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The regional dialogue programme focused on the vital issue of conserving oasis ecosystems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region under water stress and was jointly organized by KAS-REMENA and WANA Institute/ Royal Scientific Society in Jordan. The event brought together esteemed experts and policymakers to address the challenges, innovative solutions, and future approaches for the re-valorisation of oases as important ecosystems and catalysts for socio-economic development in the MENA region.

The dialogue was opened by Veronika Ertl, Director of KAS-REMENA, who emphasized the significance of conserving and restoring oasis ecosystems and highlighted the potential of these ecosystems to serve as a gateway for regional cooperation, given their profound socio-economic and ecological value. Dr. Majd Al Naber, Manager of the Sustainable Development Division at WANA Institute and Director of Science for Society Centre at the Royal Scientific Society, in her opening remarks emphasized that the preservation of these ecosystems holds immense significance not only for local communities but also on a national and regional scale. She moreover stressed the need to foster an environment that nurtures learning, facilitates knowledge sharing, and promotes cooperation among countries and stakeholders, thus ensuring enhanced livelihoods and long-term sustainability.

On the first day of the event, a regional workshop successfully convened national and regional experts and stakeholders from a multitude of MENA countries, including Jordan, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Oman, Lebanon and Algeria. These distinguished experts represented governmental, non-governmental, and international organizations, collectively illuminating the perils posed by climate change and unsustainable management practices to oasis ecosystems in the region and approaches for the conservation. By sharing their roles, experiences, and success stories, the participants facilitated an enriching knowledge exchange. Among others, participants shared their experience on traditional water sharing and management systems, the role renewable energies can play in for sustainable oases, approaches to the development of eco-tourism and the creation of economic opportunities around oases.

And while throughout the exchanges, many similar challenges for oases throughout the MENA region were identified, the inputs of different regional stakeholders also highlighted the need to take into consideration the distinctive features of each country and each oasis ecosystem. Any conservation efforts, if wanting to be successful, will have to be tailored to these specific circumstances, taking into account existing traditional approaches, the role of local communities and distinct ecological features. 

On the second day, the regional delegation had the opportunity to visit the Azraq wetland as an example of a threatened oasis ecosystem and to learn about the restoration efforts that have been carried out to restore at least parts of the wetlands. During a roundtable, participants engaged with representatives from local communities, political decision makers and local farmers, who have witnessed first-hand the myriad changes impacting this delicate ecosystem and the conflicts of interests arising around between conservation efforts and the demands of local communities. The discussions however also highlighted the important role of the oasis for job creation and economic development in the region, thus fostering the support of local communities for the wetlands. The immersive experience in Azraq further deepened the understanding of the challenges faced by oasis ecosystems grappling with water stress.

Throughout the dialogue programme, a resounding message was the urgent need for heightened collaboration and knowledge-sharing among countries in the MENA region on the topic of oasis ecosystems. Presenting important hubs for the mitigation of climate change, provision of food security, safeguarding of biodiversity and enabling socio-economic development, countries of the MENA region should work together towards preserving and sustainably maintaining their oasis ecosystems.

The results of the dialogue will be a compiled in an article comprising the lessons learned, best practices, and recommendations drawn from the experiences and efforts in diverse oasis ecosystems across the MENA region. This publication seeks to guide policymakers in formulating robust strategies, policies, and innovative approaches to address the challenges posed by water stress and unsustainable management practices in these ecosystems and in fostering regional cooperation around these issues.