Project profile — Participatory Engagement on Water Issues in the Hebron-Negev-Gaza Watershed

The project aims to empower local communities to address their water needs through public engagement and advocacy. It focuses on the need to reach new water arrangements to better meet Palestinian needs for increased water supply, and both Israeli and Palestinian needs to prevent pollution from wastewater. The project is working in the Hebron-Negev-Gaza watershed, which is shared by both Israelis and Palestinians, and exemplifies the key concerns related to water and conflict in the region. Project activities include: (1) the establishment of local Israeli and Palestinian community based forums, meetings and roundtables with decision makers; (2) publication of reports; and (3) a social media campaign. The project is also giving a special focus on the water-related challenges that impact women and seeks to empower female community leaders to bring their unique perspectives to the forefront.

The expected results for this project include: (1) Increased social action by women and men for new water arrangements in the Hebron-Negev-Gaza watershed; and (2) Israeli and Palestinian leadership are willing to implement agreements and plans on water-related issues.

Results achieved as of the end of the project (February 2018) include: (1) increased social action by women and men for new water arrangements in the Hebron-Negev-Gaza watershed, through two steering committees (one in Israel and another in the West Bank) and ten town halls, with over 50% participation by women; and (2) willingness of Israeli and Palestinian leadership to address water-related issues outlined in existing agreements, resulting in the increased water supply to the West Bank (2 million cubic metres) and to Gaza (5 million cubic metres).