Water scarcity in arid and semi-arid regions such as the Middle East, Central Asia, and Southern Africa is increasingly worsened by climate change and unsustainable water management practices. Shared aquifers and river systems are under growing pressure from reduced rainfall, accelerated glacier melt, and upstream interventions, intensifying competition for already limited resources. Moreover, many inland terminal lakes, such as Aral Sea, Chad Lake and Lake Urmia, are drying up, further exacerbating the environmental and socio-economic impacts of water scarcity. In addition, gaps in data availability and technical capacity hinder effective water governance, making transboundary cooperation even more critical for regional stability and sustainability. To address these challenges, a holistic approach is required - one that integrates the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus to foster benefit-sharing between riparian states. By recognizing the interdependencies between water resources, energy production, and food security, WEF Nexus studies offer valuable strategies for optimizing resource allocation, reducing competition, and encouraging cooperative solutions across borders.
Furthermore, advancements in data-driven decision-making, including the use of remote sensing technologies and hydrological modeling, present opportunities to bridge data gaps and improve water management. As water demand grows across urban, industrial, and environmental sectors, innovative solutions are needed to enhance efficiency, minimize losses, and build climate resilience. Alongside technological solutions, human capacity building plays a central role in addressing these complex challenges. In this context, the session will promote cross-sector collaboration, improve data accessibility, and encourage science-based strategies for securing water resources in transboundary basins under the pressures of climate change.
Mohammad J. Tourian