Resources

Inventory of Shared Water Resources in Western Asia

This publication is the first effort led by the United Nations to comprehensively identify and assess the state of transboundary surface and groundwater resources in the Western Asia. It was prepared by ESCWA and the German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR) and was developed in close consultation with ESCWA member countries, as well as regional and international experts.

The Inventory follows a standardized structure, with 9 surface water chapters and 17 groundwater chapters that systematically address hydrology, hydrogeology, water resources development and use, international water agreements and transboundary water management efforts. Boasting 60 new maps and over 200 figures, tables and boxes with recent, comprehensive data series, this 600 page publication provides an up-to-date view of the state and evolution of shared water resources in Western Asia.

 In doing so, the Inventory constitutes a sound scientific basis for informing discussion and fostering dialogue in an era of increasing water scarcity and growing concerns about water security, food security, energy security and climate change in the region.