Abstract
In an area of conflict where governments have difficulty discussing civil issues of all kinds, it becomes the role of the civil society to become a voice for these concerns and proffer solutions. The urgency of the water crisis developing in the Middle East, which is inherently trans-boundary in nature, and the low level of negotiations between governments at this time necessarily bring civil society into the spotlight. The ongoing relationship between Israelis and Palestinians working in civil society on water issues can offer an invaluable alternative forum for addressing this crucial public health and environmental issue, where governments are failing. This essay describes the activities of Palestinian and Israeli NGOs and grassroots initiatives focused on water issues. It explores where their activities in their respective societies differ and where they intercept. We specifically highlight examples of transboundary cooperation, its successes and failures, with a focus on Friends of the Earth Middle East (FOEME) and its Good Water Neighbors program. We also look at the future of the water conflict and the role of NGOs in formal decision making. This includes the importance of recognizing the cross-border NGOs as important players in resolving conflict and fostering solutions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Water Wisdom |
| Subtitle of host publication | Preparing the Groundwork for Cooperative and Sustainable Water Management in the Middle East |
| Editors | Alon Tal, Alfred Abed Rabbo |
| Publisher | Rutgers University Press |
| Pages | 283-292 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780813549774 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780813547701, 9780813547718 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 1 Dec 2010 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Social Sciences
