1st Edition

Losing Paradise The Water Crisis in the Mediterranean

Edited By Gail Holst-Warhaft, Tammo Steenhuis Copyright 2010
    234 Pages
    by Routledge

    234 Pages
    by Routledge

    Taking a uniquely interdisciplinary view of the Eastern Mediterranean region's water problems, this book considers some of the technical and regulatory solutions being proposed or implemented to solve the difficulties of diminished or polluted water supplies. Stressing the importance of traditional and historical cultural understanding in addressing the water crisis, the authors demonstrate that what is required is an integrated legal, social and scientific management system appropriate to each country's stage of development and their cultural heritage. Using case studies from Lebanon, Italy, Spain, Egypt, Greece, Jordan and Cyprus, the authors focus on the urgency of the present crisis faced by each country and the need for cooperation. The suggested solutions also serve as a paradigm for the rest of the world as it faces similar issues of water shortage.

    Part I The Cultural Background; Chapter 1 Losing Paradise, GailHolst-Warhaft; Chapter 2 Water Policy as a Gospel of Redemption, GasparMairal; Chapter 3 Water, Culture, and Civilization in the Italian Mediterranean, Eriberto Eulisse; Part II Law, War, and Water; Chapter 4 The Right to Have Water, Keith Porter; Chapter 5 Water Resources and Conflict in Lebanon, Nadim Farajalla; Part III Managing a Scarce Resource; Chapter 6 Options for Sustainable Water Management in Arid and Semi-Arid Areas, Tammo Steenhuis; Chapter 7 Alternative Regional Water Management for Conflict Resolution in the Middle East, Zeyad Makramreh; Chapter 8, Symeon Christodoulou; Chapter 9 Water and Geology in the Mediterranean, George Stournaras; Chapter 10 Water Conservation in Egypt, Nicholas S.Hopkins; Chapter 101 Conclusion;

    Biography

    Dr. Gail Holst-Warhaft is Professor of European Studies, Cornell University, USA, Dr. Tammo Steenhuis is Professor of of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, USA

    'Losing Paradise is part wake up call, part haunting love cry for all who love the area's soul. A wonderful, important book.' Maude Barlow, Senior Advisor on Water to the President of the United Nations General Assembly 'This is one of the most informative, readable, and interesting books I have ever read on the broader cultural and social aspects of water management and use. I highly recommend this book to everyone involved in the planning and management of water at every scale.' Peter Loucks, Cornell University, USA