Climate change adaptation in the MENA region’s water sector

Climate change will have a significant impact on the MENA region. An increase in extreme weather conditions such as droughts and floods and changing rainfall patterns can already be observed today. Scarce water resources are thus likely to be further affected in the future. Approximately 60% of the MENA region’s water resources are transboundary: along with rising water demand, water shortages, and the political instability that exists in some parts of the region, this may lead to increased potential for conflict and requires special adaptation strategies at the internal and/or cross border levels.

In this context, InWEnt planned Adaptation to Climate Change in the Water Management Sector, a five-year capacity building programme on in the MENA Region. The programme was carried out on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) from 2011-2015 in the following target countries: Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Syria, the Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Yemen and Egypt. adelphi also developed concepts for the implementation of the programme.

Based on adelphi’s expertise in the region and knowledge of relevant issues, the setup of the programme covered the necessary subject areas, including evaluation of impacts and vulnerabilities and the development and implementation of adaptation strategies. The capacity building programme was tailored to existing capabilities and the specific target groups (responsible ministries, national authorities etc.) and included various formats such as training courses, scenario workshops, and delegation visits.