Water Management as a Tool for Regional Stability in Arid Regions
The Negev Desert as a case study for
Middle East and North Africa.
AbstractThis paper examines the use of water management as a tool for enhancing regional stability in arid environments, focusing on the Israeli Negev Desert. With water scarcity being a well-known challenge in the region, the study proposes an approach that integrates innovative technologies, establishing a youth-focused education center, and strengthening community collaborations. We specifically highlight the expansion and replication of successful local initiatives that advance educational work within schools (as seen throughout the research), with the Bedouin communities of the area as a case study. Emphasizing the importance of building bridges between the Bedouin and non-Bedouin communities in the Negev, the research proposes the establishment of a youth-focused education center as a key initiative. The research entails a detailed analysis of the relationship between the unique socio-political dynamics in the area and water scarcity. The research further explores responses that possible interventions would acquire through data collected from surveys and interviews which will assess the needs, desires, and existing conditions of the target audience. The information gathered was crucial to understanding and filling gaps in the existing literature regarding our target audience. The findings suggest that water management can significantly contribute to social and regional stability in the Negev Desert, through which the study aims to provide a model for vulnerable desert communities in the MENA region.
IntroductionThe human body, composed of approximately 60% water, and the earth’s surface, covered by 70% water, underscore the elemental bond between humanity and its environment (U.S. Geological Survey, 2019a; U.S. Geological Survey, 2019b).. Efficient water management is critical to maintaining the vital connection between humans and the environment. As climate change becomes a predominant global challenge and water resources become depleted, water scarcity challenges escalate leading to striking figures of four billion people, two-thirds of the global population, experiencing extreme water scarcity at least once a year (UNICEF, n.d.). The issue is exasperated in the arid climates. Deserts, characterized by low precipitation and relative humidity, present unique challenges in water allocation. Despite the harsh conditions, deserts are home to nearly one billion people who rely on groundwater and brackish water, resources that are increasingly depleting due to climate change and overexploitation and water allocation becomes a testing task (Patel et al., 2023; Callahan et al., 2019; Kong et al., 2011).
This research will delve into the subject of internal water management, drawing from
concepts from water diplomacy, proposing it as a tool with a preventive role for regional
stability in arid areas in the MENA Region, focusing on the case of Bedouin communities
living in informal villages in the Israeli Negev desert. They are perceived negatively by the
non-Bedouin residents of the Negev who live in the surrounding major cities and townships
of Jewish majority (Sivan, 2022). Using the guiding research question “how can water
management technologies and systems be leveraged to promote coexistence in desert-based
vulnerable communities?,” this paper aims to provide a multifaceted approach to addressing
internal water management and its ramifications on the socio-political fabric in the Negev
Desert, and serves as a case study for the broader context of vulnerable desert communities in
the MENA region.
The issue of water scarcity deepens environmental challenges while also historically
instigating socio-political conflicts. It is suggested that water conflict dates back as early as
2500 BC when two groups clashed over water and irrigation in western Asia (Pacific
Institute, n.d.). In the context of the area of interest to the research, the MENA Region,
transboundary waters conflict has arisen many times throughout the years, with the Suez
Crisis of 1956, the Sharm el Sheikh blockade of 1969, the Red Sea Crisis of 2023-24 being
some of the examples. International relations between states and other groups in the MENA
region are dependent on water distribution (Said, 1971). This has been the case with the
Israeli Arab Diversion Plan of 1964-1967, the conquest (in 1967) and annexation of the
Golan Heights by Israel in 1981, the Israeli-Jordanian Peace Treaty of 1994, and the
Israeli-Palestinian Peace Process’ Oslo II Accord of 1995 (Wolf, 1995).
Transboundary water management is a highly discussed topic with multiple success
stories between hostile riparian states that led to the prevention of further conflict and
regional stability (Gleick, 1993). However, much less is observed regarding the internal
management of shared water resources and its potential as a catalyst for conflict or prosperity
and stability.
Case Study: Status of Water Accessibility in Unrecognized Bedouin Communities of the Negev DesertThe Bedouins are of Arabic descent, however, they have no defining origin within the Arabic lands due to their historically nomadic lifestyles within the deserts of Arabia (Katsap & Silverman, 2016). Regarding their modern day geographic locations, Bedouins currently reside in the Middle Eastern deserts of Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Iraq, and Israel (Kark & Frantzman, 2012). Israel’s southern half, the Negev Desert, is home to approximately 300,000 Bedouins who live in four varieties of residential establishments; unrecognized settlements, yet-to-be-recognized settlements, newly recognized villages, and governmental planned townships (Almasi, 2023). The residents of these establishments, especially unrecognized settlements, face continuous resource allocation difficulties as a result of numerous challenges that will be discussed below.
The Israeli government has continuously pressed for the unrecognized communities to
relocate to recognized Bedouin cities and settlements, where municipal water and other
services are more reliable. However, due to cultural territorialism as well as disputed
boundaries and land ownership, many believe this to be an unviable solution (Murthy, et al.,
2013). Generally, across southern Israeli towns, cities, and industries, Mekorot, the national
water courier, provides water year-round (Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, 2018).
However, this is not the case in the Negev’s Bedouin communities. Currently, 11 Bedouin
settlements in Israel are recognized, while 35 settlements remain unrecognized (Negev
Coexistence Forum for Civil Equality, n.d.).
Unrecognized Bedouin villages face challenges in receiving such water services from
Mekorot, with 91% of settlements not having water infrastructure at all. This is partially due
to their vast dispersal deep within the desert and the disparities between the Bedouin
population of the Negev and the Israeli government (State Comptroller, 2021). Consequently,
those living in the unrecognized settlements often resort to illegal conduct and actions to
obtain water resources. Mekorot Courier incurs about 105 yearly instances of damage,
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stealth, and harm to national infrastructure and resources in the Negev area due to illegal
activities of members from Bedouin communities. 2021 marked a notable 57% water
depreciation in the area mainly due to the theft of water by residents of unrecognized villages
(also referred to as HaPzura in Hebrew) from the Neve Midbar water corporation. Moreover,
there is no existing body responsible for sewage treatment in unrecognized villages (State
Comptroller, 2021). Accordingly, the Israeli Negev locals suffer from the situation and tend
to distrust the Bedouin population. The growing social rift makes it difficult for partnerships,
understanding, and cooperation to flourish (Tamir & Gutovnik, n.d).
In sum, the socio-political and cultural rift among Negev residents, combined with the
desert’s unique geographic and climate conditions and water distribution challenges make for
a volatile environment that is not easily manageable by any of the actors involved. In our
view, if left untreated, these tensions could catalyze an irreversible rupture in Israeli society
with repercussions on national and natural resource security.
