On March 22 each year, the world celebrates the International World Water Day (WWD). In fact, this is one of the most important environmental days for humankind as it deals with the most precious natural resource on the surface of Earth, i.e. water. International World Water Day attempts to remind people about the significance of fresh water and to promote sustainability for fresh water resources management. Many events are held worldwide to celebrate the day. These include, for instance, visual art, theatrical and musical celebrations of water, research and photo contests on various issues related to water, symposia for local, national and international stakeholders on water management and security in addition to educational events, campaigns, excursions to local rivers, lakes and special broadcasts on television and radio.

WWD this year, especially, is very vital as the theme of the day deals with the relation between Water and Energy. The main objectives of WWD in 2014 is to raise awareness on the inter-linkages between water and energy, contribute to a policy dialogue that focuses on the broad range of issues related to the nexus of water and energy as well as to contribute — as relevant — to the post-2015 discussions in relation to the water-energy nexus. Water and energy are prerequisites for all activities on earth. They are the basis for sustainable development. Water is required to produce nearly all forms of energy, while energy is needed at all stages of water extraction, treatment and distribution. Excessive consumption of water and energy can lead to resource depletion, pollution and an overall increase in the price of each. By conserving water and reducing runoff, the negative impacts of the water-energy nexus can be eliminated or mitigated. The way we manage the relationship between the two will have major consequences on the future of our energy and water security. Moreover, if we take into consideration the linkage between water, energy and food, then the theme even becomes more important.

It is worth mentioning that the Arab countries highlighted the water, energy and food nexus as a top priority in the Arab world in the Arab Regional Implementation Meeting for the Twentieth Session of the Commission for Sustainable Development (CSD-20), (Rio +20) follow-up meeting, 29-30 May 2013, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Better understanding the nexus between water and energy will improve harmonisation of energy and water governance, policies and management. Such coordinated local, national and regional policies can lead to more efficient and cost-effective provision of water and energy services as well as rationalisation of their usages. Demand for fresh water and energy will continue to increase significantly over the coming decades. This increase will present big challenges and strain resources in nearly all regions, especially in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. GCC countries are very poor in water resources. According to the United Nations, GCC countries, except Oman, fall in the category of ‘acute scarcity’. While GCC is experiencing rapid economic development, it is faced with many potential problems related to the availability and use of water. Unless all necessary measures, including policy reforms, are adopted, the countries are likely to face water scarcity, which in turn will have a negative impact not only on the environmental front, but also on the security, economic and social fronts.

At the regional level, GCC-wide cooperation and joint projects will ensure that the possible consequences of water policies are anticipated and examined and water issues are included in the countries’ strategies and plans.

There is plenty of room for cooperation in GCC on many aspects related to energy and water sectors such as monitoring and utilisation of ground water tables, water desalination, renewable energies etc. Water and energy cooperation will definitely contribute to poverty reduction and equity, create economic benefits, help preserve water and energy resources and protect the environment. At the national level, experience has shown that specific environmental problems such as water and energy issues are usually better addressed by employing a “policy mix”, consisting of various command and control instruments (penalties and fines), economic instruments (incentives) and awareness and educational programmes.

Needless to say, in Islamic societies such as in the GCC, efforts to increase awareness and find solutions to water scarcity should have been easy because of religious reasons as many Quranic verses encourage the preservation and protection of water. The use of religious guidelines must be an integral part of any awareness campaign.

We have huge challenges in water and energy sectors and the WWD is a great occasion to get started. We all have a role to play, be it as politicians, decision-makers, researchers, water suppliers, water users, civil societies and international organisations. We cannot afford to turn away from the challenges ahead as our future and the well-being of coming generations are at stake.

Dr Mohammad Abdel Raouf is an independent environmental researcher.