Second regional seminar on policy reforms in water resources management

The European Commission, the European Investment Bank and the World Bank will co-sponsor the Second Regional Seminar on Policy 2000 Reforms in Water Resources Management in Amman, Jordan during may 8-11, 1999.

The First Regional Seminar on Water Policy Reforms was held in Cairo, June 1-3, 1998. Major challenges in the region were highlighted in the seminar and relevant case studies from Australia, France, Spain, and Mexico were discussed.

The Amman seminar is expected to foster an open discussion among sector and economic decision-makers and their advisors on key issues related to the formulation and implementation of water management policy.

Participants will focus on the exchange of knowledge and information on successful practices in the countries of the region and identify lessons for national water management policy/strategy within a broad socio-economic perspective.

Governments in the region are increasingly worried about the declining per capita availability of water, over exploitation of ground water resources in some areas, a deepening imbalance of supply and demand for water in others, and inefficient services and lack of financial resources to deal with the problems.

The seminar provides a critical and timely vehicle for officials to exchange experiences and best practices related to these issues.

Middle east and North Africa countries officials along with representatives of bilateral and multilateral agencies working in the region will be participating in the seminar.