Natural resource sustainability

ESCWA works with its member States on building an integrated approach for the management of natural resources to sustainably meet the needs of current and future generations.

Human beings’ dependence on natural resources to sustain life on Earth cannot be overstated. The Arab region is endowed with a wealth of natural resources that is being over exploited and poorly managed, triggering critical scarcities and widespread environmental degradation. The region is also facing significant challenges of population growth, food insecurity, water scarcity, rising energy demand, extreme weather events and disasters risks, which are exacerbated by the impact of climate change, and are preventing the region from embarking on a sustainable development path.

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ESCWA provides technical assistance to its member States in accessing science-based knowledge resources to support informed policymaking. By promoting regional and subregional cooperation around the Sustainable Development Goals, ESCWA is building an integrated approach for the management of natural resources.

ESCWA priority working areas include developing and implementing sustainable strategies for reliable water supplies, efficient agricultural practices, nature-based solutions, renewable energy sources, and energy efficient consumption so as to meet the needs of current and future generations, leaving no one behind.

ESCWA also promotes a neutral platform for cross-sectoral dialogue on sustainable development based on an enhanced science policy interface, by ensuring coherence across sectors and fostering institution building.