Target audienceThe research is centered on examining the water accessibility conditions within Bedouin communities in Southern Israel. We have chosen to engage with Bedouin individuals residing in this region due to their unique perspectives on the challenges and conditions of water management within their communities. Focusing on Bedouin communities in the South of Israel allows us to hone in on a group facing distinct socio-economic, geographic, and technological challenges, particularly those residing in unrecognized settlements.
We emphasize participation from a broad age range, between 19 and 60, aiming to
represent the future leaders of these communities. Their responses are reflective of current
conditions as well as indicative of future trends and potential areas for intervention. The
lifestyle and settlement patterns of the target audience are integral to this study. This
understanding enables the proposal of viable solutions that are effective but also culturally
and contextually appropriate. By excluding urban Bedouins and those living in the northern
regions of Israel, our study maintains a focused geographical scope that allows for a more
detailed and specific analysis of the water existing management issues. This decision is
grounded in the recognition that different regions face different challenges, influenced by a
variety of socio-economic and environmental factors.
The ultimate goal in selecting this specific audience is to gather comprehensive,
firsthand information on water accessibility that reflects the complex interplay of
geographical location, cultural practices, and administrative recognition. This is crucial for
developing targeted, sustainable solutions that address the challenges Bedouin communities
face in Southern Israel that can hopefully serve as a blueprint for other cases of vulnerable
communities in the area, especially seeing as Bedouin communities reside in other countries
such as Jordan and Egypt. Moreover, this focus underscores the importance of understanding
and improving water accessibility is not just about addressing a basic human need, but rather
recognizing and respecting the rights, traditions, and needs of the vulnerable community. This
research aims to contribute to a body of knowledge that supports the development of
informed, effective, and respectful water management strategies, highlighting the critical
intersection of human rights, environmental sustainability, and cultural heritage.
Water Diplomacy as a Path ForwardDespite the prevalence of water cooperation agreements on transboundary sources, there is a notable gap in addressing internal water conflicts. By examining the case of the Negev Desert, we explore how addressing internal water scarcity can set the stage for broader regional cooperation, ultimately contributing to stability in the tension-embedded region. Our research into water diplomacy reveals both the challenges and opportunities in fostering cooperation and peace through the strategic management of water resources. By emphasizing conflict prevention, mediation, and governance frameworks that promote transparency and benefit-sharing, we highlight the potential of water diplomacy based initiatives in mitigating regional tensions and fostering long-term stability.
For purposes of our research, we use Schmeier’s definition of water diplomacy – “the
use of diplomatic instruments to existing or emerging disagreements and conflicts over
shared water resources to solve or mitigate those for the sake of cooperation, regional
stability, and peace” (Schmeier, 2018). This paper will draw from water diplomacy concepts
with the sim of enhancing national security and stability, rather than international stability. In
the context of national instability between communities of the Negev desert, both
preventative and cooperative aspects of water diplomacy are examined. The preventative
concept entails conflict prevention and mediation, as well as building trust and confidence.
Cooperative water diplomacy addresses governance frameworks with transparency and
benefit-sharing (Keskinen, 2021).
Literature reviewWater holds significant cultural and social value, particularly for Bedouin communities, where it is intricately woven into their daily lives and practices (Aboul-Naga, 2018). The complexity of water management in these contexts is thus multifaceted, encompassing ecological, economic, and cultural dimensions. There is an intricate relationship between water management and diplomacy in the MENA region is an emerging field of study. As many countries in the region share water sources, efficient and collaborative management strategies have the potential to enhance regional stability and foster peace. According to a UN Water Conference Report from 2023, effective water management practices in transboundary regions have increased cooperation between neighboring nations, contributing to regional stability (United Nations, 2023). This section will examine the lessons learned from different cases and how they can be applied to address the water management challenges that this research’s case study presents as well as its applicability in similar groups throughout the region.
Different approaches to solving water scarcity in arid climatesThe following section summarizes several case studies from different regions in the world, where communities dealing with issues of water quality, availability and accessibility have successfully incorporated technological solutions to overcome these challenges.
- When managing water for irrigated agriculture in the Central Arizona Desert, USA, the challenges faced by farmers, especially their reliance on irrigation and the impact of climate 6 change, are examined in a study published in a scientific investigation report of the U.S. Geological Survey (Page, W.R. et. al., 2018). Strategies of water allocation in this region include the flexible use of groundwater and surface water sources and stakeholder collaboration (Eakin, 2021) In the Santa Cruz Basin, Arizona, the key strategy shifts to groundwater management, where a three-dimensional geologic model aids in understanding water flow and identifying deep aquifers . This approach is instrumental in informing sustainable groundwater use.
- In Xinjiang, China, research in the Aksu Farmland Ecosystem has been directed towards partitioning evapotranspiration components in cotton fields, using stable isotopes for precision irrigation management in arid areas (Zhao et al., 2023) [these concepts have not been used before, you might want to explain a bit]. Similarly, the Tarim Basin in Central Asia presents a study examining the dynamics of groundwater levels affected by the land-cover change, emphasizing the importance of sustainable groundwater management (Wang et al., 2023).
- Research conducted on a runoff simulation and reconstruction using machine learning models in the High-Cold Mountains Area highlights the significance of accurate forecasting in water resource management for arid zones (Wang et al., 2023).
- From West Africa, a study on drought hazard modeling using extreme value theory offers an advanced method for drought hazard assessment (Bonjean, 2023).
Incorporating insights from global studies, such as those presented above, can support
the development of more efficient water management strategies with desert-based
populations. This approach is not about presenting external solutions as definitive but rather
about facilitating collaborative knowledge exchange. Integrating local expertise with
adaptable water allocation strategies, like those seen in Central Arizona, can help develop
comprehensive water management plans. Moreover, the implementation of advanced
monitoring and forecasting systems, similar to those in the Xinjiang and High-Cold
Mountains studies, could enhance the effectiveness of water distribution and resource
management. Such systems can provide real-time data and predictive analytics, aiding in
better resource allocation and decision-making. Engaging Bedouin communities in a dialogue
that merges their traditional knowledge with other methods of water management could aid in
fostering sustainable water use, drawing inspiration from methods employed in the Santa
Cruz Basin and West African studies while adopting them to the needs of the Bedouin
communities.
Additional and insightful case studies range from limiting aquifer over-pumping in
the Northwest Sahara Aquifer System to implementing affordable water treatment solutions
in Zambia and Kenya (Kinzelbach, et al. 2010; Mabande, 2018). They provide perspectives
on sustainable water and sanitation management and emphasize the importance of
community engagement, integrating modern technologies with traditional practices. These
technologies not only provide new avenues for efficient water usage and conservation but
also offer tools for predicting and mitigating the impacts of climate change on water
resources. Innovation is key to achieving water sustainability in arid regions and beyond.
The implementation of technology in this context must take into account the unique
characteristics of each environment. Different regions require flexible solutions that can adapt
to the specific context and conditions of each case. In the case of the Negev Bedouin
communities, alternative water technologies are preferable over conventional innovations.
