



Infrastructure Development Studies » Water

OIC 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.

SESRIC research in the domain of water fills an important gap in water research in the OIC and presents objective information and analyses on the current state as well as the challenges and risks facing OIC countries, and how to transform the risks and challenges into opportunities for cooperation. In addition, SESRIC conducts research and surveys in order to identify the water related needs and priorities of OIC countries and to evaluate the current state of implementing the OIC Water Vision.

SESRIC, also, regularly prepares the OIC Water Report to be presented to the Islamic Conference of Ministers Responsible for Water, which takes place once every two years. Through its research, surveys, and reports SESRIC is playing a role in expanding the body of knowledge in the OIC member countries in the domain of water and contributing to the decision making process in OIC member countries through enacting appropriate policies and strategies that enables the OIC countries to successfully address the water challenges and risks they face.