New World Bank Report on Water in the Middle East and North Africa Region

Steps to improve accountability of water management promise higher water outcomes in the Middle East and North Africa region, the most water scarce region in the world. The World Bank Middle East and North Africa Region launched in Cairo today the Regional Report on Water: Making the Most of Scarcity.  This is the fifth report in a series that highlights key challenges facing the region.

The event was hosted by H.E. Dr.Mahmoud Abu Zeid, Minister of Water resources and Irrigation in Egypt and the Chairman of the Arab Water Council.  A group of Egyptian children called The Egyptian Droplets communicated their hopes and concerns for the future in a widely applauded dance performance.

The World Bank report discusses how water management solutions need to be considered as part of the wider economic policies of the countries of the region.  “Meeting the water needs of the growing population of the Middle East and North Africa can no longer be based on a business as usual approach” said Daniela Gressani, Vice President of MNA during the launch of the report in Cairo March 11. “Policies in other areas -- agriculture, trade, land markets, finance, energy pricing -- all impact on how much water is used and how efficiently.  Managing water requires the participation of all parts of society."