The reason is that conventional technologies are not designed to perform in low relative
humidity and they do not consider these communities’ lack of resources. Conventional water
innovations presuppose the ability to pay, access to existing infrastructure, extensive energy
requirements, and an initial flowing water source (i.e., desalination, recycling wastewater,
etc.)(Peeters, et al., 2020). These are resources that vulnerable, desert-based communities
often lack.
Decentralized systems in vulnerable communitiesA decentralized approach would allow such communities to obtain a sustainable water supply without relying on the centralized grid and the infrastructure of the surrounding urban areas (Cherunya et al., 2015). In his study of Kenya, Cherunya explored water-borne diseases, lack of sanitation, and contaminated drinking water in low-income communities, and discusses how a private entity provides decentralized sustainable and clean options for drinking and domestic water. Through quantitative and qualitative surveys, this group of researchers found decentralized water solutions to be successful, viable, and long-term options.
An additional study, led by Biorefinery Engineering and Microfluidics (BEAM)
Microfluidics Research Group in Pakistan, was conducted to determine if solar-powered
decentralized water systems could be installed in a way that preserves the natural
environment. Conventional, industrial wastewater and drinking water supply systems often
contaminate and pollute water sources (Hafeez, et al., 2021). It concluded that it is viable and
less environmentally harmful for wastewater and potable water systems to be replaced with
solar-powered decentralized alternatives. (Hafeez, et al., 2021; Lioubimtseva et al., 2004).
As regions around the world continue to experience the challenge of water scarcity
and environmental degradation, the results from the BEAM research Group highlight the
critical need to employ sustainable water management practices. It becomes imperative to
explore innovative solutions that can provide reliable, sustainable water sources to
communities that experience such challenges.
AWG Technologies as a solution for arid climatesOne promising innovation that has emerged as a viable solution, specifically in arid climate, is Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG). This method suggests an approach to water extraction using the surrounding air. AWG technologies can be employed in ways that apply to our research. Such methods are based on adsorbent materials that perform efficiently in low relative humidity and require little to no initial water flow, energy source, or infrastructure. AWG is the process in which water vapor is captured from the ambient air and can be used for irrigation and further treated to allow for clean, potable water (Peeters, et al., 2020).
In a study by Hengyi Lu, an AWG device utilizes PAM-LiCl, which can absorb water
vapor in conditions of low relative humidity. This material was made using a combination of
hygroscopic gel (PAM) and lithium chloride (LiCl). The substance was ground to form a powder-like material and tested under different humidity levels. The results show that the
PAM-LiCl combination can manipulate the state of the water molecules within the molecular
structure of the gel, making the water molecules very loosely bonded and reducing the heat
required to separate such molecules ( Lu, et al., 2022). Thus, releasing the water requires very
little energy. These researchers’ work proves PAM-LiCl’s ability to collect and release
significant amounts of water under low relative humidity, using little amounts of energy, and
provides insight for future application of this substance as a viable material in innovative
solutions for water harvesting in arid climates (Lu, et al., 2022).
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of
California, Berkeley, designed a device that utilizes the process of condensation to harvest
water from the air, specifically in arid climates. The device has many components, but its
state-of-the-art MOF-801 (metal-organic framework) as an adsorbent for water vapor makes
this research exceptional. When relative humidity is higher at night, the MOF-801 layer can
adsorb water vapor at humidity levels lower than 40% (Kim, et al., 2018). Along with the use
of MOF-801, attached to the device is a solar absorber, which converts sunlight to solar
thermal energy. Using the MOF-801 and solar absorber, this device requires few resources
outside the patent.
AWG technologies can be designed and developed to require little to no previously
allocated resources. This type of innovative water technology, developed specifically for arid
climates and require little resources, is an example of the type of technology that could be
suited for addressing water management challenges in the Bedouin unrecognized villages.
Peacebuilding through joint water managementIn this section we examine examples of cases in which water diplomacy has been successful in settling disputes or disagreements regarding transboundary water bodies in the MENA region. Insights from transboundary water management can be helpful in the domestic context. For example, the preventive role of water diplomacy in conflict prone regions between hostile riparian states, as observed below in the examples of the Tigris and Euphrate rivers or the cooperative opportunities established through water diplomacy agreements between Jordan and Israel (Gleick, 1993). These examples show the roadmap to a creative, sustainable and efficient way of mitigating tensions while enhancing cooperation and communication through a shared interest, water resources
Efficient water management strategies in drought and conflict-prone regions that can
contribute to enhancing regional stability instead of exacerbating crises (Beaumont, P. 2010).
In 1994, a peace treaty was signed between Israel and Jordan. A large portion of the treaty
implicated the terms and allocations of both sides regarding their shared transboundary water
sources (Beaumont, 2010). The treaty recognizes that resolving the two countries’
competition over shared reserves is crucial for setting a precedent for peaceful diplomatic
relations between the two states (Beaumont, P. 2010). The success of the treaty played a part
in improving Jordan’s relationship with the US, which has since committed to providing
Jordan with security and military funding (AlMomani, 2012, p.6). The agreement eased the
Israelis’ concerns about security on the Jordanian front (AlMomani, 2012, p.6). The mutual
commitment to compromise on shared water sources has contributed to a relatively stable
relationship between Israel and Jordan. Three decades on, both parties’ adherence to the
treaty has allowed further collaboration regarding shared water resources such as research
and information sharing regarding the Dead Sea and its conservation in 2015 (Aggestam &
Sundell, 2016). This tripartite agreement illustrates the opportunities lying in using water as a
vector of collaboration rather than one of competition.
Another example is the case of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and the surrounding
water diplomacy tactics, which highlights how crucial proper management of transboundary
resources can be to coexistence among the MENA region. The rivers originate in Turkey, and
run through Syria and Iraq, creating the Euphrates-Tigris (ET) Basin (Kibaroglu, 2020).
These riparian states have continuously worked on developing strategies to properly allocate
water for their populations. Two bilateral protocols have been initiated among the three
countries: the Turkish-Syrian Protocol on Economic Cooperation of 1987, and the
Syrian-Iraqi Water Protocol of 1990 (Kibaroglu, 2020). These were implemented to set
minimum flow requirements for all interested countries and facilitated interim agreements of
the shared water source. In addition, several non-governmental actors take roles as
‘track-two’ diplomacy initiators, as they can see beyond political agendas and take the
interests of the three riparian states into account.
The ET basin has seen many track-two diplomacy actors take crucial roles in its water
management, such as the Euphrates-Tigris Initiative for Cooperation (ETIC) (Kibaroglu,
2020). The ETIC was established in 2005 and consists of professionals, previous diplomats,
technocrats, and scholars from all three riparian states, and works with the Turkish, Syrian,
and Iraqi governments to establish cooperative solutions to transboundary water allocation
with complete transparency and utmost collaboration efforts, even amidst regional conflict
(Kibaroglu, 2020). While currently there is no basin-wide, all-encompassing political agenda
between the three countries, a collaborative institutional framework was intended to spread a
nuanced cooperative understanding among the countries to further develop water allocation
and diplomatic efforts. The Joint Technical Committee (JTC), while never reaching
deployment stages, was envisioned as a way for the ET basin states to foster fair management
of the rivers (Kibaroglu, 2020).
