Mediterranean ministers discuss ‘shared vision’ for water sustainability

AMMAN — Water Minister Hazem Nasser has participated in the Union for the Mediterranean’s (UfM) Ministerial Meeting of the European Union and Mediterranean Water Ministries held in Valetta, Malta, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported on Wednesday. 

During the meeting, which saw the participation of 43 UfM member countries, Nasser commended an important opportunity for Mediterranean countries to achieve a shared vision to sustain and manage water resources in a collective manner. 

The meeting was attended by European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella, EU Assistant to the Director General for Agriculture and Rural Development Miguel Garcia and various officials from the water sectors of Mediterranean countries. 

Jordan, despite a scarcity of water resources and an increase in users following the start of the Syrian crisis and its refugee influx, has still succeeded in effectively administering the water sector with a high level of efficiency, Nasser said, adding that donor parties consider the water sector as one of the top priorities because of the high associated costs. 

Jordan is one of the poorest countries in water among the Mediterranean countries, with the water sector in the Kingdom a national priority when it comes to solutions, and alternatives for traditional and untraditional water resources, both in the medium and long-term. 

For his part, Vella said that the EU realises that the water problem is increasing in the Mediterranean and that improving cooperation between its countries is a necessity.

The EU is working with the UfM to formulate a ministerial declaration defining a common agenda towards water security in the Mediterranean, with the aim of bringing multiple benefits far beyond the water sector.

For his part, Garcia said that the declaration was a sign of serious intent for Mediterranean countries to work together in this vital field, in order to provide citizens all around the region with secure and sustainable water resources. 

Ministers attending the meeting highlighted the dangers of climate change and its impact on access to water, especially in the Mediterranean region.