Responsible Party and Year Completed: EcoPeace Middle East, 2020 (update in progress)
Link: https://ecopeaceme.org/gbd/
Status: In Progress
Contact:Gidon Bromberg – gidon@ecopeaceme.org
Executive Summary:
The Green Blue Deal, initiated by EcoPeace, is designed to foster peace through collaborative water and energy exchange between Israel, Palestine, and Jordan. This initiative emerges in response to the urgent need for sustainable transformation across the US, Israel, Jordan, and Palestine, aiming to address the significant water scarcity challenges faced by these entities.
The plan is structured around four main pillars: Firstly, the water-energy nexus aims to facilitate the exchange of water and electricity between Israel, Jordan, and Palestine. Secondly, it proposes a water management agreement to supersede Article 40 of the Oslo Accords. The third pillar emphasizes river rehabilitation, biodiversity conservation, and the promotion of sustainable agriculture practices. Lastly, the plan includes educational programs targeting students and young professionals in the region, encouraging cross-border collaboration and engagement in these critical sectors.
In 2024, EcoPeace is updating the Green Blue Deal to include Gaza and the West Bank, with a plan to utilize the reversal of the National Water Carrier to sell 90 mcm of water from Gaza, from a large 200 mcm facility to be built, to Jordan, in exchange for renewable energy electricity from Jordanian solar farms to the West Bank & Gaza via PENRA in Jericho. The plan will also include transportation links from Gaza to the Gulf and potentially the Mediterranean as part of a regional trade and tourism network.
Short term priorities:
- Finalize solar electricity exchange agreements between Jordan, Israel, and Palestine.
- Initiate pilot desalination projects in Gaza for regional water sharing.
- Begin negotiations for a new water management agreement to replace Article 40 of the Oslo Accords.
- Launch river rehabilitation and biodiversity projects in the Jordan Valley.
- Develop and implement cross-border educational programs on sustainability.
- Conduct stakeholder workshops and evaluate pilot schemes for feedback and refinement.
Long term priorities:
- Establish a permanent regional framework for water and energy exchange for sustainability and peace, including Gaza in the framework.
- Expand and scale up desalination and renewable energy projects for increased demand and environmental goals.
- Secure a comprehensive water-sharing agreement for equitable access and sustainable management.
- Achieve ecological restoration of rivers and biodiversity conservation across the region.
- Embed sustainability and peacebuilding concepts into national educational systems and professional training programs.
- Incorporate Gaza into the regional transportation network to boost trade and tourism.
- Foster innovation and cooperation in water, energy, and agricultural practices for regional prosperity.
Immediate Priorities / Proposed Next Steps:
- Draft and circulate detailed proposals for solar electricity and water exchange agreements that includes Gaza.
- Secure initial funding and technological partnerships for the construction of a desalination plant in Gaza.
- Schedule the first round of water management negotiations with clear objectives.
- Identify priority sites and partners for river rehabilitation projects.
- Outline curriculums and partnerships for sustainability-focused educational programs.
- Organize a regional conference to present the Green Blue Deal and gather stakeholder input.