While these riparian states have since experienced conflict within their borders as well
as disparities among themselves, their implementations of bilateral agreements,
non-governmental initiatives, and institutional frameworks highlight how promoting
dialogue, shared understanding, and collaborative efforts can set a precedent for future
conflict management as well as encourage the regional landscape of stability and coexistence.
The sections above explored the role of water as a potential catalyst of conflict as well
as how it can act as a bridge between actors in tense opposition. Innovative water
technologies were identified as the most viable and suitable solution for Bedouin
communities in the Negev, specifically AWG technologies. Assessing technologies and past
practices and failures enabled us to find suitable solutions capable of advancing water
management as a tool for fostering cooperation. Decentralized solutions seem particularly
suited for the case under review.
MethodologyThere is a lack of literature addressing the unique circumstances of unrecognized villages of Bedouin communities in the Negev Desert. To bridge this scholarly gap, our team has carried out a series of interviews and long-term dialogue with professionals who dedicate their work to studying and improving intercultural relationships in Southern Israel with a special focus on Bedouin communities.
Research Approach This research paper adopts a mixed-method approach, combining both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This methodological integration is crucial for gaining an understanding of our primary focus, the Bedouin communities in Israel. The identified scholarly gap lies in part in the lack of information available about these communities. Therefore useful information for this research such as data regarding awareness and accessibility to clean water, community interactions, and infrastructure accessibility was to be gathered by the research team so to provide a solid foundation to investigate the guiding research question – “how can water technologies and systems be leveraged to promote tolerance and coexistence in desert-based vulnerable communities?” The following outlines how we went about collecting data and building an analysis which led us to find answers to our question.
Primary MethodsThe primary research focuses on surveying one key area: Bedouin unauthorized and informal settlements. In the Bedouin communities, the survey is designed to deepen our understanding of water use patterns, accessibility, and needs within these communities, and to gauge their openness towards innovative solutions. It also seeks to explore their perspectives on cooperation and coexistence in the Negev area, emphasizing a preventative approach to managing water resources. Complementing the surveys, interviews were conducted with significant local figures and researchers in innovative water technology. This research includes virtual interactions with stakeholders through digital platforms like Zoom, to identify needs and identify appropriate water technologies for arid and vulnerable regions. Additionally, dialogues with experts in decentralized water sources aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the technological viability and practical application of these solutions in community settings. This methodology aims to elucidate the lived experiences of Bedouin settlement residents with water scarcity and explore potential preventative strategies for water management, focusing on the technical, political, and social dimensions to proactively support regional stability.
Secondary MethodsIn addition, the literature review aimed to undertake a holistic review of case studies from various regions to conduct a comparative study on the approaches used to address challenges similar to those faced by our target communities. Concurrently, conducting an extensive review of current innovative water technologies tailored for arid climates and how such discrepancies and resolutions have impacted the respective regions. This review has 11 played an important role in helping us understand the technologies’ applicability and their potential impact on the communities we are studying.
ResultsSurvey: Designed to capture the nuanced perspectives of the Bedouin communities in regard to the management and accessibility of water in their living areas, the survey helped identify the needs of the Bedouin communities, and provide us with a better understanding of the specific challenges that the local populations are facing.
Sample Audience Characteristics: The responses were primarily from males (55%) with a notable representation from
females (45%). Participants spanned various ages with a significant number of respondents in their 30s and 60s, the majority of which reside in unrecognized villages (45%), with others
living in recognized towns or cities (35%) and desert oases (20%).
Perception of Water Issues: There is a significant awareness of water shortage problems in the southern desert
regions. Respondents indicate a dire and scarce water, with many noting a lack of connection
to a reliable water network, suggesting a substantial number suffer from a lack of water.
Some respondents claim to have “extensive knowledge” of the issues, while others claim to
feel the impact of water shortages directly, citing high costs and impure water supplies.
Perception of Social Disparities: An overwhelming majority (65%) believe there is discrimination against the Bedouin community. Inequalities in the provision of basic resources are widely recognized (55%),
with numerous respondents confirming neglect and a lack of infrastructure. The social status
of the Bedouin community is perceived to be negatively impacted by said disparities.
Perception of the Desert as an Active Factor: The desert’s role is implicitly acknowledged through the recognition of water scarcity and the associated challenges, such as environmental concerns and demographic pressures.
The responses suggest that harsh desert conditions exacerbate the water issues and social
disparities faced by the community.
Involvement of Israeli Authorities: A substantial portion of the respondents (45%) indicate that they are not connected to
the Mekorot water network, which suggests a limited involvement of Israeli authorities in
managing water supply and quality within these communities. The other (65%) chose not to
answer.
Limitations: The size of the survey results (20 answers) may limit the statistical value of the
findings. However, the responses provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by the
Bedouin communities concerning water management and social equity, and the barriers of
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Israeli involvement in such communities. The surveys certainly helped us better understand
the challenges faced by the communities and how they perceive centralized water
management.
InterviewsWe interviewed two professionals, Farid Mahmid, and Dr. Clive Lipshtein, who works in the Center for Transboundary Water Management in the Arava institute. They are currently developing a groundbreaking project in Bedouin Communities. Located in Bedouin schools, their project aims to provide off-grid water management solutions and to research further developmental potential. The interviews with Dr. Lipshtein and Farid as well as the survey’s results shaped our recommendations, which include a youth-focused community center. To further explore this direction, an additional interview was carried out with Dr. Tamir Rotman, a clinical psychologist and founder of the Israeli based Free Spirit Organization, a multicultural therapeutic program for adolescents. Rotman’s perspective serves as a representation of multicultural coexistence in a youth setting. We include a summary of the interviews below.
Interview with Farid Mahmid: Farid Mahmid is the assistant director for the Center of Transboundary Water Management at Arava Environmental Institute (“the Center”), helping the director carry out hands-on,
research-based projects in Israel. Examples include but are not limited to off-grid wastewater
management, off-grid desalination, professional training programs, and conferences, as well
as forwarding policies and technologies for transboundary water resources management.
