A workshop titled “Water and Peace: Strong Cooperation for a Bright Future” was held in Qamişlo (Qamishli) on Sunday, marking the beginning of World Water Week. The event was organised by the Cizîr Canton Municipalities Union and Water Directorate under the governance of the Kurdish-led Democratic Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES). It brought together academics and civil society representatives to address the critical water crisis in the region.
The workshop’s discussions focused on the significance of water resources in Cizîr Canton, the challenges posed by groundwater scarcity, and the impact of irrigation methods on these vital resources. Participants highlighted the urgent need to protect water from being used as a weapon of war, particularly amid ongoing regional conflicts.
Bêrîvan Silo, Co-chair of the Cizîr Canton Water Directorate, emphasised the importance of international intervention to prevent water from becoming a casualty of war. “Water must be protected from conflict,” she stated, urging for global support in securing these resources.
The workshop’s call for international support aligns with growing global concerns over environmental degradation in the region. The climate activist group Fridays for Future recently condemned the Turkish government for what they described as “ecocide” in the Fertile Crescent. The group’s campaign highlights the detrimental effects of harmful water management practices and deforestation in the region, calling for urgent action to protect these critical ecosystems.
The workshop also called for financial support from the United Nations and other organisations to fund research and national projects aimed at resolving the water crisis. It also highlighted public education on water conservation and the promotion of modern irrigation techniques that protect groundwater.
In addition to infrastructure improvements to ensure access to clean water, the event proposed establishing a Water Security Council that would involve both the Autonomous Administration and civil society organisations. The role of women in water resource management was also highlighted, with calls to enhance their participation through education and involvement in relevant projects.
These discussions and initiatives underscore the need for collective efforts to address the severe water crisis exacerbated by regional conflicts, with a focus on promoting sustainable agricultural practices and securing vital water resources for the future.
