Abu Dhabi: Water scarcity in the UAE may grow more acute with increasing population and large economic development plans, a senior government official has warned, urging to explore innovative solutions to address the Arab region's water challenges.
"UAE faces growing challenges with water usage, 24 times larger than the total annual renewable water resources of the emirates", said Mohammed Al Bowardi, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Managing Director of the Environment Agency — Abu Dhabi (EAD).
"Irrigation accounts for 76 per cent of the water use in the country. With growing population demands estimated to be about 3.5 million by 2030 and large economic development plans, our water scarcity problem may grow more acute."
"We need solutions now as water security is disappearing. It is high time that we stop assessing the problem and start resolving it, he said.
Undermining assets
His remarks came at the Water Leaders Forum organised by the Arab Water Academy (AWA) to mark its second anniversary. The forum brought together regional water-sector decision makers including several ministers, high ranking officials and experts.
"Poor water management costs too much to ignore. Over-extraction of groundwater is undermining national assets at rates equal to one to two per cent of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) every year in some Arab countries".
Environmental problems resulting from poor water management cost between 0.5 to 2.5 per cent of GDP every year while illness and deaths related to inadequate wastewater collection and treatment costs exceed two per cent in some countries.
Being the driest region in the world, freshwater availability in the region is around 30 per cent below the level needed for water security. Per capita water share is projected to fall by half by 2050, according to AWA.
As experts anticipate the number of Arab countries suffering from water scarcity to climb up to 18 by 2025 from 11 at present, ministers at the forum called for regional unity to ensure water security.
They called for renewed dialogue and diplomacy to resolve trans-border water issues.
- 76% of water in the UAE is used for irrigation
- 3.5m Abu Dhabi's estimated population by 2030
- 30% freshwater availability, which is below needed levels for security
- 2.5% GDP wasted due to poor water management
- 18 Arab countries expected to suffer from water scarcity by 2025
- Driest region in the world — Average freshwater availability in the region is around 30 per cent below the level needed for water security. Per capita water share is projected to fall by half by 2050. Today, 11 Arab countries suffer from water scarcity and this number is anticipated to reach 18 by 2025.
- Fast growing population — The Arab region has one of the highest population growth rates in the world. For 2005 - 2020 the Arab population is projected to grow at nearly twice the global average.
- Growth and diversification driving demand - As Arab economies diversify beyond traditional sectors, new actors will demand water. Greater demand from increasingly affluent citizens is also likely.
- Complex connections between water, food security and climate change - The Arab region is vulnerable to the effects of climate change. The International Panel on Climate Change anticipates declining rainfall, soil moisture, and increasing evaporation in the region. Without changes in policy and technology, water scarcity will reduce agricultural production and threaten regional food security.