Mahmid also manages the off-grid hub inside a school in Al Fora – an unrecognized Bedouin
settlement. The team visited the site on February, 15th, 2024 (see Annex A). The school hub
constitutes a successful attempt at creating an all-encompassing, innovative system for a
holistic, integrated, and decentralized off-grid solution to the issues of water and resource
allocation in Bedouin settlements such as Al-Fora. The hub is being constructed inside the
local school in which 3,000 students from the neighboring settlements study from elementary
school to high school. In the hub, all off-grid technologies work together. The system consists
of recycling wastewater, water-generating technology [explain, cite], and solar panels, with
infrastructure built for a future biogas station to convert organic waste to energy as well as a
designated area and plans for a future community garden. The first goal of the project is for
the school to become self-sufficient, based on off-grid technologies, thus requiring no
previous infrastructure which has been unreliable and outdated, hindering the school’s
activities and work. The second goal of the hub is to provide sustainable solutions for the
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allocation of scarce resources, impacting the natural landscape of the desert to a minimum
and most importantly engaging and teaching the students about natural resources, the
importance of their conservation, and the operation of the hub. Or as Mahmid states, “I will
know when the hub has succeeded when the day I finish my job here ends, I go home, and no
one calls me again for help.”
Farid Mahmid made it clear that the concept of accessibility to water in both
recognized and unrecognized settlements is not ‘one size fits all’, each place requires
different suited strategies as the current systems for water distribution are unsustainable both
for the environment and for long-term management. Some of the unrecognized settlements do
however have schools, thanks to the Israeli Supreme Court ruling Hok Hahinuh Hahova
requires mandatory education, Mahmid adds. These schools are connected to Mekorot points,
however, water pressure is very poor and the water wells are frequently flooded, becoming
unsanitary. Most of the schools have diesel generators for electricity and septic tanks for
sewage, paying for contractors to remove the wastewater from the septic tanks, which usually
incurs high costs.
Except for Arad and Al Fora, most of the relations between the communities are very
strenuous and tense. There are the satellite towns of Beer Sheva (the major urban center of
the South of Israel also referred to by Israelis as the Capital of the Negev)but there is no
engagement between the communities outside of the workspace and hospitals. The citizens of
these towns perceive their Bedouin neighbors as ‘non-taxpayers’ who live for free on stolen
resources and agriculture on illegal lands. Farid’s initiative aims to change the public’s
perception of Bedouin communities and forward potential collaborations – the technologies
implemented in the off-grid hub stem from partnerships with Israeli high-tech companies.
The hub initiative is particularly promising as it builds on cooperation that benefits
both sides. It promotes development and a sense of pride in Bedouin settlements; it tests
high-tech solutions developed by Israelis in extreme environments. There exists asymmetry
in the region, Mahmid describes, in which one side has a surplus of sources, and the other has
none. Mahmid and his team are working to provide and suggest ways of thinking outside the
box by showing the untapped potential of investing in Bedouin communities through these
projects. Mahmid asks rhetorically , “Why are [Israelis] going all the way to Africa? There
are places within [Israel] that need the same help!”. Mahmid believes that if his team can
provide off-grid technologies to these communities, they can succeed in providing themselves
with their own basic needs while worldwide climate change affects the livelihood of
vulnerable populations, leading to conflicts, immigration, and socio-political changes. Thus
climate resilience is not only crucial to the environment but also to local and regional
stability.
Interview with Clive Lipshtein: Lipstein is the Director of the Center for Transboundary Water Management at the
Arava Institute. According to Lipshtein, potential solutions need to meet the Bedouin’s
cultural needs and should not be based on the solutions that exist for regular Israeli cities, as
they are not suited for the Bedouin’s ways of living and have consistently failed.
In the Bedouin settlements water is not only used for domestic activity but also livestock and
agriculture purposes. Lipshtein and his team are exploring ways to provide water for all their
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different uses. Dr. Lipshtein’s objective is to help in a way that the Bedouin communities can
be self-sufficient. Like Mahmid, Lipshtein highlights the significance of collaboration; “we
have resources they don’t have, and they have things we don’t.” He reiterates that each
community’s and society’s water needs are different as are their ways of conserving it.
Dr. Lipshtein emphasizes one of the main discrepancies is the unrecognized Bedouin
communities’ lack of infrastructure. Like Mahmid, Lipshetin highlights that even though
some Bedouin communities may access Mekorot’s connection points, this is not a sustainable
source of water considering the low pressure so the Bedouin communities must find a way to
overcome these issues, which is not always possible.
Lipshtein claims the solution lies in decentralized water systems. The government
approach is narrow, viewing the only way to provide water to these communities is to connect
them to the national grid, a costly method due to their distance from the local grid
connections. Liphstein asks the question, “Why do you insist on saying you’ll connect them
but you consistently never do?”. Decentralized systems can provide solutions within the
community itself, which is much more suitable for the circumstances. Dr. Lipshetin and the
team would want to see the government support such solutions through funding and
regulations instead of paying for the connection to the national grid. Slowly, the government
is coming to this realization, that not every community is as accessible and has the same
characteristics as 90% of the country in urban settings.
Dr. Tamir Rotman
Dr. Rotman insists on the impact of exposure to early practice and information in shaping an
individual’s beliefs and personality. He explains that prejudice against foreign groups can be a
survival function of the brain to identify the group to which a person belongs. As such, the
more diverse the exposure to people that are different from an individual at a young age, the
more inclusive the sense of ‘us’ and ‘them’ is likely to be and vice versa. For example, a pair
of species together, ex; a cat and a dog, introduced at a young age become part of each other’s
inner group, whereas if it were later, they’d view the other as an existential threat as a natural
mechanism. Thus, a positive context of exposure to people of diverse backgrounds, looks,
and languages expands one’s sense of who is a part of their system and inner group.
Acknowledging the different people who one is exposed to at a young age enables one to
learn to solve problems as part of their inner group, together, which could prove efficient in
the societal context. The opposite patterns can lead to the creation of conflictual behavior
among the different groups.
Accordingly, in the context of resource allocation, water management can continue
being a source for competition and obstacles or become a source for joint cooperation for its
sustainable use and conservation, a common goal to address the interests of the different
involved parties as partners instead of adversaries.
Any model of joined problem solving, experiential education/therapy, being out in
nature and experiencing a model together makes a huge difference. Whether it is crossing a
river, transferring water from one place to another, it all creates a process that facilitates
coexistence and shared visions. One should understand that there will usually be conflict of
opinions and priorities within group dynamics, especially new groups but that’s part of
learning to work as a group and reaching a common goal which requires group problem
solving. An effective method for such facilitators is experiential learning through a Group
Process – the practical experience of problem solving rather than theoretical. The method
entails the natural progression of group process in which individuals learn to overcome
internal conflicts that arise in the problem solving process allowing for trust and cohesiveness
within the group as all participants can feel heard and accepted. Therefore, future
collaborations and discussion become more open and receptive with a stronger sense of
inclusion. It is important to apply experiential learning in young groups from different
backgrounds through problem solving in group processes. The context of water resource
allocation challenges provides an ideal frame to apply the practical experiential learning.
ConclusionsFollowing our collection of data from the survey and interviews with professionals in the field, our team identified insightful themes regarding the status of regional stability and coexistence in relation to water scarcity in the Negev desert. We reflect on our findings, highlighting areas for development and critiques of current circumstances.
