Böll Debate

The Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung cordially invites you to a discussion on the “Red Sea-Dead Sea Canal”. This is the third event in a loose series of discussions on current political, social, and environmental affairs which aim to bring together Palestinian and international representatives from civil society, government, and other sectors.

The pipes of the Red Sea-Dead Sea Conduit (RSDSC) are planned to run from the Gulf of Aqaba to the Dead Sea. The project is intended to bring sea water to stabilize the Dead Sea water level, while supplying drinking water, and producing hydroelectric power. In October 2013, a coalition of Palestinian environmental NGOs released a statement criticizing the plan, specifically decrying potential environmental impacts, disregard of Palestinian water rights, and a lack of transparency. In December 2013, the Palestinian Authority signed the Memorandum of Understanding for the construction desalination plant in Aqaba, which will signify the first phase of the project.

How can this project benefit the Palestinian water infrastructure and what are the effects on Palestinian resource dependency? What are the main points of criticism and how are they addressed? We aim to discuss these questions with experts and practitioners who have deep insights into the planning of the project and the surrounding discussions.

After a welcome by Dr. René Wildangel (director hbs Palestine & Jordan), experts and representatives of Palestinian civil society, universities, and governmental institutions will each share a short statement towards the RSDSC project as well as the MoU. After this round of input, there will be the opportunity for comments and questions from the audience, replies, as well as discussion.

The discussion will be conducted in English.

Please RSVP at info@ps.boell.org or call 02-2961121 until 14.04.2014 (seats are limited).