Publications
EcoPeace Nominated for Nobel Peace Prize
Addressing Water Issues in the RegionJordan River
Jeroen Kool,
June 2015
A Regional Integrated NGO Master Plan for the Jordan Valley, from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. A Marshal Plan that converts a polluted river and highly depressed economic area to a model for river rehabilitation, economic growth, and regional stability.
127 specific regional and national projects (“interventions“) have been identified in the framework of the Master Plan, with a total investment value of 4.58 billion USD until the year 2050.
The interventions are grouped around the strategic planning objectives: Pollution Control, Sustainable Water Management and River Rehabilitation, Sustainable Agriculture, Jordan River Basin Governance, Ecological Rehabilitation, Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Heritage Development, and Urban and Infrastructure Development.
Addressing Water Issues in the RegionJordan River
Royal Haskoning DHV / Core Associates,
May 2015
“Further to the Regional NGO Master Plan for the Sustainable Development of the Jordan Valley (as above), this document is the Palestinian National Master Plan which aims to identify feasible interventions that will restore the environmental and ecological values within a defined financial and economic framework, as studied by Palestinian experts, and dependent on an equitable share of the basin’s resources.
Addressing Water Issues in the RegionJordan River
Royal Haskoning DHV in partnership with: MASAR Center Jordan,
April 2015
“A Regional Integrated NGO Master Plan for the Jordan Valley, from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. A Marshal Plan that converts a polluted river and highly depressed economic area to a model for river rehabilitation, economic growth, and regional stability.
127 specific regional and national projects (“interventions“) have been identified in the framework of the Master Plan, with a total investment value of 4.58 billion USD until the year 2050.
The interventions are grouped around the strategic planning objectives: Pollution Control, Sustainable Water Management and River Rehabilitation, Sustainable Agriculture, Jordan River Basin Governance, Ecological Rehabilitation, Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Heritage Development, and Urban and Infrastructure Development.”
Addressing Water Issues in the RegionJordan River
Amélie Joseph,
January 2013
Water markets are among the tools implemented to help sustain environmental flows in basins facing water scarcity issues worldwide. We explore here the possibility of such a market for the Jordan River Basin, with a buy-back mechanism limited to drought periods. The mechanism, inspired by Australian experiences, could contribute to the rehabilitation of the Lower Jordan River, by recovering water for the River from the agricultural sector, based on farmers’ voluntary participation.
Addressing Water Issues in the RegionJordan River
Saeb Bamya, CORE Associates, Palestine Professor Nir Becker, Tel-Hai College, Israel Ele Jan Saaf, SaafConsult BV, Jordan Dr. David Katz, Regional Editor,
December 2012
This Regional Benefits Study provides a critical scientific tool to help decision makers determine how water resources should be allocated in the Lower Jordan River basin by identifying the benefits that can be derived from various rehabilitation scenarios. It’s findings provide decision makers, donors, and regional actors with insight and appraisal of opportunities for development that would result from a rehabilitated Lower Jordan River. These results identify positive-sum outcomes to responsible river management and rehabilitation of the Lower Jordan River.
Addressing Water Issues in the RegionJordan River
Emily Hylton, Jordanian JR Project Manager, Concept Document Editor,
September 2012
This 2012 concept document is intended as an update to EcoPeace Middle East’s March 2005 publication, Crossing the Jordan.
This revision synthesizes the earlier document with research EcoPeace has since published: an environmental flows report on the rehabilitation of the river; economic analyses of opportunities to conserve and produce water in Palestine, Jordan, and Israel; a roadmap for Israel in the initial phase of the rehabilitation of the Jordan River; and a study of the shared economic benefits of the river’s rehabilitation. This document also refers to new studies, such as faith-based toolkits to engage the Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities in river rehabilitation, a regional NGO master plan for the Lower Jordan River, and the publication of a proposal for a Model Basin Commission for the Lower Jordan River (that were then only being developed, and have since been published).
Addressing Water Issues in the RegionJordan River
Gilad Safier Prepared by DHV MED on behalf of FoEME,
November 2011
This report, prepared by DHV Consultancy and Engineers on behalf of EcoPeace Tel Aviv using the innovative WEAP program, integrates the most up-to-date data regarding water sources, land and water use in the basin, climate change impacts, national plans that relate to the Lower Jordan and more, to give a clear projection for the future of the Lower Jordan and offer solutions for how Israeli decision makers can directly contribute to the river’s rehabilitation. The model demonstrates that a combination of implementing the mid-term plans already being advanced by the Israeli government, and cost effective water demand management strategies advocated by EcoPeace can return fresh water back into the Lower Jordan River to meet environmental flow recommendations.
