Recent Issues

OIC Water Report 2021 (13 August 2021) OIC Water Report 2018 (15 October 2018) OIC Water Report 2015 (30 November 2015)

Introduction

The OIC member countries face common water constraints and challenges. Population growth, rapid urbanization, increased economic activity and rising consumption place pressures on water demand, while non-revenue water, pollution, climate change, hydrologic variability, land use and changing ecosystems limit water availability. Increased demand and limited availability of water will inevitably affect the sustainability of agriculture and industry and will affect OIC countries’ ability to produce the products and services necessary for sustaining and improving current standards of living. If OIC countries do not act soon, it will be more likely to observe increased water shortages, health crises, and disputes and conflicts over water throughout the OIC region. The domain of water is one of the important areas of cooperation identified by the OIC member countries for joint Islamic action under the OIC-2025 Programme of Action. So far, OIC countries held four sessions of Islamic Conference of Ministers Responsible for Water (ICMRW) and adopted the OIC Water Vision to address the water related issues and challenges across the Islamic world. The SESRIC regularly prepares and presents the OIC Water Report as the main technical background document of the ICMRW. The report fills an important gap in water research publications in the OIC and presents objective information and analyses on the current state as well as the challenges and risks facing OIC countries in the domain of water, and how to transform the risks and challenges into opportunities for cooperation. The report also identifies water related needs and priorities of OIC Countries and evaluates the current state of implementing the OIC Water Vision. The report concludes with a policy discussion and implications.