Attachments
Dr. Kamar Khazal
MERCY CORPS 2023
Introduction
The foremost aim of this catalog is to serve as a scientifically informed handbook for water harvesting techniques in Syria. It is intended to be a valuable resource for individuals, communities and organizations actively engaged in implementing water harvesting methods for agricultural and domestic purposes.
This catalogue presents a diverse range of water harvesting systems tailored to the environmental and climatic challenges facing Syria, to address drought-like events and to increase collective resilience adverse effects of climate change consequences (by mitigating cc-related risks). It is designed to serve as a foundational document for initiating water harvesting projects across various regions of the country, aligning these projects with the needs of local populations and the ultimate objective of utilizing collected water effectively to enhance water use sustainability.
The best way to use it is to meet the community of beneficiaries and discuss with them which type of activity they are willing to participate in. Community engagement is key to assure that the activity will be kept after the project is finished.
Background and Context
Syria, located within the arid and semi-arid regions of the Eastern Mediterranean, grapples with a water scarcity crisis of significant magnitude. Syria is becoming increasingly water scarce with the rise of the demands on the water and exceeding the available water sources in the country (VarelaOrtega and Sagardoy, 2002).and it is known as a pressing concern with multifaceted ecological, societal, and economic implications. Currently, 40 percent of the global population resides in waterstressed river basins, with water demand projected to increase by 55 percent by 20501. While Syria's water scarcity challenge mirrors a broader global trend, it is further compounded by unique regional and domestic factors.
Syria's water scarcity is driven by multiple and complex factors that have for years left millions of Syrians relying on unsafe water sources2. Practices such as unsustainable water utilization, excessive extraction of groundwater - driven by agricultural, industrial, domestic, and municipal demands - have surpassed replenishment rates, leading to the depletion of aquifers. The inherent unpredictability of rainfall exacerbates water stress, amplifying the complexity of water resource management.
Water scarcity has worsened the humanitarian crisis, diminishing access to clean drinking water, and giving rise to waterborne diseases and associated health challenges. There were reports from 24 percent of the population in the local communities that they had scarce access to a primary water source, leaving about 6.9 million people with monthly access to a primary water source for only 2-7 days.3. Water insufficiency is forcing households to resort to negative coping mechanisms, such as changing hygiene practices or increasing household debt to afford water costs4. The agricultural sector, a linchpin of Syria's economy, has borne the brunt of water scarcity. Diminished water availability has resulted in decreased crop yields, heightened food insecurity, and economic hardships for rural communities5, At the end of 2022, 12 million people were food insecure and 2.5 million were severely food insecure with 2.9 million are coming closer to a risk of hunger6(OCHA 2023).
Rainwater Harvesting as a Sustainable Solution
Rainwater harvesting is a time-tested, sustainable practice encompassing the collection and storage of rainwater for supplementing the surface and underground water and been used for diverse applications, including agriculture and domestic use. This ancient technique has witnessed renewed interest in recent years, owing to its compelling environmental, economic, and social benefits. It assumes a pivotal role in mitigating water scarcity challenges, particularly in regions grappling with issues concerning water availability and equitable distribution.
The choice of rainwater harvesting technique is contingent upon several variables: Environmental conditions (rain intensity, availability of water resources, quality of rainwater, distribution of seasons), Technical factors (available space, intended utilization, capacity of storage tank, use of system and local regulations, effective system design, rigorous maintenance protocols, and vigilant water quality management) Economical factors (budget, cost of construction, cost of operating the system, maintenance) and the policies and regulations in the area. Community acceptance and engagement are also key factors to avoid the system to be abandoned after it is built.