Addressing Water Issues in the RegionEducating for Peace and SustainabilityJordan River
Yana W. Abu-Taleb, Jordanian Jordan River Peace Park Project Coordinator Elizabeth Ya’ari, Editor and Israeli Jordan River Peace Park Project Coordinator,
July 2011
EcoPeace’s first photography book, “A Promise of Peace” highlights the unique cultural and natural heritage sites found within the proposed Jordan River Peace Park. The stunning photographs, by photographer Eddie Gerald, remind us anew what we are working to protect and restore.
Copies of “A Promise of Peace” are available for purchase at 40 Euros/copy by writing to info@ecopeaceme.org
Addressing Water Issues in the RegionJordan River
Jesse Baltutis,
May 2011
‘Water and Sanitation in the Palestinian Jordan Valley: A 2011 Snapshot’ is a study undertaken by EcoPeace Middle East to strengthen the knowledge base on the current water and sanitation situation in the Palestinian Jordan Valley. Compiled from a variety of sources, and substantiated by field research, the study seeks to shed light on the stark reality of water scarcity and environmental degradation in the Palestinian Jordan Valley.
Addressing Water Issues in the RegionEconomic Opportunities and Investments for PeacebuildingJordan River
Jesse Baltutis,
February 2011
EcoPeace has undertaken this report with the aim to highlight the importance of a healthy Jordan River for the economic benefits of the West Bank, and to foster Palestinian political and public support for the rehabilitation of this historical river. Six development options are highlighted within the paper, and each option could be considered as one piece of a larger plan towards the sustainable development of the Palestinian economy. This report takes as its starting point the necessity of securing fair access and equitable allocation of freshwater resources for the development of the Palestine economy.
Economic Opportunities and Investments for Peacebuilding
Udi Sommera, Francesca Fassbenderber,
March 2024
This academic paper by a former intern of EcoPeace explores the potential of environmental peacebuilding (EP) beyond violent conflict resolution, focusing on sustaining peace agreements and addressing climate change. Through the lens of the Israel-UAE case, it highlights the value of environmental collaboration (EC) in fostering regional stability and cooperation. The findings advocate for a broader understanding of EP and its transformative role in building resilient and peaceful societies globally.
Educating for Peace and Sustainability
Alex Grzybowski & Chanda Hunnie, Pacific Resolutions,
June 2021
A central focus of this report is the need for cooperation at all levels in addressing climate change impacts in peace mediation. In that spirit, we encourage readers to use and share the content of this report for non-commercial purposes
Climate Crisis in the Middle EastGreen Blue Deal
Gidon Bromberg, Nada Majdalani, and Yana Abu Taleb,
December 2020
This report seeks to inform the policy considerations of Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian policy makers, and the understanding of international stakeholders, as they work to meet the challenges posed by climate change in our region. The authors’ assessment is that a “Middle East Green Blue Deal” – one that gives additional emphasis to the particular importance of water and water scarcity issues in the region is a practical, feasible and effective policy approach to an urgent challenge, and one that can serve to address conflict drivers, advance a two state solution, based on 1967 borders and promote trust-building and cooperation in a conflict-mired region.
Climate Crisis in the Middle East
KAS/EcoPeace,
November 2020
During October 2020, EcoPeace team partnered with a diverse group of 30 Middle East experts for a three-day simulation. During the three days, this group identified potential national and regional initiatives that might solve existing and emerging challenges derived from the current convergence between climate change, national security, and the coronavirus pandemic.
David B. Brooks, Julie Trottier, Giulia Giordano,
April 2020
This book highlights the search for permanent freshwater agreements between Israel, Palestine, and the western portions of Jordan, and underscores the benefits of shared water management among the three countries. Throughout the book, efforts are made to share transboundary water in ways that are simultaneously physically feasible, ecologically sustainable, and socially equitable. Thanks to the Peace Treaty between Israel and Jordan, the management of shared water resources has been working well, though future relationships are uncertain at present. However, the current arrangements for Israel and Palestine are, at best, inadequate and, in some cases, counterproductive. In closing, the book argues that trilateral agreements on water can and should be concluded now, before seeking to resolve the full range of issues that remain uncertain in a Final Status Agreement between Israel and Palestine.
Climate Crisis in the Middle East
Inga Carry and Giulia Giordano,
January 2019
This paper is part of a regional EcoPeace Middle East project, which was uniquely comprised of a set of three national roundtables held in Amman, Ramallah, and Tel Aviv, and a regional roundtable, which took place in November 2018 at the Dead Sea, Jordan, as part of the 2018 EcoPeace Annual Conference. At each event, participants from a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including government, academia, think tanks, private sector, and civil society actively engaged in discussions on climate change and its implications for national and regional security.
