The co-operation mechanism has been presented at a thematic session at the Amman Summit, where the permanent status of the consortium has been discussed. Technology provides opportunities for helping resolve some of these problems. Information on existing technology and science, can be a basis for creating co-operative actions amongst countries in the region. The water situation in the Middle East and North Africa region is precarious. Population and development have overwhelmed traditional management practice.
Water scarcity is the most critical, and pollution growth is as severe as the rest of the world.
It is projected that the per capita renewable water supply will fall from 3,430 cubic meters in 1960, to 667 cubic meters in 2025. In several countries of the region, renewable freshwater will barely cover basic human needs within two decades. Managing water resources and preserving water quality require international efforts. Rivers and aquifers cross national boundaries. More than 200 river basins are shared by two or more countries.