- Pervasive Water Scarcity and Inadequate Infrastructure – the acute awareness and experience of water shortages among the respondents point to a critical need for improved water infrastructure and access. This is compounded by the absence of connection to the main water network for many, which affects daily life and suggests systemic neglect of the community’s basic needs.
- Perceived Discrimination and Social Inequality – the data indicates a strong perception of discrimination against the Bedouin community, particularly in terms of resource allocation and infrastructure development and maintenance. This perception is likely influencing community relations and could be a contributing factor to the existing social tensions.
- Need for Engaged Authority Intervention – the lack of involvement from Israeli authorities, as perceived by respondents due to the disconnection from the Mekorot network, highlights a call for a more proactive engagement in addressing water management issues. This suggests an opportunity for authorities to foster trust and improve living conditions by investing in essential services.
- Environmental Awareness and concern – the survey respondents demonstrate environmental awareness of the negative role that the climatic and geographic local conditions have on the issue of water scarcity and water allocation.
Towards a future of sustainable water solutions and peaceful cooperation The insights gleaned from the results underscore the imperative for comprehensive
interventions and research initiatives. The interwinding dynamics of water scarcity, social
inequality, environmental awareness and governmental engagement delineate a multifaceted
landscape demanding nuanced approaches.
The respondents’ awareness of water shortages and impacts of lacking infrastructure
highlights the dire need for improved water access and infrastructure. The necessity is
compounded by the systemic neglect of basic needs, evident in the absence of connection to
the main water network for many individuals. Addressing this issue requires development of
alternative water systems that are suited for the unique situation of the unrecognized
settlements, prioritizing community engagement and implementing solutions that stray from
the conventional national grid connection, which, as discussed in the sections above, has
proved to be inefficient at best and non-existent at worst.
The pervasive perception of discrimination against the Bedouin communities,
particularly with regards to resource allocation and infrastructure development, influences
community relations and exacerbates existing social tensions. Hence, initiatives aimed at
promoting social equality, inclusion and cohesiveness, fostering inclusive decision-making
processes are crucial to achieving sustainable water solutions and peaceful cooperation.
The lack of management from Israeli authorities, as perceived by respondents due to
disconnection from the Mekorot network or the improper service, accentuates the necessity
for proactive governmental interference in addressing water management issues. Such
interventions would present an opportunity to promote trust between authorities and the
Bedouin population while improving living conditions by investing in essential services. It is
imperative that public institutions recognize their role in supporting a marginalized
community
Furthermore, the demonstrated environmental awareness among the survey
respondents opens a space for a mutual struggle and concern between the Bedouin and
non-Bedouin residents of the Negev, that of environmental and resource conservation. One of
the only times in which a rare instance of bicultural cooperation in the Negev, both entities,
the Bedouin, and Jewish communities of that particular region in the Negev, joined forces.
They decided to ignore their everyday discrepancies, cultural values, and political stances, to
legally oppose a project led by Rotem ICL in proximity to several unrecognized settlements
such as Al Fora as well as ‘formal’ southern cities such as Arad and Dimona. The dispute,
which started as early as 1999, revolves around a phosphate mine that is planned to be
constructed in Sde Barir, 3.5km from the city of Arad, 2km from the recognized Bedouin city
of Ksseifa, 2.5km from the yet-to-be recognized Bedouin city of Kassif and only 1km from
the unrecognized Bedouin settlement of Al-Fora, with Bedouins in scattered holdings living
in the planned construction site itself (Spektor, 2013). Since then, a series of contrasting
environmental and health risks reports have been carried out by different public and private
bodies. While unintended, the potential environmental threat posed by Rotem ICL’s planned
mine acted as a catalyst for unity, where the urgency to protect the Negev’s natural resources
outweighs previous differences within the two communities.
This was also reported by Farid Mahmid. He showed us exactly where the mine
would be constructed and highlighted the joint efforts of the otherwise estranged
communities for what he called their genuine concern and love for the surrounding natural
landscape and resources and their conservation. The complex weave of water management, if
leveraged, could be the string stitching together the fabric of coexistence among different
cultures and communities. Regarding environmental conservation, water management would
be the common denominator for a shared interest of preservation of natural resources,
17
blurring differences and fostering a shared sense of responsibility and obligation. This
merging of values surfaces when a region is faced with potential threats to its environment,
where diverse populations become united by a communal concern for their shared natural
resources, such as water. It is a model that could certainly be replicated in other
circumstances.
Natural resource preservation presents an avenue for mitigating tensions and
fostering collaborations and stability in the long term. Through collaborative efforts grounded
in mutual respect and shared responsibility, coexistence can be strengthened, allowing for
sustainable water solutions and peaceful intercommunity partnership.
Reflections & RecommendationsThe understanding of the many cross-sectoral points of strain that are embedded in the issue of water management in arid regions makes it possible to adopt a multifaceted and solution-driven approach. We propose three main recommendations. First, we suggest a low scale single alternative to connectivity to the national grid that incorporates the findings from the scholarly literature and Dr. Lipshtein’s preference for decentralized methods. Second, for the short-term, we recommend an initial shift in the approach of interactivity between Israeli authorities and Bedouin communities, where track-two actors act as communication pipelines and facilitators to an improved dynamic. The third recommendation proposes a long-term solution in the form of a project to be carried out in the aftermath of the (successful) implementation of the first two steps. It advocates for the creation of a youth community center in which environmental, societal, political and infrastructure challenges can be addressed, while shaping and enabling the future leaders of the Southern Israeli district, especially in the Negev.
1- Decentralization through Innovative water technology
We recommend the employment of decentralized water systems in places such as
unrecognized Bedouin villages in the Negev Desert, where the population lacks connection to
the grid of the national water courier, Mekorot.
The independence offered by implementing decentralized systems would further facilitate a sense of empowerment among the Bedouin communities. By localizing water allocation, communities mitigate their reliance on external sources, such as Mekorot and other public entities, which as mentioned by Mahmid and Lipshtein, are subject to the supplier’s control and rulings. Furthermore, the actions required to construct, maintain, and utilize these systems offer valuable skills and job opportunities, fostering a sense of stewardship and self-reliance.
Moreover, as mentioned by Mahmid, water allocation systems in these remote villages are not ‘one size fits all’, thus allowing the potential for specifically tailored systems to be built based on each village’s environment, needs, demographic, usage patterns, and resources available. Thus allowing for their exact needs to be met, and further decreasing reliance on external support for aid and supply.
