In a joint effort to foster dynamic discussions around water cooperation in the Middle East from a WEFE (Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems) nexus approach, the Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT) and Cewas organized the "WaterPOWER" online workshop on June 26, 202. As part of the Blue Peace Middle East initiative media activities supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the workshop gathered 33 water experts and media professionals from Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and Türkiye.
The half-day workshop aimed to spotlight cutting-edge practices and innovations in water management, enrich media narratives on WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and WEFE topics, and mobilize broader ecosystem support through actionable initiatives.
Throughout the workshop, three experts - Professor Muna Hindiyeh, Mr Behnam Andik, Dr Sadiq Al-Maliki, and Ms Rasha Sarman Al-Tameemi addressed crucial WEFE challenges: accurately quantifying surface and groundwater resources, addressing unsustainable irrigation practices, and overcoming barriers to treated wastewater reuse.
Participants collaborated in three dynamic groups, each tackling one critical challenge, to brainstorm and develop innovative solutions for these pressing issues and create compelling media content to raise public awareness. Each group was guided by experienced facilitators who encouraged lively discussions, hands-on activities, and the sharing of diverse perspectives.
Later, the media journalist Sara Hteit introduced effective communication tools to help participants connect their solutions with broader audiences. Building on this session, each group developed a comprehensive media communication plan to promote their innovative solutions in the face of the challenge they tackled. This strategic plan detailed tactics for engaging audiences, utilizing cutting-edge media tools, and adhering to best practices.
Furthermore, they are now putting their finishing touches on their media projects, with submissions due by June 30, 2024. Stay tuned for the announcement of the winners on July 9, 2024, as we reveal the impactful results of this collaborative effort towards sustainable water management in the MENA region.