In arid and semi-arid regions such as the Middle East, Caucasus, and Central Asia (MECCA), water scarcity is intensifying due to the degradation of transboundary aquifers and river flows, driven by climate change impacts like accelerated glacier melt and shifting rainfall patterns, as well as anthropogenic factors such as upstream water resource development and land-use changes. Environmental catastrophes such as the shrinking of the Aral Sea and Lake Urmia, the alarming decline of the Caspian Sea, and the diminishing flow of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers serve as critical examples of the consequences of unsustainable water management. These shifts have profound socioeconomic and environmental impacts, creating an urgent need for innovative and sustainable solutions.
As countries in the region confront the stark reality of shrinking water resources, this session will focus on scientifically grounded strategies for managing transboundary water systems. Emphasis will be placed on adaptive management frameworks and fostering cross-border collaboration among governmental, academic, and non-governmental stakeholders. By incorporating lessons learned from past environmental challenges, the session aims to help mitigate the risk of future crises, such as the potential desiccation of the Caspian Sea. Drawing on technical terminology, cutting-edge research, and real-world case studies, the session will offer practical, interdisciplinary approaches to mitigating water scarcity and enhancing regional water security in the face of climate change and human-induced pressures.