1. Water and Conflict
Learning intention: To understand why water is such a valuable resource that it could be at the centre of a conflict. To critically think about how to stop those conflicts peacefully.

2. What is conflict? Definition:
a serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one
In our course, conflict will be defined by armed conflict.
What local/global conflicts have effected/effect you? In what ways?

3. Why is Water Valuable? Fresh water is key to life: Drinking Hygiene
Agriculture
Aquaculture
Sanitation
Hydro electricity
Many more…
This need for water, and water scarcity creates competition between stakeholders.

4. Global Distribution of Water

5. How Does a Country Gain Access to Fresh Water?
Water is usually seen as being available to be used by countries if it at some point falls on (precipitation) or runs through/sits on (river and lake systems) or sits under (aquifers) their land.

6. Should Water Be Commodified?
Is it right that people can buy and sell water?
Should corporations gain free access to this water?
Should farmers pay for water they use?
Who should be in charge of the pricing of water?

7. But what if… Rivers cross borders?
Underground aquifers span multiple countries?
Lakes are shared between countries?

8. Defining a Conflict?
We define and identify a conflict through three ways:
- What is the cause (or causes) of the conflict?
Religious or cultural conflicts are based predominantly on characteristics of people or society.
Economic conflicts involve monetary value.
Resource conflicts are those where resource distribution and use are the issue.
Political conflicts can arise where people speak their opinions.
Land conflicts are often ongoing or revivals of past situations; for example the impact of colonialism or territorial disputes.
- What is the length of the conflict?
Short-term conflicts are those that last a very limited time.
Long-term conflicts are those in which months or years are taken for resolution to be achieved.
- What is the scale of the conflict?
International conflicts are conflicts which directly effect more than one country and often result in war.
National conflicts are those involving a
Small-scale or local conflicts are disagreements
- What is the result of the conflict?
Did the end of armed conflict bring true peace, or just an agreement to lay down arms?
What short/long effects are there on the country/countries involved?

9. Sharing water!
Get into a group of 3-4 and get ready to solve the world’s water supply problems.
You will be faced with two real life scenarios and I want you to think about how you would solve them if you were in charge.
Remember, the rights competing stakeholders must all be met.

10. Scenario 1: Egypt and the Nile
Nile runs through 11 countries and is the only significant source of fresh water for Egypt
Egypt is the last country the Nile runs through
Egypt has traditional rights to the Nile, but adds little to it (in terms of rainfall)
Egypt is the most powerful nation in North Africa
North Africa’s population is growing at a rapid pace
Development in Africa is causing increased need for drinking water, hydroelectricity and farming
Does Egypt deserve access to Nile River water?
How do we make sure that Egypt gets water?

11. Scenario 2: Israel’s Water
Much of the water used by Israel, both household and agriculture, comes from Palestinian Territory.
Huge aquifers sit under the surface of the land, but much sits under The West Bank and the Gaza strip.
Much of the precipitation falls on the mountains of the West Bank.
Israel uses about 80% of the fresh water that originates from the West Bank.
This has been a huge sticking point (1 of 5) in peace negotiations in this arid country.
If a two-state peace deal is organized, how should it deal with the water issue?