Based on our findings following the examination of the potential benefits of various technologies in vulnerable, desert-based communities, our team has found that decentralized systems in these communities would be efficiently implemented through the use of AWG technologies. This includes technologies such as the PAM Li-Cl hygroscopic gel and the AWG method fabricated from MOF-801, two AWG technologies that use minimal resources to extract the mere water vapor from arid air. Efforts include investments in corresponding companies and technologies and professional collaborations between them and off-grid water management initiatives based in the Negev fabricated for unrecognized settlements. A feasible example is Mahmid and Lipshtein’s off-grid hub integrating the MOF-801 based technology into the cohesive system they have built in the Al-Fora school.
The independence offered by implementing decentralized systems would further facilitate a sense of empowerment among the Bedouin communities. By localizing water allocation, communities mitigate their reliance on external sources, such as Mekorot and other public entities, which as mentioned by Mahmid and Lipshtein, are subject to the supplier’s control and rulings. Furthermore, the actions required to construct, maintain, and utilize these systems offer valuable skills and job opportunities, fostering a sense of stewardship and self-reliance.
Moreover, as mentioned by Mahmid, water allocation systems in these remote villages are not ‘one size fits all’, thus allowing the potential for specifically tailored systems to be built based on each village’s environment, needs, demographic, usage patterns, and resources available. Thus allowing for their exact needs to be met, and further decreasing reliance on external support for aid and supply.
Based on our findings following the examination of the potential benefits of various technologies in vulnerable, desert-based communities, our team has found that decentralized systems in these communities would be efficiently implemented through the use of AWG technologies. This includes technologies such as the PAM Li-Cl hygroscopic gel and the AWG method fabricated from MOF-801, two AWG technologies that use minimal resources to extract the mere water vapor from arid air. Efforts include investments in corresponding companies and technologies and professional collaborations between them and off-grid water management initiatives based in the Negev fabricated for unrecognized settlements. A feasible example is Mahmid and Lipshtein’s off-grid hub integrating the MOF-801 based technology into the cohesive system they have built in the Al-Fora school.
2- Track-Two mediation for communication paths
Drawing from Kibraglu’s insights on track-two diplomatic actors’ roles concerning
transboundary water diplomacy, we recommend the employment of similar principles to
facilitate cooperative efforts in the local context. Thus, the implementation of track-two
diplomatic water management establishments is recommended as an initiative to enhance
regional stability and coexistence. The current dialogue and lack of political recognition
between the Bedouin communities in unrecognized villages in the Negev and Israeli
authorities has proven unsuccessful, as observed in the survey’s results. Two-track diplomacy
establishments would act as facilitators between the two parties to approach the continuous
challenges regarding water allocation and accessibility. This strategy employs both
preventative and cooperative roles of water diplomacy, which entail building trust and
confidence, as well as political frameworks with transparency.
The execution of this concept would be through the utilization of existing infrastructure and actors that have proven successful in providing a space for dialogue and establishment of cooperative initiatives. An ideal prospect for track-two actors would be Mr. Mahmid, due to his familiarity and previous work with both conflicting parties, his fluency in both Arabic and Hebrew, and the current success seen in the project he is carrying out in the Bedouin school in Al-Fora. Mr. Mahmid is not a member of neither the Bedouin communities nor the Israeli authorities and would be able to serve as a neutral figure. Mahmid’s off-grid hub in the school provides the resources to both approach and collaborate with the Israeli government, and to act as a representative and trusted figure among Bedouin unrecognized settlements. We see the identification of additional significant figures with the potential of implementing track-two diplomacy as crucial for the creation of a successful and effective dialogue between the parties, as other attempts have failed or have rarely been implemented.
The responsibility of the track-two figures would involve bringing current discrepancies in the unrecognized communities to the attention of policymakers, including but not limited to, water accessibility and recognition of settlements. They would also discuss and suggest potential suitable decentralized water management techniques as well as other solutions fitted to the needs of specific villages. Moreover, this facilitates a platform for the involved Israeli officials to communicate relevant messages and changes. This is especially important as reaching out to Bedouins residing in the unrecognized villages has been a problematic task, hardly accomplished by Israeli authorities.
Additionally, the role would provide an opportunity to broaden the narrow scope of possible solutions applied by the Israeli government thus far. These track-two entities would be endorsed by the Israeli government, and trusted among both the Bedouin and non-Bedouin 19 communities of the Negev. The past solutions have relied on the assumption that solutions should involve public infrastructure and providers (ie, Mekorot’s water connection points), which has proven economically and physically unfeasible and ineffective due to the dispersion of the Bedouin unrecognized villages in the desert. The many issues stemming from these circumstances have been discussed throughout the paper. This highlights the need for a shift in approaches, to one based on dynamics of dialogue, representation, and cooperative relationships between Bedouin villages and the Israeli government to achieve long-lasting, sustainable and suitable solutions.
The execution of this concept would be through the utilization of existing infrastructure and actors that have proven successful in providing a space for dialogue and establishment of cooperative initiatives. An ideal prospect for track-two actors would be Mr. Mahmid, due to his familiarity and previous work with both conflicting parties, his fluency in both Arabic and Hebrew, and the current success seen in the project he is carrying out in the Bedouin school in Al-Fora. Mr. Mahmid is not a member of neither the Bedouin communities nor the Israeli authorities and would be able to serve as a neutral figure. Mahmid’s off-grid hub in the school provides the resources to both approach and collaborate with the Israeli government, and to act as a representative and trusted figure among Bedouin unrecognized settlements. We see the identification of additional significant figures with the potential of implementing track-two diplomacy as crucial for the creation of a successful and effective dialogue between the parties, as other attempts have failed or have rarely been implemented.
The responsibility of the track-two figures would involve bringing current discrepancies in the unrecognized communities to the attention of policymakers, including but not limited to, water accessibility and recognition of settlements. They would also discuss and suggest potential suitable decentralized water management techniques as well as other solutions fitted to the needs of specific villages. Moreover, this facilitates a platform for the involved Israeli officials to communicate relevant messages and changes. This is especially important as reaching out to Bedouins residing in the unrecognized villages has been a problematic task, hardly accomplished by Israeli authorities.
Additionally, the role would provide an opportunity to broaden the narrow scope of possible solutions applied by the Israeli government thus far. These track-two entities would be endorsed by the Israeli government, and trusted among both the Bedouin and non-Bedouin 19 communities of the Negev. The past solutions have relied on the assumption that solutions should involve public infrastructure and providers (ie, Mekorot’s water connection points), which has proven economically and physically unfeasible and ineffective due to the dispersion of the Bedouin unrecognized villages in the desert. The many issues stemming from these circumstances have been discussed throughout the paper. This highlights the need for a shift in approaches, to one based on dynamics of dialogue, representation, and cooperative relationships between Bedouin villages and the Israeli government to achieve long-lasting, sustainable and suitable solutions.
