Water Wars?
Humans have always had a very strong connection with water. This is one of the most sacred, nourishing, and essential substances on earth. There is no substitute for water (as opposed to oil). Most humans have very strong emotional ties to it whether they are conscious of this or not. Abba Eban, former Israeli statesman once remarked that people will react rationally in regards to water only once all other options have run out.
Not well known is the fact that there are already a number of armed conflicts around the globe over water access. As draught and water demands increase, there will be more and more conflicts over water. Water access will be controlled by the countries with the most power and military might even if they are the last country downstream like Egypt on the Blue Nile. ‘Water & Security: Challenges for the 21st Century’ Sandra Postel’s audio recording available from alternativeradio.org describes the existing and the potential future conflicts.
In his article ‘World Water Day: Wars, No, Conflicts, Yes’
Sanjay Suri notes that there are no wars over water at present but that this does not mean there are no conflicts.
He quotes Mark Zeitoun, researcher with the London Water Research Group, a part of the Centre for Environmental Policy at King’s College and the London School of Economics: ‘There is a conflict between Ethiopia and Egypt over the Nile waters. Ethiopians in the highlands are unable to irrigate their land and develop hydroelectric projects as they would like to. Israelis and Palestinians are not fighting over water, but Israel controls 90 percent of trans-boundary flows that Palestinians have very little ability to control, and there is deep resentment over this on the Palestinian side.’ Taken from a March 22, 2007 article in the London, England paper. For the full article visit: http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=37044
Check out the film section of our water dossier to watch Water Thieves, a futuristic drama from Quebec to see what water shortages can lead to.
A Journey in the History of Water, a Norwegian documentary explores many themes around water, conflict being one of them. You can watch parts of the video on: http://watervideo.com/
You can read Vandana Shiva’s book ‘Water Wars’ available in most public libraries.
Category : Uncategorized
Tags: community, discussion, film, lecture, middle-east, screening, talk, Water