Climate Crisis in the Middle East
Dr. David Katz and Dr. Arkadiy Shafran,
November 2017
The pre-feasibility study shows that the water-energy exchanges foreseen between Jordan, Palestine, and Israel are technically feasible and potentially offer substantial economic, environmental and geo-political benefits to each of the parties.
Faith-Based Approached to Middle East Peace
Ecopeace Middle East,
March 2017
This is a toolkit of information to help multi-faith communities learn about the condition of the Jordan River and join in efforts to rehabilitate the once mighty Jordan. The document describes the demise of the Jordan River, what went wrong, and why it matters; provides a compilation of writings about the place of the Jordan River in the three traditions, Christian, Jewish and Muslim, including texts, prayers, essays and lesson plans to assist educators in designing programs for a wide range of age groups as well as suggestions for how your community can support regional efforts to rehabilitate the Jordan River.
Educating for Peace and Sustainability
EcoPeace GWN Priority Initiatives Team: Yana Abu Taleb, Regional Projects Manager; Jordan Deputy Director Shelly Lev-Sherman, Israeli GWN Project Manager Malek Abualfailat , Palestinian GWN Project Manager Abdel Rahman Sultan, Jordanian GWN Project Manager Mira Edelstein, Mohammad Bundokji and Gidon Bromberg, Editors,
November 2016
This publication describes the 2016 efforts of the Good Water Neighbors project team to identify environmental challenges and provide feasible solutions for “Priority Initiatives” in the participating communities.
Addressing Water Issues in the RegionJordan River
Jeroen Kool,
June 2015
A Regional Integrated NGO Master Plan for the Jordan Valley, from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. A Marshal Plan that converts a polluted river and highly depressed economic area to a model for river rehabilitation, economic growth, and regional stability.
127 specific regional and national projects (“interventions“) have been identified in the framework of the Master Plan, with a total investment value of 4.58 billion USD until the year 2050.
The interventions are grouped around the strategic planning objectives: Pollution Control, Sustainable Water Management and River Rehabilitation, Sustainable Agriculture, Jordan River Basin Governance, Ecological Rehabilitation, Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Heritage Development, and Urban and Infrastructure Development.
Faith-Based Approached to Middle East Peace
Ecopeace Middle East,
March 2017
This is a toolkit of information to help multi-faith communities learn about the condition of the Jordan River and join in efforts to rehabilitate the once mighty Jordan. The document describes the demise of the Jordan River, what went wrong, and why it matters; provides a compilation of writings about the place of the Jordan River in the three traditions, Christian, Jewish and Muslim, including texts, prayers, essays and lesson plans to assist educators in designing programs for a wide range of age groups as well as suggestions for how your community can support regional efforts to rehabilitate the Jordan River.
Faith-Based Approached to Middle East Peace
Ecopeace Middle East,
June 2014
This is a toolkit of information to help Christian communities learn about the condition of the Jordan River and join in efforts to rehabilitate the once mighty Jordan. The document describes the demise of the Jordan River, what went wrong, and why it matters; provides a compilation of writings about the place of the Jordan River in the Christian tradition, texts, prayers, songs, poems, essays and lesson plans to assist educators in designing programs for a wide range of age groups as well as suggestions for how your community can support regional efforts to rehabilitate the Jordan River.Click here for an Arabic version of this publication.
Faith-Based Approached to Middle East Peace
Ecopeace Middle East,
June 2014
This is a toolkit of information to help Muslim communities learn about the condition of the Jordan River and join in efforts to rehabilitate the once mighty Jordan. The document describes the demise of the Jordan River, what went wrong, and why it matters; provides a compilation of writings about the place of the Jordan River in the Muslim tradition, texts, prayers, songs, poems, essays and lesson plans to assist educators in designing programs for a wide range of age groups as well as suggestions for how your community can support regional efforts to rehabilitate the Jordan River.Click here for an Arabic version of this publication.
Faith-Based Approached to Middle East Peace
Ecopeace Middle East,
June 2014
This is a toolkit of information to help Jewish communities learn about the condition of the Jordan River and join in efforts to rehabilitate the once mighty Jordan. The document describes the demise of the Jordan River, what went wrong, and why it matters; provides a compilation of writings about the place of the Jordan River in the Jewish tradition, texts, prayers, songs, poems, essays and lesson plans to assist educators in designing programs for a wide range of age groups as well as suggestions for how your community can support regional efforts to rehabilitate the Jordan River. Click here for a Hebrew version of this publication.
Faith-Based Approached to Middle East Peace
Ecopeace Middle East,
As part of the Jordan River faith based campaign, EcoPeace is launching the Jordan River Covenant – a visionary document which both condemns the degradation of the valley and expresses our vision of a healthy, living river. We are asking faith based leadership, national leaders and members of the public to endorse this document as an expression of their support for the rehabilitation of the Lower Jordan River.