3- Streams of Coexistence Youth Community Center
Lastly, we recommend the establishment of a water management-focused community
center for Israeli and Beduin youth, named ‘Streams of Coexistence Community Center.’ The
goal of this establishment is to encompass all learnings from this research and construct a
central body to do so. The aim of the community center is to disrupt the intergenerational,
unstable relationship between the Jewish and Bedouin populations of the Negev, teach
younger generations about water management, and give communities who reside in arid
climates and/or vulnerable settings the resources to bring awareness and solutions to their
residential environments.
By teaching groups about water conservation, management, technologies, and systems at a young age, this initiative will foster a more sustainable mindset for the future in these communities. In the last century, the concepts of waste, exploitation, and disregard to the ecosystem were fueled by economic growth and political agendas, resulting in outlooks among the world which have since caused significant damage to our environment (Reid, 2019). The next generation of leaders are thus responsible for reversing this damage and preventing further harm. To prepare, the current frontrunners must incorporate a shift in mentality, to one in which the younger populations acknowledge their impact on the environment and their responsibility to the planet. This paradigm shift starts small; community education. The Streams for Coexistence Community Center will foster such a shift, bringing awareness to environmental initiatives, sustainable lifestyles, and preventive measures of further harm. In addition to a paradigm shift, environmental education among children urges them to question their actions and to critically ponder the systems surrounding them. Children will learn to explore conflict from various angles and to cultivate opinions and solutions. Such critical thinking is fundamental for developing a more sustainable world (Lloyd Center for the Environment, 2023).
As seen throughout this study, the hostile social barrier that separates the Bedouin communities’ potential of innovation and the surrounding communities’ access to resources is characterized by generational prejudice and societal stereotypes. Drawing from Dr. Rotman’s insights on multicultural learning environments, early-on exposure to diverse groups will broaden participants’ ‘inner-circle,’ resulting in a wider concept of inclusivity and narrowing the gap between them and people who earlier generations considered existential threats. By constructing a bicultural environment for youth and future leaders, participants are encouraged to facilitate the conflict resolution stage of a group process, thus further embedding a sense of trust and codependency among the group.
Through the The Streams for Coexistence Community Center, the fantasy of a cohesive society in the Negev in which coexistence is encouraged and celebrated will gradually become reality, by fostering a cohesive, collaborative environment between Bedouin and non-Bedouin participants. We strive that the two groups will feel empowered in a joint notion, giving them the feeling that they must rely on each other for assistance and participation in order to reach a common goal.
With regards to logistics, this recommended community center is suggested to be established in a setting where neither populations feel superiority over the other. The ideal system would be utilizing schools of both communities to host the center’s many events/activities, switching off between host-schools, allowing each to feel equally valued. This should be a safe space, where children attend lessons, workshops, and bonding activities in which they feel welcomed, respected, and valued. The leaders of the programs held in this center can vary from different positions, including but not limited to: university students of environmental sciences, sustainability, and/or development, professionals from the field of water management, environmental engineering, environmental sciences, etc., and teachers with specializations in appropriate subjects. Training must be required for all contributing entities, including multicultural education, basic environmental training, and anti-bullying and inclusivity training. Further funding and grant proposals are required for investment, execution, and establishment of this community center.
Our recommendations provide a mixed method solution for the challenges faced by unrecognized Bedouin communities in Israel, which can hopefully provide a blueprint for a similar approach in other Bedouin or desert-based vulnerable communities facing resource allocation and access disparities in the MENA region. By fostering an approach based on collaborative cooperation, where community members are encouraged to become engaged in the management of these systems and decision-making processes, we expect a change in the dynamics of residents from Bedouin unrecognized settlements, Israeli authorities and other residents of the Negev desert to improve significantly. Ultimately, the sum of these steps enable a scenario of better national stability and security and encourage the development of sustainable relationships and water accessibility across the region.
By teaching groups about water conservation, management, technologies, and systems at a young age, this initiative will foster a more sustainable mindset for the future in these communities. In the last century, the concepts of waste, exploitation, and disregard to the ecosystem were fueled by economic growth and political agendas, resulting in outlooks among the world which have since caused significant damage to our environment (Reid, 2019). The next generation of leaders are thus responsible for reversing this damage and preventing further harm. To prepare, the current frontrunners must incorporate a shift in mentality, to one in which the younger populations acknowledge their impact on the environment and their responsibility to the planet. This paradigm shift starts small; community education. The Streams for Coexistence Community Center will foster such a shift, bringing awareness to environmental initiatives, sustainable lifestyles, and preventive measures of further harm. In addition to a paradigm shift, environmental education among children urges them to question their actions and to critically ponder the systems surrounding them. Children will learn to explore conflict from various angles and to cultivate opinions and solutions. Such critical thinking is fundamental for developing a more sustainable world (Lloyd Center for the Environment, 2023).
As seen throughout this study, the hostile social barrier that separates the Bedouin communities’ potential of innovation and the surrounding communities’ access to resources is characterized by generational prejudice and societal stereotypes. Drawing from Dr. Rotman’s insights on multicultural learning environments, early-on exposure to diverse groups will broaden participants’ ‘inner-circle,’ resulting in a wider concept of inclusivity and narrowing the gap between them and people who earlier generations considered existential threats. By constructing a bicultural environment for youth and future leaders, participants are encouraged to facilitate the conflict resolution stage of a group process, thus further embedding a sense of trust and codependency among the group.
Through the The Streams for Coexistence Community Center, the fantasy of a cohesive society in the Negev in which coexistence is encouraged and celebrated will gradually become reality, by fostering a cohesive, collaborative environment between Bedouin and non-Bedouin participants. We strive that the two groups will feel empowered in a joint notion, giving them the feeling that they must rely on each other for assistance and participation in order to reach a common goal.
With regards to logistics, this recommended community center is suggested to be established in a setting where neither populations feel superiority over the other. The ideal system would be utilizing schools of both communities to host the center’s many events/activities, switching off between host-schools, allowing each to feel equally valued. This should be a safe space, where children attend lessons, workshops, and bonding activities in which they feel welcomed, respected, and valued. The leaders of the programs held in this center can vary from different positions, including but not limited to: university students of environmental sciences, sustainability, and/or development, professionals from the field of water management, environmental engineering, environmental sciences, etc., and teachers with specializations in appropriate subjects. Training must be required for all contributing entities, including multicultural education, basic environmental training, and anti-bullying and inclusivity training. Further funding and grant proposals are required for investment, execution, and establishment of this community center.
Our recommendations provide a mixed method solution for the challenges faced by unrecognized Bedouin communities in Israel, which can hopefully provide a blueprint for a similar approach in other Bedouin or desert-based vulnerable communities facing resource allocation and access disparities in the MENA region. By fostering an approach based on collaborative cooperation, where community members are encouraged to become engaged in the management of these systems and decision-making processes, we expect a change in the dynamics of residents from Bedouin unrecognized settlements, Israeli authorities and other residents of the Negev desert to improve significantly. Ultimately, the sum of these steps enable a scenario of better national stability and security and encourage the development of sustainable relationships and water accessibility across the region.