Water conservation through Islamic public awareness in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

Abstract

By the year 2050 almost all Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) countries will be facing water shortages. Integrated water resource management seems to be the most feasible option to overcome this crisis. Water conservation should be an integral part of this option. To increase the chance of success it should clearly focus on public awareness and participation. Lack of access to information related to water conservation and public awareness activities is a problem in EMR countries. Limited activities and poor information management and exchange activities are the reason for this problem. Access to water conservation and public awareness information can be improved by compiling a database of all available literature documenting the experience of the EMR in this area. This database should be made available to water specialists as well as to the public. Islamic teachings are full of concepts and tools such as conservation cooperation preventing harm water pollution and water protection that are useful for raising public awareness of water resource conservation. However official Islamic positions towards these issues must be declared by regional Islamic legislative bodies. This will require close cooperation and coordination between water agencies and legislative bodies. Islam is influential in the EMR; therefore incorporating Islamic teachings and concepts will help public awareness programmes achieve their goals. Using the Islamic education system seems to be effective and reliable. However this must be done in close coordination and collaboration with all stakeholders and should be integrated in water resource management activities. Occasional and local actions are ineffective and should be avoided. Public awareness activities based on Islamic teachings and concepts should not be limited to mosques but should extend to the education system. This can be done by incorporating clear messages into materials taught in schools including religion science environment and Arabic literature. (excerpt)