Can Water Be a Tool for Cooperation?
As climate change and water scarcity intensify, can water become a source of solidarity instead of conflict?
In a time when climate change and water scarcity are intensifying, is it possible to place water at the heart of solidarity rather than conflict? According to water policy expert Dr. Tuğba Evrim Maden, the answer is yes.
We were taught in schools that Türkiye is a water-rich country. But today’s data paints a different picture. What is the realty of the situation?
It’s a simple calculation based on the Falkenmark Index. We divide the country’s available water potential by its population. As the population grows, this figure decreases. With a projected population of over 100 million by 2050, Türkiye’s per capita water availability is expected to drop to 1,120 cubic metres. Türkiye is a water-stressed country. Not just Türkiye, but all countries in the Eastern Mediterranean are in the same situation. That’s why it’s necessary to use water efficiently, reduce water losses, and raise awareness across all sectors. Türkiye has been running a campaign focused on water efficiency for the past three years.
Türkiye is a water-stressed country. Not just Türkiye, but all countries in the Eastern Mediterranean are in the same situation.
When discussing water, we often associate scarcity with domestic use, but the growing water risk has broader macro-level effects. What other societal impacts does water scarcity have?
Globally, 70% of water is used in agriculture. Water scarcity is directly related to a food security issue. Agricultural production is disrupted. In industry, water is also used for cooling purposes. Our hydropower generation is declining. Türkiye is not a country rich in fossil resources. This also affects our energy security. Water is a critical resource for food, energy, and ecosystem sustainability. When water shortages begin, serious problems arise in all three sectors.
How does climate change affect water stress in Türkiye?
According to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, Türkiye is in the Mediterranean region, which is expected to be the most affected by climate change. Studies suggest that our water potential could decrease by up to 25%. Our rainfall and drought cycles have shifted. Irrigation periods are starting earlier due to reduced precipitation. For example, in Central Anatolia, irrigation now happens as early as January because the rainfall needed for dry farming during that period no longer occurs. The years 2020–2023 were marked by drought, and we have similar concerns for 2025.
At this point, how necessary is international cooperation? Where does Türkiye stand in this picture?
Climate change is a transboundary issue. It doesn’t target just one country; it affects the whole region. Therefore, cooperation is a necessity. Unfortunately, water doesn’t receive enough attention in COP meetings. There is usually an expression of willingness to cooperate, but sufficient financing is not provided to support water resources adaptation and/or mitigation efforts. At the Conference of the Parties, financing is a particularly important agenda item. UN officials define the climate crisis as a water crisis. Therefore, more funding should be allocated to water.
How do you assess the water crisis in the Middle East?
The Middle East is already a water-stressed region. Climate change is exacerbating this. Water infrastructure has been damaged due to conflicts. There are problems in accessing the available water. This situation affects inter-country relations since we’re talking about a scarce and vital resource. This region holds only 1% of the world’s freshwater resources, yet 6% of the world’s population lives here. That imbalance creates a serious problem.
The Middle East… holds only 1% of the world’s freshwater resources, yet 6% of the world’s population lives here.
What is the Blue Peace Initiative and what role does Türkiye play in this process?
Blue Peace is an initiative that approaches water not as a source of conflict but as a tool for cooperation.
The Blue Peace Initiative was established in 2009 with the support of Switzerland and Sweden. Türkiye, Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan are official members, with Syria and Iran holding observer status. After 2018, the countries in the region began to take ownership of the process. Between 2019 and 2022, the Turkish Water Institute served as a coordination office, appointed by the votes of the member countries During this period, I served as the Head of the Coordination Office. In the Middle East, Blue Peace is significant because it is the most stable and longest-running initiative of its kind.
As I mentioned, while around 70% of water resources are used for agriculture globally, this rate can rise to 90% in the Middle East. That’s why our first project in 2018 focused on improving water efficiency in agriculture.
In addition, we have organised trainings and prepared reports within the initiative. We have also carried out capacity-building programs. Projects such as treated wastewater reuse and wetland restoration are ongoing. We also have a Young Water Representatives program, which includes participants from all member countries.
Historically, water has been a source of conflict in the region, can it truly become a tool for cooperation?
Political will plays a key role in this process. Today, every country is facing water-related challenges and has come to recognise the value of cooperation and the importance of win-win approaches.
We also aim to promote a narrative of collaboration – not conflict – in the media. To this end, we’re engaging young journalists in targeted efforts. Access to reliable information is essential. Although terms like “water wars” may capture public attention, they don’t reflect reality. I work at the desk but also in the field, where I witness the region’s challenges firsthand. It’s important to remain grounded while maintaining hope.
Since initiatives like these are non-binding, they often foster more open and sincere communication between members, helping to overcome existing biases. We’ve been working with the same people since 2009, and building these long-term relationships has helped establish mutual trust.
What are the main obstacles facing the Blue Peace Initiative?
Financing is one of the biggest challenges. Switzerland continues to provide support but in the long term, the initiative needs to evolve into a self-sustaining structure. We try to diversify this support through joint projects. Visibility and concrete actions play a critical role here.
What kind of vision is Türkiye following in this process?
Türkiye has never regarded water as a source of conflict. We share transboundary water resources with countries like Iran, Iraq, and Syria, and our shared history and cultural ties reinforce this cooperative outlook. For Türkiye, water is viewed as a means of fostering development. Our transboundary waters extend beyond the Middle East, involving many of our neighbouring countries. With this vision, we are committed to building collaborative relationships with all our neighbours – both to the East and West.