Society - Water - Technology

This book presents interdisciplinary evaluation criteria for MWEPs and applies the criteria to the Lower Jordan Valley (Middle East) and the Fergana Valley (Central Asia). Both cases are characterized by transboundary conflicts, challenges caused by demographic and climate change, and by political and societal pressures. Based on the findings, the book provides recommendations for science and political decisions makers as well as for international financing institutions. It also outlines research gaps from an interdisciplinary perspective.§In the past, major water engineering projects (MWEPs) have been used as an instrument to cope with the demands of growing populations and for enhancing development progress. Experiences with MWEPs have shown that a purely technical approach has not always brought about the desired results. In many cases, MWEPs even had negative implications for society and environment. Therefore, improved management strategies and enhanced technologies for a sustainable water resource management system are needed in order to meet present and future challenges. Furthermore, the continuous evaluation and optimization of these measures is essential.§§This book presents the results of the Interdisciplinary Research Group "Society - Water - Technology" of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities.§§