Water Environment in the Coastal Basins of Syria - Assessing the Impacts of the War

• DOI: 10.1007/s40710-014-0043-5
• Publication Date: 2014-10-29T11:35:16Z
• Authors: Ghaleb Faour; Abbas Fayad
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; 0208 environmental biotechnology; 02 engineering and technology; 14. Life underwater; 15. Life on land; 6. Clean water

The water environment in the Syrian coastal basins was already under pressure over the past decade (2000-2010) due to recurring drought and increased water demand. The armed- conflict, which started in 2011, had resulted in the displacement of more than 1.45 million people from the inland regions towards the coastal area. This study investigates the impact of war and conflict on the water environment in the coastal river basins of Syria. An evaluation of existing water sources, water uses, and pollution sources is made to highlight the major driving forces and stresses using a pre-war, during the war, and a post-war scenario. A reference time frame between 2000 and 2010 is used as a reference for these scenarios. The impact of war on the water environment is discussed next. Different actions and adaptation measures in a post-conflict scenario are presented and discussed. At present 4.45 million persons are living in the coastal area (compared to 3 million before 2011). The governmental management capacity had reduced to 30 % compared to that before war. An evaluation of major water scarcity indicators revealed a decline in renewable water resources (including groundwater reserves). It is estimated that the water scarcity index reduced from ~760 m 3 /capita/year during pre-war dry years to less than 500 m 3 /capita/year during the war. The impact of war also revealed an increase in pollution risks due to the uncontrolled water abstraction, lack of management and decreased water accessibility. Proposed measures in a post conflict scenario suggest that water demand and water quality can be restored to the status quo using suitable economic development options.