From Drylands to Lifelines: Catalyzing Peace through Water-Energy Exchange in the Middle East
Convener: Nadav Tal, EcoPeace Middle East
Innovative approaches to integrating water and renewable energy projects can serve as powerful tools for regional cooperation and peacebuilding in arid zones. Building on EcoPeace’s 2017 study on water and renewable energy exchanges, this discussion explores how projects like desalination plants—such as the one proposed for Gaza—and renewable energy production can address regional water and energy needs while advancing geopolitical aspirations. A new EcoPeace desk study will be presented highlighting the potential of expanding the Project Prosperity Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Israel, Jordan and the UAE, to include Gaza’s desalination efforts alongside Israel’s, envisioning this as part of a ‘Day After’ scenario to broaden regional integration. The session will focus on transformative models, lessons learned from prior initiatives, and strategies to attract Gulf investment, ensuring these projects contribute to sustainable development, regional stability, and lasting peace.
Panel Moderator: Sharon Bengi, Deputy Director, EcoPeace Middle East
The panel discussion will feature:
- Tamar Zandberg, Head of the National Institute for Climate and Environmental Policy and Former Minister of the Environment in Israel
- Prof. David Katz, School of Environmental Sciences, The University of Haifa
- Nadav Tal, Water Officer, EcoPeace Middle East