 42.3 percent.

He stressed that rapidly evolving challenges require shared responsibility, enhanced regional cooperation and coordination, and the development of integrated, evidence-based policies grounded in sound planning, efficient resource use, and robust water governance frameworks. He underscored the need to balance sustainable development requirements with food security needs, particularly in the agricultural sector, which remains the largest consumer of water, while recognizing the interlinkages between the water, agriculture, environment, and energy sectors.

Hayasa reviewed Jordan’s experience in the reuse of treated wastewater, noting that water management and distribution under this approach extend beyond government institutions to include farmers through water user associations. He said this model strengthens community partnership, improves operational efficiency, and offers a replicable framework for other countries.

He called for the outcomes of the workshop to contribute to strengthening regional cooperation and supporting national efforts toward sustainable and equitable water resource management, enhancing water and food security for present and future generations.

He also emphasized the importance of reinforcing cooperation between upstream and downstream countries and respecting the water rights of riparian states, noting that water scarcity is exacerbated by the absence of equity and effective regional coordination.

Participants stressed the importance of advancing regional coordination and joint action to address water scarcity and climate change and mitigate their implications for food security across the region.

//Petra// AJ

20/01/2026 15:18:42